Sweets & Confectionery

Recipes for homemade sweets require simple everyday ingredients but demand careful attention during cooking. Their preparation can provide hours of amusement and an attractive arrangement of the finished product makes a thoughtful gift for a friend or relation.

In all cases where a recipe begins with a syrup made using sugar and water, care must be taken to ensure that the grains of sugar are completely dissolved in the water over low heat before bringing the mixture up to the boil. Some sugar grains may adhere to the sides of the pan and these can be removed by brushing the sides of the pan down with a pastry brush dipped in water. Alternatively the prepared sugar syrup can be strained through muslin into a second pan. This makes certain that any grains of sugar remaining are removed. Golden syrup, liquid glucose or cream of tartar are often added to retard or check crystallization.