Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, also known as lokum, is a traditional Turkish sweet treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of small, chewy cubes of gelatinous confectionery that are usually dusted with powdered sugar. Here’s a basic recipe for making Turkish Delight at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon rosewater (or any other desired flavoring)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Grease a square baking dish with oil or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cream of tartar. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and becomes a smooth and glossy paste. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
5. Add the rosewater (or your preferred flavoring) to the mixture and stir well. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve the desired color.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
7. Allow the Turkish Delight to cool at room temperature for a few hours until it is set and firm.
8. Once set, cut the Turkish Delight into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
9. Toss the Turkish Delight cubes in powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
10. Store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.