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You are here: Home / By Author / C. S. Lewis / Turkish Delight | The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Turkish Delight | The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

C. S. Lewis· Christmas· Sweets and Candies· The Chronicles of Narnia series· The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

12 Nov
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

 ‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,’’ said the Queen presently. ‘‘What would you like best to eat?’’

“Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. He was quite warm now, and very comfortable. 

-The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis

An authentic Turkish Delight recipe (with cornflour) inspired from The Chronicles of Narnia at InLiterature.net

After reading The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, many of us grew up dreaming of having a round box of our own, filled with delicious Turkish Delight. Of course, we didn’t know what it tasted like, but if Edmund craved for more, it must’ve been good!

But, when we finally received a box of store-bought Turkish Delight for the first time, we found ourselves with a mouthful rubbery candy tasting of rose. Oh, the disappointment! And we went away thinking how horribly cruel of our favourite story to raise our hopes.

It was only the other year as I stopped through Dubai, that I picked up a box of Turkish Delight from the airport because of the beautiful box it was supplied in. One little nibble turned into a devoured box, and I realised we’ve all been eating the wrong sweet. True Turkish Delight, known as lokum, is made with only sugar, cornflour, cream of tartar, and water as the base recipe. Turns out, the commercial versions we’ve been eating are made with glucose syrup or gelatine. And they couldn’t taste more different.

Engine Akin states in his book, Essential Turkish Cuisine, that the perfect lokum ‘can only be produced expertly only after long years of apprenticeship, should be soft enough to chew effortlessly yet should not stick to the teeth’.

While the whole ‘apprenticeship’ made me doubt whether making true lokum was possible, a recipe by Felicity Cloake from the Guardian made it happen. And fortunately for us, she worked her way through numerous Turkish Delight recipes and came up with one that will give you the true soft Turkish Delight experience Edmund had. I’ve adapted Felicity’s recipe and added notes below, but her article on Turkish Delight is worth a read as she walks you through the variations in recipes and ingredients.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/dec/10/how-to-make-the-perfect-turkish-delight

Meanwhile, I had originally posted a recipe for Turkish Delight using gelatine a few years ago, however since making this authentic version, I’ve since removed the post. The taste between the two recipes is that different, I can only say, take the time to make this authentic version.

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Turkish Delight | The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

An authentic Turkish Delight recipe (with cornflour) inspired from The Chronicles of Narnia at InLiterature.net

★★★★

4 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Bryt @ InLiterature.net
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour
Scale

Ingredients

  • 380g / 1.9c white sugar
  • 455ml water
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 95g/ 3/4c cornflour
  • 150ml water
  • 1 cup pistachios
  • ½ tsp rosewater essence (or 2–4 tsp rosewater)
  • a drop of rose food colouring
  • Icing sugar for dusting
  • Butter or oil (for greasing)
  • a bowl of cold water

Instructions

  1. Start by buttering a square casserole pan measuring 20cm by 20cm.
  2. In one medium sized saucepan, pour in the white sugar, cream of tartar and the 455ml of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. While you let the sugar come to a boil, in another saucepan, (same size or slightly smaller) stir together the cornflour and 200ml of water. Note: do not start mixing this cornflour mixture until after you’ve finished stirring the sugar. If you start the cornflour too soon, the mixture will clump together into a large mass and won’t dissolve properly later.
  4. Whisk the cornflour and water until it’s a smooth paste, then add it straight away to the sugar mixture.
  5. Whisk the cornflour mixture into the sugar syrup over medium heat for a minute or two. Once the sugar mixture comes to a boil, turn down the heat to low.
  6. Grab a wooden spoon (and a seat) and continue to stir continuously in the same direction for the next 40-50 minutes. You’ll know the mixture is ready for testing when the sugar mixture is thick and clearly pulls away from the edges of the pan.
  7. Scoop a little bit of the mixture and drop it into the cool water. The mixture will stay together but is very soft to the touch.
  8. Pour in the flavour first, then the rose colour. Stir for another minute over heat, then turn off the stove. Stir in the pistachios and scoop the mixture into the casserole dish.
  9. Use a spoon to spread it out, then leave to cool on the counter.
  10. Sprinkle icing sugar onto a cutting board and onto the top of the turkish delight.
  11. Turn the Turkish Delight out onto the board and use a long sharp knife to slice, sprinkling icing sugar over the knife between each cut to keep from sticking.
  12. Sprinkle more icing sugar over the Turkish Delight to coat before serving.
  13. Turkish Delight can be stored in a container at room temperature with a cloth dishtowel over the top.

Notes

*Instead of butter you can use an oil, but make sure it has a pleasant or minimal flavour.
*Prep your ingredients before you start.
*Continuously stir. It’s not as difficult as it sounds– the time goes quickly!

Turkish Delight recipe adapted from Felicity Cloake’s The Guardian article https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/dec/10/how-to-make-the-perfect-turkish-delight

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @brytontaylor on Instagram

 

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20 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    November 17, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    I just watched this movie on the way back from California. I have always wanted to try turkish delight it looks so good in the movie! now I CAN try it 🙂

    Reply
  2. Autumn says

    December 18, 2015 at 6:04 am

    I was wondering if there is anything you could substitute the rosewater for? If so, what would you recommend?

    Reply
    • Bryton Taylor says

      January 27, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Orange or lemon essence would work nicely as a sub for rosewater.

      Reply
      • Lindsay says

        July 4, 2016 at 1:55 pm

        I actually have rose syrup from the Monin syrup line- it worked fantastic! And a big bottle only costs 7$

        Reply
  3. Heather phelps says

    December 24, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Do u strain the rind out of the mixture before putting into a pan to refrig overnight

    Reply
    • Bryton Taylor says

      January 27, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Heather, I left the rind in.

      Reply
  4. layla says

    January 14, 2016 at 12:46 am

    I think you may have tried low quality Turkish delight, I had some in turkey.. sooo good. I love the fruit flavored more than the rose. Your recipe looks nice.

    Reply
    • Bryton Taylor says

      January 27, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      I could imagine fruit flavoured being much nicer! I’m not a fan of flowery tasting foods 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rentia says

    February 15, 2016 at 10:39 pm

    Thanks for your reciepy I made the Turkish delight but after rolling in icing sugar it became wet with the sugar disappearing am I doing something wrong. Want to wrap and sell do you maybe have a tip for me please. Thanks Rentia

    Reply
    • Bryton Taylor says

      February 25, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Rentia, I’m not sure so I did a search online. It might be that the gelatine ‘strength’ was too weak? http://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/14113/turkish-delight-is-too-wet

      Reply
  6. Linda Albert says

    July 11, 2016 at 7:43 am

    You need to add cornstarch to the water, sugar, gelatin mixture. I might start with 2 tablespoons, before you cook it. I would also mix the powdered sugar with eaual amount of cornstarch to absorb moisture drawn out by the sugar. Adding cornstarch to the mix before cooking will give the candy a chewier bite and make it less suseptible to ‘weeping’ moisture.

    Reply
    • Riah Aina says

      August 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm

      Where would you add the cornstarch to make it chewy?? I’ve tried making this recipe and it always turned out like jello squares rather than candy like… I haven’t figured out what went wrong and I have always thought that it turned out differently because I didn’t have cream of tar tar. Is there a better recipe so the Turkish delights will turn out like the ones in the movie??

      Reply
      • Bryton Taylor says

        September 5, 2016 at 7:21 am

        If it’s not turning out right, it may be the gelatin you’re using. There are actually different ‘strengths’/grades of gelatin, known as bloom. I use McKenzie’s Gelatine powder which has a bloom strength of 210 – 240 g (Platinum strength). So if you’re using a bronze or silver strength, you’ll need more.

        Reply
  7. Sarah says

    July 30, 2016 at 7:09 am

    What’s the best way to store it? Fridge? Room temp? Airtight container with or without wax paper?

    Reply
    • Bryton Taylor says

      August 2, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      Either way, fridge or room temp. I store it in an airtight container when in the fridge to keep out any other fridge smells, but I also made it when it was warm. When it’s cooler, it’s fine in the cupboard. It’s less about the wax paper, and more about keeping it well dusted with icing sugar.

      Reply
  8. Sheila says

    September 21, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Pure rosewater can be found at any pharmacy. You may have to ask for it but they do carry it. Some people use raspberry essence as an alternative , but the traditional flavor is rosewater.

    Reply
  9. Marie-Louise says

    December 7, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    I used this recipe for our school’s production of Narnia and it was fantastic! Thank you so much for the help Bryt 😄

    Reply
  10. Heather says

    December 12, 2016 at 12:32 am

    How long does it keep for? I want to make some for my mother-in-law for Christmas and just wondering how far in advance I can do that. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Molly says

    July 2, 2017 at 5:42 am

    I like it

    Reply
  12. Molly says

    September 25, 2017 at 5:46 am

    I Wish I Could Have Turkish Delight

    ★★★★

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Bryt!
I'm a bookaholic, huge Harry Potter fan, and love throwing full blown themed dinner parties. Read More…

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Instagram post 2160946009442381162_143772191 This shortcake recipe called for it to be "cooked in a spider"--- fortunately, not the type you want to run away from. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I came across the recipe in The Frugal American Housewives cookbook from 1829 when recreating the Sleepy Hollow recipes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A ‘spider’ was a cast iron or sheet metal pan with long legs to stand over the flames, with potentially a long handle–remembering that in the 1700s to early 1800s when The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was both based and written, the kitchen included an open hearth for cooking. You learn something new everyday!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As our kitchens have evolved since the 1800s, I used an oiled cast iron pan. It was unclear from the original recipe how big the cast iron pan would’ve been, so it’s possible the shortcakes were thinner in size than what I’ve created! Either way, my version of the recipe turned out out like a scone and tasted divine with cream on top.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #halloweenrecipes #historicrecipes #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2160221214023123062_143772191 We've looked out over the Hudson River that grounded Washington Irving and wandered the trails of Rudyard Kipling's Vermont.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There seem to be two things that have, if not inspired, at least played a large part of many writers lives-- being around people and being in nature. While being around people provides the backdrop and spark for characters and stories and situations, I can only suppose nature does the opposite. It can quieten everything around you and therefore, quieten inside your head, where, being a creative person, conversations are always happening.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While it's been an experience in itself to be where literary figures have been, it's more important to find your own spot, wherever in the world that may be.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#washingtonirving #rudyardkipling #vermont #nature #autumn #walkingtrails #creativity
Instagram post 2159496377441022874_143772191 Washington Irving candle ✔️ red wine ✔️cosy fire ✔️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
October sorted.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #candles #redwine #fireplace #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2158771510341022249_143772191 While not directly related to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, if you're in town on a day that Philipsburg Manor is open, it's a great way of looking back at the period of 1750, when the manor was active as a mill and trading center.  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was set in 1790, not long after the Philipsburg Manor estate was sold at auction in response to the owners’ allegiance to the British during the American Revolution. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
During October they also decorate the space up, so if you're looking for rustic and pumpkin scarecrows, this is the spot! You'll also want to stop by the gift shop to purchase a copy of Tales of The Old Dutch Burying Ground before you head to the cemetery. A fold-out map will keep you from getting turned around.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Instagram post 2158046731766296475_143772191 Carrying on from the Sleepy Hollow apple pie post, if you get a chance, sample some heirloom apples this season. Trying apples that would've been available when The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is set is a really great way of stepping back in time and a way of connecting with your favourite book.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
From what I can tell, varieties common during Washington Irving’s day would’ve been the Roxbury Russet, Newtown Pippin and the Rhode Island Greening.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After our visit to Sleepy Hollow, I beelined us over to Brattleboro in Vermont because I found out that @scottfarmvt grows over 130 heirloom apple varieties. Funnily enough, it was only when I was trying to find a place nearby that I realised that Rudyard Kipling once lived in the area (my trip planning is usually the other way round! Literary first, additional stops second). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #heirloomapples #pyoapples #appleorchard #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2157322097903217140_143772191 The all American apple pie can be traced way back to the 1300’s in England. Fortunately, in the 1700’s, when The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is set, they were using sugar and edible crusts, a big jump from the 1300’s where the crusts were merely dishes, and sugar was too expensive to use. The recipe Ichabod would have tasted would have been similar to the ones we eat today.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #applepie #applepierecipe #heirloomapples #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2156597286553873582_143772191 Happy as a clam since I've found my Sleepy Hollow pullover and trackies-I lived in them all through Vermont! Always wanted that comfy something to pull on in October, and now I have it 🎃 (found them in the gift shop at Sunnyside)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #historichudsonvalley #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2155872555559056207_143772191 The grandpa of the doughnut, olykoek (also spelt olicook and olykoecks), featured in the Sleepy Hollow feast, has numerous recipe variations. In simple terms, it is a ball of dough deep-fried in hot oil. Some recipes in The Sensible Cook, my go-to book on historic Dutch cooking, suggest that citrus, apples and/or almonds be mixed directly into the dough. However, a recipe found from Albany, New York provided an additional recipe for olykoek that folds raisins and dried citrus soaked in brandy, into the middle of the dough.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. #sleepyhollow #olykoek #halloweenrecipe #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
Instagram post 2155162576216722894_143772191 Whether you think you know the story of Washington Irving or not, a stop to visit Sunnyside is a treat. 🎃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I understood the impact Irving had on American and global literature, but listening to our guide (dressed in period costume!), really made Irving a real person, something no biography has been able to do for me. And even if you are travelling with someone who isn't familiar with Irving or his stories, they'll be able to follow along just fine (this is always the ultimate test when Jamie and I travel together 😏)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@inthevalley1 #sleepyhollow #sunnyside #historichudsonvalley #hudsonvalley #headlesshorseman #halloween #ichabodcrane #washingtonirving #october #halloweencountdown #legendofsleepyhollow #tarrytown
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