How to Make Fruity French Monpansie Candy

Simple Summary

Monpansie is a delightful French candy that combines the elegance of traditional confectionery with vibrant fruit flavors, creating a sweet treat that's both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 64 pieces
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon fruit extract (strawberry, raspberry, or lemon)
• 2-3 drops of food coloring (matching the fruit flavor)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Line a 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides. Lightly grease the paper with cooking spray.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Insert a candy thermometer.

4. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.

5. Quickly stir in the fruit extract and food coloring until well combined.

6. Pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared pan, tilting to spread evenly.

7. Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until completely set.

8. Once cooled, lift the candy out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

9. Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Turn the candy out onto the board and remove the parchment paper.

10. Using a sharp knife, cut the candy into 1-inch squares or desired shapes.

11. Dust the cut candies with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper.

Chef's Notes

• For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is reached.
• Experiment with different fruit extracts like cherry, orange, or grape for variety.
• Work quickly when adding flavoring and pouring, as the candy will start to set fast.
• If the candy becomes too hard to cut, warm it slightly in a low oven (200°F) for a few minutes to soften.
• For a mixed flavor batch, divide the hot syrup into portions before adding different extracts and colors.
• Humidity can affect candy making. Choose a dry day for best results.

Nutritional Info

Per piece (approximate):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g These candies are fat-free and can be enjoyed as an occasional sweet treat. They provide a quick energy boost due to their sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

• Package Monpansie in decorative tins or glass jars for a beautiful homemade gift.
• Serve alongside a selection of cheeses and fruits for an elegant dessert platter.
• Use as a colorful topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Arrange different flavors in a candy dish for a visually appealing and tasty centerpiece at parties.