Preparing Citrus Sugar For Flavor and Decoration
On the top of my list of favorite kitchen utensils is the Microplane, a fine metal grater covered with thin, sharp metal teeth. It’s the perfect tool for removing the zest from citrus, such as oranges, lemons, and limes as it effortlessly removes it in fine, thin shreds. read on to learn how to make citrus sugar and follow along with the images.
The technique I prefer: Hold citrus in 1 hand and use opposite hand to drag the Microplane across the surface. Repeat, turning the citrus so as not to go over any previously peeled surfaces, avoiding the white pith underneath, which is bitter. The peel collects on the underside of the grater, which can then be mixed, into sugar, imparting a fragrant and distinctive citrus flavor. Make it as strong or as mild as you prefer, but in general, the zest from one orange, lemon, or lime mixed with 1/4 cup sugar is a good proportion. It may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Use the scented sugar in a variety of ways:
- Use it to flavor whipped cream
- Sprinkle it over fresh berries
- Sprinkle it over egg washed scones before baking to form a sugar crust
- Mix it into pie filling to add zip
- Use it to make a sugared glass rim for a cosmopolitan, mojito or margarita
Images: Sarah Tenaglia
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