Spiced Candied Ginger Delight
This flavorful treat brings the sweet heat of ginger to your palate while indulging your senses with the possibility of added dimensions. From Alton Brown's 'Good Eats', this recipe transforms fresh gingerroot into delightful candied morsels, perfect for snacking or as a sophisticated addition to baked goods. Future adaptations can include aromatic elements like vanilla bean or zesty lemon peel, enhancing its appeal. Don't forget to dip them in rich dark chocolate for a luxurious treat that marries sweetness and spice beautifully. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy for up to two weeks!
16
Servings
100
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing cooling rack)
Fresh gingerroot
1 lb (peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick slices)
Water
5 cups (for simmering ginger)
Granulated sugar
approximately 1 lb (adjusted to match weight of the ginger)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your workspace by spraying a cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray, then place it atop a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any excess sugar.
2
2. Peel the ginger using the back of a spoon to navigate its fibrous surface, then slice it into 1/8-inch thick slices with a mandoline for even cooking. Transfer the slices into a 4-quart saucepan.
3
3. Pour in the 5 cups of water over the sliced ginger and cover the pan. Set the heat to medium-high and cook for about 35 minutes or until the ginger becomes tender.
4
4. Once cooked, transfer the ginger to a colander, ensuring to reserve 1/4 cup of the ginger cooking liquid for later use. Weigh the ginger to determine the amount of granulated sugar needed, aiming for an equal weight.
5
5. Return the drained ginger and the reserved 1/4 cup ginger liquid back to the saucepan. Add in the granulated sugar and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently.
6
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, maintaining a gentle simmer while continuing to stir frequently. Cook until the syrup begins to crystallize – this can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your stove and the moisture in the mixture. The critical part is consistent stirring, especially as it approaches crystallization.
7
7. As soon as the ginger is crystallizing, quickly transfer it to the prepared cooling rack, spreading the pieces to ensure they don't clump together.
8
8. Allow the ginger to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container, where it will keep for up to two weeks. Make sure to save any sugar that drops onto the pan for topping desserts like ginger snaps, ice cream, or sweetening your coffee.
9
9. The reserved ginger cooking liquid can also be used creatively, adding flavor to your tea or as a warming beverage on its own – the possibilities are limitless!
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
25g
Carbs
0.125g
Protein
0g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Candied Ginger Delight?
It is a sweet and spicy treat made by transforming fresh gingerroot into candied morsels using sugar and water.
Whose recipe is this based on?
This recipe is inspired by Alton Brown's 'Good Eats'.
How do I peel the gingerroot easily?
Use the back of a spoon to navigate the fibrous surface of the gingerroot for easy peeling.
What is the recommended thickness for the ginger slices?
The ginger should be sliced into 1/8-inch thick pieces.
What tool should I use to slice the ginger?
A mandoline is recommended to ensure even and consistent slices.
How much water is needed for the initial simmer?
You will need 5 cups of water to cook the sliced ginger.
How long does the ginger need to simmer to become tender?
The ginger should be cooked for about 35 minutes on medium-high heat.
Should I save the cooking liquid after simmering the ginger?
Yes, you must reserve 1/4 cup of the ginger cooking liquid to use later in the recipe.
How much sugar do I need for this recipe?
You need an amount of granulated sugar equal to the weight of the cooked ginger, which is approximately 1 lb.
What is the first step in the crystallization process?
Combine the drained ginger, the reserved 1/4 cup of liquid, and the sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
How long does it take for the syrup to crystallize?
The crystallization process typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
Why is frequent stirring important during the crystallization stage?
Frequent stirring is critical to ensure the sugar crystallizes properly and the ginger doesn't burn.
How do I prepare my workspace for the finished ginger?
Spray a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it over a parchment-lined sheet pan.
What should I do as soon as the ginger starts crystallizing?
Quickly transfer the ginger to the prepared cooling rack and spread the pieces out.
How long can I store Spiced Candied Ginger Delight?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
What can I do with the extra ginger sugar that falls off the rack?
You can use the excess sugar to top ginger snaps, ice cream, or to sweeten coffee.
How can I use the leftover ginger cooking liquid?
The reserved liquid can be used to flavor tea or enjoyed as a warming beverage.
Are there any suggested flavor variations?
You can add vanilla bean or lemon peel to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, dipping the candied ginger in rich dark chocolate creates a luxurious treat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 100 calories per serving.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of one serving?
One serving contains 0.125g of protein.
What type of ginger is best for this recipe?
Fresh gingerroot is required for the best results.
Is there any fiber in the candied ginger?
No, the recipe contains 0g of fiber.
What type of sugar is recommended?
Granulated sugar is used for the coating and crystallization.
Can this be used in baking?
Yes, these candied morsels are a sophisticated addition to various baked goods.
What heat setting is used for the crystallization step?
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
What is the primary flavor profile of this treat?
It offers a balance of sweet heat and spicy ginger notes.