Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12.5 hours

Yield: Makes 12 servings.

This soft, slightly chewy, perfectly sweet Turkish Delight is a traditional candy that's easy to make. You can swap out the wild grape juice if needed.

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Ingredients

>> 4 cups sugar
>> 4 1/2 cups water
>> 1 1/4 cup cornstarch
>> 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
>> 1 tsp cream of tartar
>> 1 1/2 tbsp wild grape juice (see note below)
>> Icing sugar

Instructions

You will need a candy thermometer for this recipe.

Line a 9x9 baking pan with enough foil to create two handles. Set aside.

Place the sugar, lemon juice and 1 ½ cups of the water into a medium size pot over medium heat and stir until dissolved. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Do NOT stir anymore and let boil until the mixture gets to the temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Do not leave this unattended because when the temperature starts getting toward 200 degrees, it tends to get to 240 degrees quickly. If it gets any hotter, the sugar may start to burn.

Meanwhile, place the remaining 3 cups of water into a large pot. Add the cornstarch and cream of tartar and whisk until there are no lumps.

As the temperature of the sugar mixture surpasses 200 degrees, start heating up the cornstarch mixture over medium heat and be sure to constantly whisk until it gets thick. If need be, set aside until the sugar mixture is ready.

Once the sugar mixture has reached 240 degrees remove from the heat, put the cornstarch mixture back over medium heat and VERY slowly whisk into the cornstarch mixture. This must be done in small amounts and very slow in order to prevent lumps from forming.

Reduce heat to low and simmer. Whisk mixture every 7 to 8 minutes for one hour; or until the mixture has become glue-like. Remove from stove and add wild grape juice; continue whisking until thoroughly blended.

Lightly spray the foil with oil. Pour mixture into the baking dish.

Let this sit undisturbed overnight or for 10 to 12 hours. Then carefully lift up the foil and place onto a icing sugar dusted cutting board or better, you may want to place the dusted board over the baking dish then slowly flip.

With an oiled knife, cut the Turkish delight in cubes, slices, or however you prefer. If desired, use more icing sugar to dust before serving.

Notes: Click here to make Wild Grape Juice.

Wild Edibles in Recipe: Wild Grape Vine

Wild Fungi in Recipe:

Edible Trees and Shrubs in Recipe:

Recipe Category: Desserts and Snacks