Candied Ginger (Crystallized Ginger)

I'm on a ginger roll. My last couple of entries had a component of ginger and this entry also involves ginger. I gotta admit that ginger is one of my favorite spices. It makes for a wonderful dessert like my all time favorite: ginger milk pudding.

This recipe makes ginger the star, because it's the best way to munch on ginger while also satisfying my sweet tooth.

Candied Ginger (Crystallized Ginger)
From David Lebovitz

Ingredients

• 1 pound (500g) fresh ginger, peeled
• 4 cups (800g) sugar, plus additional sugar for coating the ginger slices, if desired
• 4 cups (1l) water
• pinch of salt

Directions

1. Slice the ginger as thinly as possible. It can’t be too thin, so use a sharp knife.
2. Put the ginger slices in a non-reactive pot, add enough water to cover the ginger, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let ginger simmer for ten minutes. Drain, and repeat, simmering the ginger slices one more time. (Next time, I'm just going to simmer the ginger once...I prefer a stronger ginger bite)
3. Mix the sugar and 4 cups (1l) water in the pot, along with a pinch of salt and the ginger slices, and cook until the temperature reaches 225F (106C.)
4. Remove from heat and let stand for at least an hour, although I often let it sit overnight. Or if you want to coat the slices with sugar, drain very well while the ginger is hot, so the syrup will drain away better.
5. Store ginger slices in its syrup, or toss the drained slices in granulated sugar. Shake off excess sugar, and spread the ginger slices on a cooling rack overnight, until they’re somewhat dry. The sugar can be reused in a batter or ice cream base, or for another purpose.

Storage: The ginger, packed in its syrup, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year. If you’re concerned with it crystallizing, add a tablespoon or two of corn syrup or glucose to the sugar syrup at the beginning of step #3. If tossed in sugar, the pieces can be stored at room temperature for a few months.



I don't know if anyone is going to read this section, but I need to rant. Have you ever had a toxic friend? The one that brings you up and down and drives you crazy, but you can't seem to get away. You always seem to subject yourself to these negative encounters with this friend. The reason why you can't just cut the friendship is because it's family and you're stuck. Oye. What a dilemma it creates.