Dandelion Candy (Print Version)
Foraged dandelion blossoms transformed into sweet, honey-infused candy squares with warming spices and bright lemon notes.
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 cups brewed and strained dandelion tea
02 -
2 cups raw sugar
03 -
1 cup honey
04 -
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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Juice of 1 lemon, strained
07 -
½ cup powdered sugar for dusting after cooling
08 -
Pinch of salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Gather young dandelion blossoms (avoid those near roadsides or treated areas). Rinse thoroughly. Steep 2 cups of blossoms in 4 cups of boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the blossoms. You should have approximately 2 cups of tea.
02 -
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the strained dandelion tea, raw sugar, honey, ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
03 -
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Be patient and keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily.
04 -
If you don't have a candy thermometer, test for the soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of ice water. It should form a soft ball that flattens slightly when removed.
05 -
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
07 -
Once the candy has cooled completely and is firm (this may take a couple of hours), dust the top with powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into small squares or desired shapes.
08 -
Store the dandelion candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
The intensity of the dandelion flavor will depend on the type of dandelion and how long it's brewed. Adjust brewing time to your preference.
02 -
You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
03 -
For a smoother candy, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking and before pouring onto the baking sheet.
04 -
If the mixture becomes too thick while cooking, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.