Turkish Delight

Okay, here is something completely random:

How many others have read or watched The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and wondered about that mouth-watering trifle that Edmund begs for more of? That delicious, special candy that I've only heard mentioned in literary treasures. I have wondered and tried to imagine what this morsel would taste like. It's obviously terribly good. But, oh!, to actually taste it!

Here's the irony of it all: I could try it. I could walk into my kitchen and put an end to all my wondering. I have a recipe for it!!! I just haven't taken the time to make it!!! In my defense, it is a rather difficult recipe, and it is a novelty. Something not easily justified when sustainable meals are needed for a hungry crew.

So, I may not satisfy my curiosity any time soon, but for those of you who have some time to burn and are handy in the kitchen, here's the recipe and my best wishes: :-D

Turkish Delight
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cup water
1 lemon - the peel cut into strips, the juice squeezed and strained
1 orange - prepared same as the lemon
4 TBSP unflavored gelatin
2 TBSP confectioners sugar
1 TBSP cornstarch

Dissolve sugar in HALF of the water over medium heat. Add lemon and orange rind and juices. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Soften gelatin in the remaining water for 5 - 10 minutes. Add gelatin to the sugar mixture, stirring well, and boil for 10 minutes, until it reaches thread stage. Strain mixture into shallow dampened pan or platters and let set for 24 hours. Cut candy into 1 inch squares. Sift confectioners sugar and cornstarch together into a shallow dish. Roll candy in mixture. Store squares in tins or containers with added sugar/cornstarch between each layer.