Juraydat - Small Locusts

[Eden]

Juraydat - Small Locusts

Serves 22 as Dessert.

These are a wonderful little spiced honey candy based on a 13th century Andalusian recipe (translated by Charles Perry). Mr Perry was unsure of why they are called "Locusts" as the original text specifies to make them into little round balls like hazelnuts, but we're fairly certain it's because people fall upon the plate like locusts when you serve them...

• 2-1/2 c plain storebought bread crumbs
  
• 1/2 c almond oil
  
• 1 c honey
  
• 1/3 tsp powder forte*
  
• 3/8 tsp pepper
  

Whiz crumbs & oil together in food processor. If they look too "damp" add more crumbs. They should look light and fluffy. Let sit for a few hours.

Put 1 c. honey in a heavy enameled pot on medium heat. Stir constantly as the honey wants to boil over!

Using a candy thermometer watch closely as you heat it to approximately 230F (soft crack) this should take 3-5 minutes only. Remove from heat.

Add spices let cool a moment, break up any clumped spices. Mix into crumbs, form little 3/4" balls let sit about 5 minutes to firm up, then come back & smooth the balls out a little. Let rest another half hour at least and then serve and get out of the way...

*Powder forte was a spice mix used throughout medieval Europe, usually based on cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and black pepper. (Mine has grains of paradise as well.) If you don't want to make some up yourself just use "pumpkin pie spices"

Keywords: Dessert, Easy, Vegetarian, Candy

( RG1359 )