Country-style sweets are a typical delicacy of Brazilian cuisine, especially in the countryside, where simplicity and flavor come together to create truly delicious treats. This sweet, also known as “doce de corte” or “doce de tacho”, is made with basic ingredients and a method of preparation that harks back to home-made traditions.
Let's explore an authentic recipe for country-style sweets, with all the details you need to recreate this wonder at home. We'll talk about the ingredients, the preparation method and, at the end, present a summary table to make it easier for you to understand.
Ingredients for Country Cut Sweets
To prepare the country-style sweet, you will need simple and easily found ingredients. The recipe yields approximately 20 servings, depending on the size of the cuts. Check out the full list:
- 1 kg of crystal sugar
- 500 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (optional, to add shine)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent crystallization)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Yellow or orange food coloring (optional, for color)
These are the basic ingredients, but you can add personal touches, such as vanilla essence or cinnamon powder, to give an even more special flavor to your country-style sweet.
How to Prepare Country Cut Sweets
Now that we have separated the ingredients, let's move on to the preparation method. Follow the steps below to ensure a perfect country-style sweet:
- Prepare the pot or pan: Use a large, deep pan, preferably made of copper or aluminum, to ensure that the sweet cooks evenly.
- Mix the ingredients: Over medium heat, add the granulated sugar and water to the pan. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the corn syrup (if using), lemon juice and a pinch of salt. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to add color to the candy.
- Cook on low heat: Reduce the heat and let the mixture cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent the candy from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Test the point: The ideal point for country-style sweets is the “pearl” point. To test, take a tablespoon of the syrup and drop it on a cold plate. If a consistent bubble forms and does not run off, the sweet is at the right point.
- Pour and cut: Once the candy reaches the desired consistency, pour it onto a smooth, greased surface (it can be a marble or a silicone mold). Let it cool for a few minutes and, with a greased knife, cut it into squares or rectangles.
- Finalize: Let the candy cool completely before serving. It can be stored in airtight jars for up to two weeks.
Summary Table of Country Cut Sweets
To make it easier for you to understand, check out the table below with essential information about the recipe:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Performance | Approximately 20 servings |
| Preparation Time | 40 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Ingredients | Crystal sugar, water, corn glucose, lemon juice, salt, food coloring (optional) |
| Preparation Method | Cook over low heat until it reaches pearl stage, pour and cut |
| Storage | In sealed jars for up to two weeks |
Conclusion
Country-style sweets are a recipe that carries with them all the simplicity and flavor of traditional Brazilian cuisine. With affordable ingredients and an easy preparation method, it is perfect for those who want to try a little homemade sweetness. In addition, this recipe is versatile and allows for adaptations, such as the addition of essences or spices, to customize the flavor according to your taste.
Whether it’s to serve at parties, accompany coffee or give as a gift to someone special, country-style sweets are a delicious and charming option. Try making this recipe at home and surprise everyone with a little piece of our culture!
