Citrus Scented Sugar Recipes

Steps:

• Place the sugar in a bowl of a mini food processor. Carefully remove the zest from the lemon and orange using a fine grater. If you use a square grater, wrap it in plastic wrap. This makes it easier to remove all of the zest that clings to the grater. Scrape the zest into the sugar in the processor. Process for 15 to 30 seconds to blend.
• Store tightly sealed in a glass jar. If the sugar hardens, break it up with a fork before using
• Place the lavender in the bowl of a mini food processor or spice mill. Process until ground into a fine powder. Add the sugar and process for a few seconds to combine.
• Store tightly sealed in a glass jar. If the sugar hardens, break it up with a fork before using.
• Place the spices in the bowl of a mini food processor or spice mill. Process until ground into a fine powder. Add the sugar and process for a few seconds to combine.
• Store tightly sealed in a glass jar. If the sugar hardens, break it up with a fork before using

Steps:

• Clip a candy thermometer to the side of a medium, heavy pot. Place water, sugar and cream of tartar in pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. As the syrup comes to a boil, any impurities in the sugar will rise to the surface; remove these using a small stainless steel sieve or strainer.
• Using a clean brush dipped in clean water, wash the sides of the pan down to ensure that no crystals form around the edge of the pan. Add the black food coloring. Continue boiling, washing the pan sides down regularly until the syrup reaches 340 degrees F, and then place the pan into a bowl of cold water to stop further cooking.
• For casting:
• Allow mixture to reach a honey-like consistency and pour into the center of a mold, allowing the sugar to run slowly to the sides. Let cool, tap sides of mold, and remove.
• For pulling:
• After cooking sugar to 340 degrees F and then cooling briefly in the bowl of cold water, pour out onto an oiled marble or silpat mat. Allow to cool around the edges and carefully fold into the center, repeating until a soft pliable mass is formed. Incorporate air to create shine by pulling and folding the sugar until cool.

Steps:

• Fill jars with sugar to a depth of 1/2-inch. Add some of the citrus peel then cover with another layer of sugar. Continue in this way, ending with the sugar about 1/4-inch from the top of the jar. Replace lid. Allow to sit for a few days so the citrus flavor infuses the sugar.

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, combine sugar and water; bring to a boil. Add citrus slices; reduce heat to medium. Cook until slices are translucent, about 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer until slices are tender but still intact, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally., Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove slices to a wire rack or a parchment-lined baking pan. Let stand at room temperature overnight to dry. (Save syrup for another use.) If desired, cut slices in half; use to decorate a cake, pie or other dessert, or to garnish drinks.

Steps:

• Using a citrus zester, remove the zest. (Alternatively, using a paring knife or a vegetable peeler, remove the zest; then scrape as much of the bitter white pith off it as possible.) Roughly chop zest; transfer to a food processor, and add 1 cup sugar. Pulse until zest has been finely ground, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the ground mixture to a medium bowl. Add remaining cup sugar, and toss until evenly mixed.
• Spread the lemon sugar on a baking pan, and let sit at room temperature until dry, about 1 hour.

Steps:

• For syrup:
• Mix 2 cups water, sugar, and lemon verbena, if desired, in medium saucepan. Using vegetable peeler, remove peel (colored part) from orange and lemon; add peel to saucepan. Bring sugar mixture to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Cool completely. Stir in orange-flower water. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• For drinks:
• Combine 6 tablespoons syrup, 3 cups ice, 1/4 cup gin, 1/4 cup cream, 2 egg whites, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in blender. Blend until smooth and foamy. Divide among 4 glasses. Repeat with 6 tablespoons syrup and remaining ice, gin, cream, egg whites, and juice. Sprinkle drinks with nutmeg; garnish with lemon verbena sprigs, if desired.
• **Market tip:**Lemon verbena is sold at nurseries and some farmers' markets. *A flavoring extract; available in the liquor aisle or baking section of some supermarkets and at liquor stores.