Sweet and Tangy Treats for Any Occasion
Introducing Pâte de Fruit: A Delicious Candy Recipe
Imagine a sweet and tangy candy that’s perfect for any occasion, from Christmas cookie plates to elegant dinner parties. This recipe for pâte de fruit is surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.
The Magic of Pectin
Pectin, a natural thickener found in fruits, gives pâte de fruit its signature bouncy texture. You can find pectin in the baking aisle of most grocery stores or online.
Getting Started
To make pâte de fruit, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened smooth applesauce
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon powdered pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated grapefruit zest
- 4 to 5 drops red food coloring (optional)
Preparing the Pan
Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to fit it smoothly into the corners. Set the pan aside for now.
Cooking the Mixture
Combine 1 cup of sugar, applesauce, juice, and pectin in a medium saucepan. Whisk to combine, then place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook until the mixture reaches 220°F, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Adding Flavor and Color
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the grapefruit zest and food coloring, if using. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate until set, about 2 to 3 hours.
Shaping and Coating
To remove the pâte de fruit from the pan, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar onto a cutting board. Invert the pan onto the sugar and peel off the parchment. Cut the pâte de fruit into 1-inch squares and toss them in the remaining sugar to coat. Store in a covered container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Tips and Variations
If the pâte de fruit absorbs the sugar coating, simply toss the pieces with more sugar before serving. Experiment with different flavors and colors to create unique variations of this delicious candy recipe.
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