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Kohakutou Recipe: A Japanese Delicacy You Can Make at Home

Our family has a tradition: Once a month we cook something interesting together. This time the choice fell on kohakutou recipe. And we are not disappointed. These edible crystal candies are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of flavor that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making Kohakutou candy at home using simple ingredients and tools. So let’s get started!

kohakutou recipe

Ingredients:

Tools

  • A medium-sized saucepan
  • A candy thermometer
  • A baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • A sharp paring knife

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or online. However, it is essential to note that the quality of the ingredients can affect the final outcome of the candy.

Steps to Make Kohakutou recipe – Preparing the Agar Agar Mixture

The first step in making Kohakutou candy is to prepare the agar agar mixture. Agar agar is a natural gelling agent made from seaweed and is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Here is how you can prepare the mixture:

  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tsp of agar powder. Stir the mixture until the agar powder is completely dissolved.
  2. Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.
  4. After 2-3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Adding Sugar and Candy Flavorings

The next step is to add granulated sugar and candy flavorings to the agar agar mixture. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp of candy flavorings, and 1/4 tsp of citric acid to the saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan back on medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Once the sugar is dissolved, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture. The ideal temperature is between 230-240°F.
  4. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Adding Liquid Food Coloring and Shaping the Candy

The next step is to add liquid food coloring and shape the candy. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Add a few drops of liquid food coloring to the mixture and stir well.
  2. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it is firm but still pliable.
  4. Use a sharp paring knife to cut the candy into small crystal shapes or any shape you desire.

Tips for Making Perfect Kohakutou Candy

Here are some tips that can help you make perfect Kohakutou candy:

  1. Use high-quality ingredients to get the best results.
  2. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture.
  4. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before shaping it.
  5. Use a thin knife to cut the candy into small crystal shapes.

Storing and Serving Kohakutou Candy

Once you have made the Kohakutou candy, you need to store it properly to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are some tips on how to store and serve Kohakutou candy:

  1. Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
  2. Do not store the candy in the refrigerator as it can affect its texture.
  3. Serve the candy as a sweet treat or as a dessert after a meal.

Variations and Flavors of Kohakutou Candy

Kohakutou candy is versatile, and you can experiment with different flavors and colors. Here are some variations and flavors of Kohakutou candy that you can try:

  1. Lemon-flavored Kohakutou candy – add lemon extract and yellow food coloring to the mixture.
  2. Strawberry-flavored Kohakutou candy – add strawberry extract and pink food coloring to the mixture.
  3. Amber candy – omit the food coloring and shape the candy into small amber-like crystals.
  4. Telephone brand candy – shape the candy into small cubes and dust them with cornstarch to give them a matte finish.

Conclusion

Kohakutou candy is a Japanese delicacy that is easy to make at home using simple ingredients and tools. With this recipe, you can make delicious and visually appealing Kohakutou candy that is sure to impress your guests. So, go ahead and give it a try! And don’t forget to visit my blog, where you will find many popular and tasty recipes of baking, drinks and dinners!