Introduction
Kohakutou candy is a colorful and sparkly Japanese treat that looks like precious gems. People love it not just because it’s pretty, but also because it’s yummy. This candy is made from a simple mixture that turns into a jelly, which then gets a crunchy coating on the outside after it dries. Let’s find out how you can make this cool candy yourself.
Recipe Details
Making kohakutou candy might sound fancy, but it’s pretty straightforward. The magic happens when the jelly dries, forming a crystal-like crust while staying soft inside.
Ingredients
To start, you’ll need:
- Agar agar powder (2 teaspoons): This is a plant-based gelatin that makes the candy jelly-like.
- Sugar (1 cup): This sweetens the candy.
- Water (3 cups): Needed to dissolve the agar agar and sugar.
- Food coloring: To make your candies look vibrant and gem-like.
- Optional: Flavor extracts (like lemon, strawberry, etc.) to add taste to your candies.
Preparation Steps
- Mix Water and Agar Agar: In a pot, mix the water and agar agar powder. Stir it well until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Boil: Turn on the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add Sugar: Once boiling, add the sugar and keep stirring until it’s fully dissolved.
- Color and Flavor: After the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat. Now’s the time to add your food coloring and optional flavor extracts. You can split the mixture into different bowls if you want multiple colors or flavors.
- Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into molds or a flat pan. Let it cool down and then chill it in the fridge until it’s firm.
- Cut and Dry: Once firm, cut the jelly into small pieces. Lay them out on a baking sheet and leave them to air dry for a couple of days until they form a crunchy outer layer.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Thickness Matters: The thicker your pieces, the chewier they’ll be inside.
- Patience is Key: Drying can take 2-3 days, so don’t rush it.
- Experiment: Try different colors and flavors to make your batch of kohakutou candy unique..
Serving Suggestions
Kohakutou candy is perfect for snacking, party favors, or even as a gift. Serve them in a clear jar or bag to show off their gem-like beauty.
Nutritional Information
Kohakutou is mainly sugar and water, with a bit of fiber from the agar agar. It’s a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. Exact nutritional values vary based on the size and ingredients used.
