Orange Blossom Turkish Delight

Ingredients:

For the Turkish Delight:

500 g granulated sugar

300 ml water (for the sugar syrup)

75 g cornstarch

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

300 ml water (for the starch mixture)

1 tbsp orange blossom water

A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)

For Dusting:

100 g powdered sugar

50 g cornstarch

Instructions:

Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and 300 ml water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, boiling until it reaches 115°C (240°F) (soft-ball stage). Keep warm over low heat while preparing the starch mixture.

Make the Starch Mixture:

In a separate saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 300 ml water until smooth.

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a glue-like paste.

Combine and Cook:

Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the starch paste, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Once combined, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will become thick, golden, and stretchy.

Add Flavor and Color:

Stir in the orange blossom water and food coloring (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Set the Turkish Delight:

Grease a 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) pan with neutral oil or line it with plastic wrap. Pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Let it cool at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.

Dust and Cut:

Mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch for dusting in a bowl.

Turn the set Turkish Delight onto a surface dusted with the sugar-cornstarch mixture. Use an oiled knife to cut it into cubes. Toss the cubes in the dusting mixture to coat all sides.

Storage and Serving:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Serve as a delicate treat alongside tea or coffee.

Origin of Orange Blossom Turkish Delight:

Turkish delight, which comes from the Turkish lokum, itself from the Arabic rahat-ul holkum or its Greek version, Loukoumia is a type of Turkish, Bulgarian, Cypriot, Greek, Bosnian, Serbian, Romanian, Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian, Albanian and Armenian confectionery.

Legend has it that, in his effort to cope with all his mistresses, a Turkish sultan summoned all his expert confectioners to produce a unique dessert to add to the collection of secret recipes for which he was famous. Turkish delight is said to be the result of all this research.