Turkish Delight or Lokum
Even though I usually prefer savoury treats for snacking, I DO like sweets. And one of my favourites from my childhood is turkish delight or lokum.
I was first exposed to the taste in the form of that very artificial purple gummy gel filled and chocolate covered candy bar called, imaginatively, "Big Turk".
But the real thing ... is an experience to be savoured and treasured.
I once tried to make it myself using a recipe that I followed to the letter. The result was that I had to throw away a favourite small enameled saucepan that I had had for years. And no turkish delight.
So now I buy it.
From The Bulk Barn where the 3 flavours (lime, lemon and orange) available are rolled in cornstarch so the squares don't stick together.
From my local grocery store chain or a middle eastern grocery store. In boxes of single flavours or as a limited assortment, with or without nuts.
Or loose along with another treat ... nougat (or gaz). An assortment of 17 different kinds of turkish delight and nougat ... all for $3.99 a pound. All of these weighed less than a pound and contained pistachios, walnuts, almonds or sesame seeds. There was even one with coconut. The lumpy ball of nougat on the bottom right had pistachios inside, which I found out when I cut it open. Further shopping expeditions are anticipated. :)
I was first exposed to the taste in the form of that very artificial purple gummy gel filled and chocolate covered candy bar called, imaginatively, "Big Turk".
But the real thing ... is an experience to be savoured and treasured.
I once tried to make it myself using a recipe that I followed to the letter. The result was that I had to throw away a favourite small enameled saucepan that I had had for years. And no turkish delight.
So now I buy it.
From The Bulk Barn where the 3 flavours (lime, lemon and orange) available are rolled in cornstarch so the squares don't stick together.
From my local grocery store chain or a middle eastern grocery store. In boxes of single flavours or as a limited assortment, with or without nuts.
Or loose along with another treat ... nougat (or gaz). An assortment of 17 different kinds of turkish delight and nougat ... all for $3.99 a pound. All of these weighed less than a pound and contained pistachios, walnuts, almonds or sesame seeds. There was even one with coconut. The lumpy ball of nougat on the bottom right had pistachios inside, which I found out when I cut it open. Further shopping expeditions are anticipated. :)
