Nigella Lawson has once again whipped up a culinary masterpiece that’s simple enough for even the most novice baker: honeycomb, a sweet and crunchy treat that’s sure to become a favorite. This classic dessert, also known as ‘hokey pokey’ in Cornwall, is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only three ingredients and a few minutes of your time.
According to Nigella, “hokey pokey is a Cornish term for honeycomb. It is wonderful eaten in golden shards or crumbled into the best vanilla ice cream.” And she’s right! There’s something truly irresistible about this golden, brittle confection.
The beauty of Nigella’s recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need is sugar, golden syrup, and bicarbonate of soda. The process is equally straightforward: melt the sugar and syrup together, whisk in the bicarbonate of soda, and let it set on baking parchment.
But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this recipe is packed with flavor and texture. The golden shards of honeycomb, with their crispy exterior and slightly chewy interior, melt in your mouth, releasing a wave of sweetness that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Reviewers who have tried Nigella’s honeycomb recipe rave about its deliciousness and ease. “I would advise watching the pan like a hawk,” one reviewer noted. “When I was little this was known as ‘puff candy; and it’s still my favourite treat… sometimes I dip the pieces in chocolate.” Another remarked that Nigella’s recipe produces “delicious” and crispy real honeycomb pieces.
Ready to make your own batch of this irresistible treat? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
* 100g caster sugar
* Four tablespoons of golden syrup
* One-and-a-half teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda
Method:
1. Place the sugar and syrup in a large, deep saucepan and stir together to mix (with the heat off).
2. Place the pan on the heat and let the mixture melt, turning to goo and then to a bubbling mass. It should be the color of maple syrup – this will take around three minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the bicarbonate of soda. You’ll notice the syrup turning a pale gold color.
4. Immediately pour the mixture onto a piece of reusable baking parchment or greased foil.
5. Leave the honeycomb to set, and then bash it to create many glinting shards.
Nigella advises that the recipe doesn’t yield a huge amount of honeycomb, but that’s a good thing! After all, “any more and you’d be sued by your dentist.” So gather your friends and family, and enjoy this sweet, crunchy treat!
