A Bit Of Turkish

Turkish delight

 (also known as lokum) is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios and hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the gel; the cheapest are mostly gel, generally flavored with rosewater, mastic, or lemon. The confection is often packaged and eaten in small cubes dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of Tartar, to prevent clinging.These would be the ones we are used to seeing in the stores. Other common types include such flavors as cinnamon and mint. In the production process, soapwort may be used as an emulsifying additive. Recently a French Market in the town had a stall selling some of the more exotic flavours.

It's been around since the 15th century, originating in the Ottoman Empire. Originally, honey and molasses were its sweeteners, and water and flour were the binding agents.
It was introduced to the West in the 19th century. An unknown Briton reputedly became very fond of the delicacy during his travels to Istanbul, and purchased cases of it, to be shipped back to Britain under the name Turkish delight. It became a major delicacy in Britain and throughout Continental Europe. Nowadays a British Christmas is not complete without at least one box of the delicious sweet cubes.

It was Iris yet again who triumphed... clearly her culinary knowledge is quite excellent. Well done Iris!

So... what's the new food?

Name This Food!