Candied fruit - what is this delicacy?

Eastern delicacy, the joy of sweet tooth, concentrated use of fruits, vegetables and berries - this is how you can characterize candied fruits. What kind of a delicacy is this, many know. But what benefit, except gastronomic pleasure, they carry, only a few.

About the benefits and not only

In the broadest sense, candied fruits are pieces of sweet vegetables, fruits and / or berries, cooked in sugar syrup. The process of their preparation came from the East, where they were considered and still remain a favorite treat. In fact, candied fruits were replaced there, in fact, despite the high caloric content and the high sugar content, they retain not only minerals but also vitamins, among which group B, A, PP and C lead, do not forget about food Fibers that ordinary sweets can not boast of. That's only they can do harm, if you do not know how to choose the right treat.

So, the distinctive feature of all candied fruits is their pastel shade, even if beets, strawberries or carrots were used for their preparation. This color is explained by the fact that the pieces are digested for a long time and then are subjected to the drying procedure. And because of the purchase of this kind of bright treats should be discarded, because, most likely, they were colored with special substances.

But the appearance itself will tell about the quality of the product. Each piece should be easily separated from the other, maintaining its characteristic shape. This is not, and the lobules stick to each other - it means that the technology of production and drying has not been observed.

Do not hesitate to check the elasticity of such delicacies, like candied fruit. What is it? Are they not compressed or after compression do not return to their original form? It is necessary to refuse from their purchase, after all such indicators testify to non-observance of procedure of storage.

Why know all these subtleties of choice? The answer is simple - these sweets can be given to children, and they are one of the main ingredients for the preparation of the Easter cake.

Cake with candied fruit - simple recipe

At once it is worth mentioning that it can be cooked in a single large form, as well as in muffin molds, while getting a classic cake or small cupcakes. So, for its preparation you will need flour (about 600 grams), sugar (200 grams, or one standard glass), eggs in the number of four pieces, butter - one pack weighing 200 grams, vanilla, salt, baking powder, orange and candied fruit.

What is this so universal recipe that allows such a wide application? The whole secret is in the simplicity of cooking. So, the first step is to knead the foundation. To do this, half of this volume of sugar is grinded with oil and vanilla, warmed to room temperature, added according to personal preferences. Next, add whipped egg yolks, remaining sugar, orange juice and zest. Now only add flour and baking powder. Do it better only after the flour was sifted. The last in the dough is added candied fruit. What does it represent? Slices of candied fruits spread in the middle of the dough and mix evenly.

The shape of the future cake is oiled, if required, and filled with dough. Bake should be at a level of 180 degrees for the gas oven and 200 degrees for electric for forty minutes. Decorate the same cake should only be cooled down, using the glaze for your own or industrial production.