Turkish Delight or Lokum

[a_boleyn]

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

Comments

[ext_1323815]

These look delicious! I've never tried Turkish delight but it always looks wonderful.

[a_boleyn]

The nougat etc assortment came from a set of baskets all priced the same so I just took one of each. :) For a tasting party, I would have unwrapped and cut each one into 4 pieces. Economical and fun to share with friends.

[anonymous]

I too love Turkish Delight, Maria. Barb (of Profiteroles and Ponytails) brought me some a couple of years ago as a hostess gift - up until that point, I had forgotten all about it. Why did you have to throw away the pan? My Mom had saved many a pan (from my experimental cooking days as a teen) with dumping table salt and a bit of water onto the burned parts and boiling it on low for a few minutes. The salt eats away at the burn and makes it easy to clean. Works on enamel and stainless - I don't think I would use this technique on cast iron because it would lift the seasoning off and you'd have to start all over again.
I have tried to make Torrone and the first time it worked perfectly, but the second year it wouldn't set, so I used it to make Torrone ice cream, it was deeelish!

[a_boleyn]

It was charred so badly and over the ENTIRE base of the pan so that even after doing all the things you suggested ie table salt, baking soda, boiling and soaking for a week it was still unusable. Even boiling with Ajax/Comet and letting it soak didn't work. Because of the enamelling I couldn't use metal scrubbers only the plasticy ones. I finally gave up and pitched it.

[anonymous]

I too love Turkish Delight, Maria. Barb (of Profiteroles and Ponytails) brought me some a couple of years ago as a hostess gift - up until that point, I had forgotten all about it. Why did you have to throw away the pan? My Mom had saved many a pan (from my experimental cooking days as a teen) with dumping table salt and a bit of water onto the burned parts and boiling it on low for a few minutes. The salt eats away at the burn and makes it easy to clean. Works on enamel and stainless - I don't think I would use this technique on cast iron because it would lift the seasoning off and you'd have to start all over again.
I have tried to make Torrone and the first time it worked perfectly, but the second year it wouldn't set, so I used it to make Torrone ice cream, it was deeelish!
Eva https://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

[a_boleyn]

See above for pot cleaning details.

As to the torrone, I would have liked to try that as well one day. But, as with my fudge making experiences, sometimes it works, sometimes not. Candy making doesn't seem to be where my cooking talents lie. :)

[anonymous]

I have the same problem, Maria, although I've never tried to make fudge. I'm going to blame mine on my candy thermometer, I doubt it's good enough!
Eva

[a_boleyn]

I did the same thing, blamed my candy thermometer. Then I bought another one. Same problems.

[ext_870394]

I'm new to Turkish treats. Thanks for your introduction. You are such a challenger to try making so many different food from different cuisines (including Japanese) and I'm always impressed with your skills. Too bad Turkish delight didn't turn out when you tried and had to throw away the pan! Sometimes it's easier to buy than making it... oh I'm not talking about baked goods and my relationship. I'll have to try baking more....before I give up and just buy everything. =P Thanks for sharing!

[a_boleyn]

I have another recipe that I can try cause I can sort of figure out what I did wrong but the investment of time and ingredients ... I don't know if it would be worth it when I can buy the stuff for a decent price. :)

Same with the nougat (also known as torrone) which is based on egg whites and sugar syrup. It's so good but fussy to make. The recipes make it sound so easy but it's not.

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/recipe.html?dishid=3343

PS: Charles made a cherry version of nougat some time ago, here.

http://www.fiveeurofood.com/index.php/2012/05/cherry-nougat-and-a-weekend-of-disasters/

[ext_1117662]

This is my stepson's favorite sweet and it's not my favorite at all. He says that's a good thing because then he doesn't have to share with me. He's met my sweet tooth. :) These look beautiful!

[a_boleyn]

For some strange reason I love jelly type candies. One of my other favourite guilty pleasures is gummy bears. The little ones not the big ones. I don't know why. :) And I always eat them 2 at a time.