Brunilda Schiavone
Dragon’s Beard Candy is a unique and delicious Chinese dessert made from spun sugar. It is named for its resemblance to the long, thin strands of a dragon’s beard. The candy is made by heating sugar until it melts, then stretching and pulling it until it forms thin strands. These strands are then wrapped around a variety of fillings, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, or coconut.
Dragon’s Beard Candy is a popular street food in China and is often sold at festivals and fairs. It is also a popular gift item, as it is considered to be a symbol of good luck.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, vegetable oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the sugar mixture onto a lightly oiled surface.
- Using a pair of chopsticks or two forks, stretch and pull the sugar mixture until it forms thin strands.
- Wrap the sugar strands around the desired filling.
- Allow the candy to cool completely before serving.
Here are some tips for making Dragon’s Beard Candy:
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Do not overcook the sugar mixture, or it will become too hard and brittle.
- If the sugar mixture becomes too thick, add a little bit of water.
- If the sugar mixture becomes too thin, add a little bit of corn syrup.
- Be careful when stretching and pulling the sugar mixture, as it can be very hot.
- Work quickly, as the sugar mixture will start to harden quickly.
- If the sugar mixture hardens, you can reheat it over low heat until it melts again.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, or fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to store Dragon’s Beard Candy?
A: Dragon’s Beard Candy is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I make Dragon’s Beard Candy ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Dragon’s Beard Candy ahead of time. Simply wrap the candy in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Q: What are some other fillings that I can use for Dragon’s Beard Candy?
A: You can use a variety of fillings for Dragon’s Beard Candy, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, fruit, or even chocolate.
Q: How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?
A: The sugar mixture is ready when it has thickened slightly and is a light amber color.
Dragon’s Beard Candy is a delicious and unique treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. With a little practice, you can master the art of making this delicious dessert.
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