Earl Grey TURKISH DELIGHT

Turkish Delight is a classic literary treat at Christmastime. But have you ever tasted it? Most of what you can buy online will come stale, so for a true taste of this delicious jelly-like candy, try making it at home.

Here we’ve infused it with NovelTea’s The Picture of Earl Grey tea for a delicious treat to pair with your morning cuppa.

Makes: 36 squares Cook time: 1.5 hours Set time: 5–8 hours Serve time: 30 minutes

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 4 ½ cups sugar, separated

• 5 ½ cups strongly brewed tea, separated (used here: NovelTea’s The Picture of Earl Grey)

• 3 Tablespoons lemon or apple juice

• 1 ¼ cup cornstarch, separated • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 Tablespoons Earl Grey tea reduction (see step 5)

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Line a 9 x 9 inch pan with foil and grease lightly. Set it aside.

2. In a large sauce pan, combine 4 cups sugar, juice and 1 ½ cups of the tea. Over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer, and allow it to continue to boil without stirring until it reaches 230–240°F.

4. While the mixture is heating, prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a separate sauce pan, mix the remaining 3 cups of tea, 1 cup cornstarch and cream of tartar. Mix until the lumps of cornstarch dissolve. It will resemble milk.

5. Make the Earl Grey tea reduction: Add 1 cup brewed tea and ½ cup sugar to a small sauce pan; bring it to a boil. Let it boil until the mixture reduces and has the consistency of syrup or molasses, and then set aside.

6. Once the sugar mixture has reached 230–240°F, turn off the heat and leave the pot on the stove.

7. Place the second sauce pan over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. As soon as the cornstarch mixture becomes gluey, add it to the sugar mix. Tip: When it starts to congeal, turn off the heat and continue stirring until the whole mixture is sticky. 8. Whisk the two mixes together. Bring it to a simmer, and continue to let it cook for about 40 minutes. Whisk every 3–4 minutes until it reaches a clear golden brown (the color of caramel). To test it, take out the spoon or spatula and see if the mixture congeals into a jellylike substance.

9. Turn off the heat and mix in the Earl Grey tea reduction.

10. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Let it set, uncovered, 5–8 hours or overnight.

11. The next day, mix the powdered sugar

with about ¼ cup cornstarch.

12. Move the Turkish Delight onto a large cutting board. Tip: Use the foil to lift the block out of the pan.

13. Spread the sugar over the top and sides of the block. Using an oiled knife, cut it into bite-sized pieces; then roll the pieces in the sugar to coat.

14. Store the Turkish Delight in an air-tight container, such as a tin. Note: The sugar will soak into the candy, so have some extra on hand to coat the pieces again before serving.