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To make delicious candied strawberries, you will need: - 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and washed - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) - Parchment paper (for cooling) When choosing strawberries, look for bright red ones. They should feel firm. Avoid any berries with bruises or dark spots. Smell the strawberries, too. Fresh ones have a sweet, fruity scent. Buy organic if you can. They taste better and are healthier. You can add fun flavors to your candied strawberries. Try using different extracts like almond or orange. You can also infuse the syrup with herbs like mint or basil for a twist. Just remember, less is more. A little flavor goes a long way! First, wash your strawberries well. You want to remove any dirt or dust. After washing, gently pat them dry using a clean towel. Make sure they are completely dry. Any water will mess up the candy coating. Set the strawberries aside on a plate. In a medium pot, mix sugar, water, and lemon juice. Place the pot on medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture boil gently. Watch closely as it simmers. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. You need it to reach 300°F, known as the hard crack stage. This will take around 8-10 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit into cold water. It should form a hard candy. Once it hits the right temperature, take it off the heat. If you want to add vanilla, stir it in now. It adds great flavor! Grab a strawberry by the stem. Dip it into the hot syrup. Make sure to coat it fully. Rotate the strawberry to cover all sides. Lift it out and let the extra syrup drip back into the pot. Next, place the dipped strawberries on parchment paper. Leave space between them to avoid sticking. Repeat this with all the strawberries. Let them cool for about 15-20 minutes. They will harden and become a tasty treat! For the full recipe, you can check the details above. When making candied strawberries, avoid these common errors: - Wet Strawberries: Make sure the strawberries are dry. Water can ruin the candy coating. - Wrong Temperature: Use a candy thermometer. If the syrup isn't hot enough, it won't harden. - Not Spacing Them: Space the strawberries on parchment paper. If they touch, they will stick together. Getting that shiny coating is key! Follow these steps: - Heat the Syrup Properly: Ensure your syrup reaches 300°F. This is crucial for a hard coating. - Quick Dipping: Dip the strawberries quickly. The syrup cools fast, so act swiftly! - Rotate While Dipping: This helps cover every part of the strawberry evenly. Make your candied strawberries shine with these ideas: - Elegant Display: Arrange them on a nice plate for a stunning look. - Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate on top for extra flavor. - Edible Glitter: Sprinkle some edible glitter to make them sparkle. These tips will help you create the best candied strawberries ever. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} You can take candied strawberries to a new level by dipping them in chocolate. After you coat the strawberries in sugar syrup, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, melt some dark or milk chocolate in a bowl. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on parchment paper to set. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the sweet candy coating. To make your candied strawberries unique, try different flavors in your sugar syrup. You can add a splash of orange juice or a few teaspoons of almond extract. Infusing the syrup with herbs like mint or basil also adds a twist. Just remember to keep the lemon juice as it balances the sweetness. There are many fun toppings to make your candied strawberries more exciting. Try rolling them in crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun crunch. You could also drizzle them with caramel or white chocolate for an extra sweet touch. Edible glitter makes a beautiful finish too, giving them a magical look. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors and textures! To keep your candied strawberries fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in. Lay parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This helps stop the strawberries from sticking together. Avoid the fridge, as it can make them lose their shine. Candied strawberries can last up to three days if stored correctly. After that, they may begin to lose their crispness and flavor. If you see any signs of moisture or stickiness, it's best to eat them right away. Enjoy them within the first day for the best taste and texture. Don't throw away leftover sugar syrup! It can be reused to coat more strawberries or other fruits. Just let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. When you want to use it again, gently reheat it until it's liquid. You can even mix it with sparkling water for a sweet drink! No, you should not use frozen strawberries. Frozen fruit has more water, which makes the sugar syrup not stick well. Fresh strawberries are firm and perfect for candying. They hold their shape and taste better. Always choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best results. To make sugar-free candied strawberries, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. You need to adjust the syrup recipe. Mix the substitute with water and lemon juice. Heat it until it thickens, then dip the strawberries. Remember, sugar substitutes can taste different, so pick one you enjoy. Strawberries are very healthy! They are low in calories and high in vitamins. They contain vitamin C, which helps your immune system. Strawberries also have antioxidants that fight free radicals. Eating strawberries can improve heart health and support digestion. Enjoying candied strawberries adds fun to your diet without losing their benefits. In this post, we covered how to make delicious candied strawberries. You now know the best ingredients and tips for sourcing fresh strawberries. We went through step-by-step instructions, from preparation to serving. I shared common mistakes to avoid and variations like chocolate-dipped options. Remember to store your candied strawberries properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your tasty treats, and don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and toppings. Happy candy making!

Candied Strawberries

Indulge in the sweet and fun world of candied strawberries with this delightful recipe! Perfect for parties or a simple snack, learn how to choose the freshest strawberries, whip up a delicious sugar syrup, and achieve that gorgeous candy coating. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create a treat that's sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and endless variations for your candied strawberry delights!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and washed

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Parchment paper (for cooling)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Strawberries: After washing the strawberries, gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Ensure they are completely dry, as any moisture will prevent the sugar from sticking correctly. Set aside the prepared strawberries.

    Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, then let it simmer undisturbed until the syrup reaches a temperature of 300°F (the hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This process will take approximately 8-10 minutes. For those without a thermometer, conduct a hard crack test by dropping a small amount of the syrup into cold water; it should form a hard, brittle candy.

      Add Vanilla: Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, promptly remove it from the heat. If using, stir in the vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor.

        Dip the Strawberries: Grasp each strawberry by its stem and dip it into the hot sugar syrup. Rotate the strawberry to ensure it is fully coated, then lift it out and allow the excess syrup to drip back into the saucepan.

          Cool on Parchment: Transfer the coated strawberries onto a sheet of parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced apart to prevent sticking. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining strawberries.

            Serve: Let the candied strawberries cool and harden for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8-10 strawberries

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant display, arrange the candied strawberries on a decorative plate. Consider drizzling them with melted dark chocolate or sprinkling edible glitter over them to enhance their shine. These delightful treats make for a perfect dessert or a special sweet snack!