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Set your silicone Silpat mat out on the counter (I put mine on a large baking sheet).
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Grease your kitchen scissors and kitchen scraper or knife with nonstick cooking spray.
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Set aside.
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In a medium sized saucepan combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar.
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Continually stir the sugar mixture until the sugar dissolves.
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After the sugar dissolves, let the sugar boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage on your candy thermometer.
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(149C/300F)
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Once the sugar reaches the hard crack stage take the pan off the heat and immediately pour it onto your Silpat silicone mat.
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Now is the the time to work fast!!!
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Quickly add the citric acid, food coloring and lemon extract to the hot sugar.
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With your buttered kitchen scraper, fold the sugar over itself as if kneading repeatedly to mix thoroughly.
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Once the sugar is all mixed with flavorings, the sugar should be starting to cool enough to handle but yet still very warm and soft.
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You'll notice that the sugar wont stick as much to the mat once it starts cooling and its easier to fold and form.
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Take small sections of the warm sugar and roll into ropes.
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Using your buttered kitchen scissors, cut small pieces off of the sugar rope and immediately roll into small drops/balls.
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Set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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After making all the drops, roll them in the powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together and a little sweetness.
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These do well when they're stored in an airtight container and keep for up to 3 months.
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**Sugar Tips**
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If the sugar starts to harden up while you are trying to roll the drops, place the sugar on the Silpat silicone mat on top of a baking sheet into the oven at 200 for 2 to 3 minutes to soften it.
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I had to do this a few times.
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Remember, sugar hardens fast so you have to work quickly.
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You can also make sugar curls while you are working with forming the warm sugar.
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While the sugar is nice and warm, pull it gently into a long thin string and wrap it around a greased wooden spoon.
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Wait 1 minute for the sugar to cool then gently remove the curl and use for your favorite dessert as a fancy garnish!
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(Adapted from Chocswirl blog)