Ah, Lavender Sugarplums! Just the name alone evokes such whimsy and nostalgia, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I tried these delightful candies; it was at a quaint little shop in a nearby town that specialized in all things sweet and unique. The moment I popped one in my mouth, I was transported to a field of lavender, swaying gently in the breeze. It was a perfect mix of sweet and floral, and each bite felt like a little piece of magic.
These sugarplums are not just tasty; they’re beautiful too! The way they glisten with a dusting of sugar makes them a feast for the eyes. I love making these goodies for special occasions or to give as gifts. They create a lovely impression, especially when presented in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe once they taste these sugary delights!
What’s in Lavender Sugarplums?
Sugar: The star of the show! It gives the candies their sweetness and structure. I prefer using organic sugar for that extra flavor depth.
Water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating that perfect syrupy base. Good ol’ tap water works just fine, but feel free to use filtered if you prefer!
Lavender Essence: This fragrant ingredient infuses the candies with that lovely floral flavor. I recommend using culinary-grade lavender essence to achieve the best taste. You could even explore making your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Corn Syrup: Optional, but it helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, giving you that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Look for light corn syrup, as it works best for this recipe.
Food Coloring: This is totally up to you! While the lavender sugarplums can certainly stand on their own, a drop of food coloring can add a fun touch to match your theme or occasion.
Is Lavender Sugarplums Good for You?
While Lavender Sugarplums might not be the healthiest snack out there, they do have their charm. They are made primarily from sugar, water, and lavender, which is known for its calming properties.
Sugar: Let’s face it; candies are a treat! Enjoy these in moderation, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake.
Lavender: This beautiful herb is often heralded for its calming effects. Some studies suggest it might help with anxiety and improve sleep. So in a roundabout way, munching on these could lead to a more relaxed evening!
Do keep in mind that these treats are high in sugar, so they’re best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lavender essence
– 1/2 cup corn syrup (optional)
– Food coloring (optional)
– Extra sugar for coating
*Serves: About 20-25 candies, depending on mold size.*
How to Make Lavender Sugarplums?
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Stir over medium heat until the mixture is fully dissolved. Be patient—this creates the syrup base for our candies.
2. Once the mixture begins to boil, stop stirring and allow it to boil undisturbed. You’ll want it to reach the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. (Trust me, having a thermometer makes this process so much easier!)
3. Once you’ve reached the desired temperature, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the lavender essence and a few drops of food coloring if you like, mixing well.
4. Carefully pour the mixture into your candy molds. Let them sit at room temperature until fully cooled and hardened, about 1-2 hours.
5. Once your sugarplums are set, gently remove them from the molds and roll them in extra sugar to coat. This gives them that delightful sparkle!
6. Store them in an airtight container, or package them up for gifts!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Sugarplums
– Experiment with different molds! Use heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or stars during the holiday season.
– Pair these treats with a soothing cup of tea for a lovely afternoon break.
– Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after coating them in sugar for a sweet-and-salty twist.
I can’t wait for you to try making these Lavender Sugarplums! They’re such a fun and creative treat to whip up in your kitchen. If you do, please share your experiences or any variations you tried. I love hearing about your culinary adventures! Happy candy making!
