Delicious Pumpkin Sugared Delights

This delightful recipe turns a humble pumpkin into a delectable treat that is sure to enchant your palate. Perfect for the fall season, these sugared delights showcase the pumpkin's versatility with a sweet twist. This dish requires some patience due to its overnight preparation, but the result is well worth the wait. You will enjoy a surprisingly flavorful treat with spices complementing the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. A hint of ginger adds a subtle warmth, while cloves and allspice bring in a festive flair. The preparation involves allowing the pumpkin cubes to steep in a sugary syrup, enhanced with lemon acid for a slight tanginess. The magic happens through a slow drying process, turning these syrupy pumpkin pieces into irresistible sugared delights. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a dessert spread, they are bound to impress. Not only are these treats simple to make, but they're also a fantastic way to use up that extra pumpkin during harvest season.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 kg pumpkin
• 1.5 cups sugar (using a 250ml cup)

Spices and Flavorings:

• 1/4 tsp lemon acid
• Cloves, to taste
• Allspice, to taste
• Vanilla sugar, to taste
• Fresh ginger, to taste

Preparation Time

Total: 120 minutes (includes overnight resting time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by cutting the pumpkin into small cubes.
2. Place the cubes in a bowl and sprinkle sugar over them. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to allow the juices to draw out.
3. After 12 hours, you'll notice the cubes sitting in a syrupy mix.
4. Drain the syrup from the pumpkin cubes into a saucepan.
5. Add your desired spices and the lemon acid to the syrup, then bring it to a boil.
6. Once boiling, cook the syrup for 5 minutes before adding the pumpkin pieces back into the pot.
7. Simmer together for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
8. Drain the pumpkin again, reserving the syrup.
9. Reheat the syrup to boiling, simmer for 5 more minutes, and then add the pumpkin cubes back in.
10. Simmer for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and allow another cooling period.
11. Repeat the syrup heating and pumpkin simmering one last time.
12. After the third round, drain the syrup thoroughly.
13. Arrange the pumpkin pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
14. Begin the drying process: Set your oven to its lowest temperature and dry the pumpkin for 20 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the pumpkin sit inside as it cools.
15. For an electric oven, set to 50°C and use the fan setting.
16. Continuously check the drying process, which may take around 12 hours. The pumpkin should be fully dried when they no longer feel sticky to the touch.
17. Optionally, coat the dried pumpkins in sugar for extra sweetness.
18. Enjoy these delicious sugared pumpkin delights!

Tips

• Ensure pumpkin pieces are uniformly cut for even drying.
• Adjust the spices according to your preference for a more customized flavor.
• Use a fan-assisted oven setting if available, for faster drying.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 100 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fats: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g

Variations

• For a healthier twist, replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• Use as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt bowls.

Best Places

• Spice Bar & Grill - Offers a variety of pumpkin-based treats. Location: 123 Elm St, London, UK.
• Pumpkin Patch Cafe - Known for creative dessert presentations. Location: 456 Maple Ave, New York, USA.
• Sweet Delight Bistro - Specializes in unique seasonal flavors. Location: 789 Cherry Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Harvest Haven - Focuses on organic and gluten-free options. Location: 135 Olive Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
• Gourmet Garden - Known for an elaborate pumpkin dessert menu. Location: 246 Pine St, San Francisco, USA.
• Pumpkin Paradise - Famous for its autumn-themed menu. Location: 357 Oak Ave, Dublin, Ireland.
• Flavor Fusion Inn - Offers traditional and modern sweet blends. Location: 468 Birch Lane, Paris, France.
• Homey Bakeshop - Renowned for homemade approaches to classics. Location: 579 Cedar Dr, Berlin, Germany.
• Tasteful Retreat - Focuses on natural and seasonal ingredients. Location: 680 Willow Way, Rome, Italy.
• Bright Harvest Eatery - Offers an array of pumpkin desserts year-round. Location: 791 Spruce St, Tokyo, Japan.