Black pepper spices up candy recipe
When researching her book “Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine,” food historian Sarah Lohman came across a recipe for candy flavored with white wine and black pepper.
“Before the 19th century, black pepper was often used to flavor sweet dishes as well as savory,” explained Lohman, who features recipes in “Eight Flavors” for a black pepper spice cookie and dark chocolate cake made with red wine and topped with a black pepper ganache.
“We just kind of forgot” about using pepper in desserts, she added. “I think it’s time to bring it back!”
This pepper candy recipe comes from Hannah Glasse’s “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy,” first published in 1747 in England.
It is one of the historical dishes that will be served at “A Taste of the Past with Historical Gastronomist Sarah Lohman,” 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St. in San Luis Obispo.
For more information about the event, which is hosted by the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, call 805-543-0638 or visit www.historycenterslo.org.
White Wine and Black Pepper Snow Drops
¼ cup sweet white wine
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 ½ cups white sugar
Combine wine and pepper in a small saucepan; place on a stovetop burner on high. Cover. Boil for five minutes.
Add sugar, stir to combine. Drop into ½ teaspoon sized balls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Allow to dry completely.
— Courtesy of Sarah Lohman
This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Black pepper spices up candy recipe."