Strawberry Pate de Fruits

By CriminalxIntent

Strawberry Pate de Fruits are chewy candy squares bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries, but if they are not in season, you can use frozen berries. Make sure to buy berries without additional sugar added, and defrost them fully before using. This recipe yields 64 small 1-inch squares.

Ingredients

• 1 lb strawberries
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups granulated sugar, divided use
• 2.5 tbsp liquid pectin

Details

Servings 64
Adapted from candy.about.com

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare an 8x8 pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor and process until very well pureed.

Pour them through a mesh strainer into a medium saucepan, discarding any remaining fruit chunks. Stir in the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the sugar, place the pan over medium-high heat, and insert a candy thermometer.

Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is hot, around 140 degrees F. Add the remaining 1.5 cups of sugar and the liquid pectin, and lower the heat to medium.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture registers 200 degrees F. At this point, turn the heat to low and hold it at 200 for 2-3 minutes. After this, return the heat to medium and bring it up to 225 degrees F. This process will take some time, especially with the heat on medium, so have patience and be diligent in stirring frequently so the bottom doesn't scorch.

Once the fruit paste reaches 225, turn the heat to low and keep it at that temperature for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and scrape the strawberry pate de fruit mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.

Allow the pate de fruit mixture to set at room temperature for several hours, until completely cool and firm. Use a sharp knife to cut it into very small squares, and roll the individual pieces in granulated sugar.

The strawberry pate de fruits can be served immediately, or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. If refrigerated, the pieces may need to be re-rolled in granulated sugar before serving.