[Sca-cooks] Sugar sponge

[Johnna Holloway]

I don't know that we are definitely going to be able to say what was what
with regard to all the terms in sugar and candy terminology.
I do work in confectionery and early recipes at times. The recipe will often
be a sketch and end with words like " till it candies" or "it is done."
If one stirs the mixture until it grains, that's one product. Don't stir 
it as much and
it's something different. Cook slightly higher and it's different from 
the mixture
when cooked at a lower temp. Same ingredients, same amounts, same 
instructions.

I am thinking also that these problems are the result of translations 
and more translations and we are dealing with descriptions
of sugars and candies here and sketchy recipes at best.

But it is interesting and a puzzle.

Johnnae


Suey wrote:
>     My points are: could sponge sugar have been pink due to the 
> processing after the third boiling? and is this the correct translation 
> of the medieval item? Did it take on a sponge-like appearance after 
> fluffing?
>     Thank you all for your contributions. I find this so much fun as you 
> try to enlighten my ignorance! Darn I wish I had a few canes around to 
> play with.
> Suey
>