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| Clear mirror candy |
Mirror candy is simply a thin sheet of caramelized sugar, golden brown in color. It’s sprinkled with peanuts and sesame seeds to stimulate the taste buds and make it more visually appealing. The candy has a slightly chewy texture, and its cute appearance makes it easy to win the favor of those who try it. Small, cute, and being wrapped in transparent paper, it’s a meaningful gift for visitors coming to Hue.
The candy is made from basic, easily accessible ingredients, such as sugar, sesame seeds, peanuts, lemon juice, and cooking oil. Sesame seeds and peanuts are roasted; sugar is boiled with a bit of water until it turns light golden and thickens slightly; a little lemon juice is added to prevent crystallization and to give the candy its distinctive transparency. Afterward, the sesame and peanuts are quickly added to the sugar mixture and stirred well. The hot mixture is poured into a prepared mold or tray, and the candy is spread into a thin layer using a knife or spoon. Once the candy cools completely, it is cut into small pieces.
Mirror candy is popular in both Hue and Quang Ngai, where it is considered a specialty of both regions. However, each place has its own unique variation. Quang Ngai’s mirror candy is typically thinner, more transparent, and crispier, while Hue’s version is slightly thicker and has a milky color. Both versions are delicious, with their own charm. I’ve had the opportunity to try both and still have a special fondness for Hue’s mirror candy, perhaps because of the emotional connection to my homeland?
Similar to sesame candy, mirror candy is lighter and easier to eat. The two types offer different flavors: one is delicate and elegant, while the other is sweet and deep. Mirror candy has a crisp, brittle texture, whereas sesame candy, due to the inclusion of malt syrup, has a chewy, soft, and sticky consistency. While mirror candy is a specialty of Hue and Quang Ngai, sesame candy is unique to the Ancient Capital.
Enjoying mirror candy is an interesting experience. It has a light, subtle sweetness that melts slowly in your mouth. With each bite, you hear it crumble, blending with the rich, nutty flavor of sesame and the crispy, rich taste of peanuts. A piece of this sweet treat can instantly lift your spirits and bring a sense of joy.
Mirror candy is a perfect choice for an afternoon tea, especially when paired with the light bitterness of green tea, the purity of lotus tea, the mild bitterness of olong tea, the delicate sweetness of chrysanthemum tea, or the slight bitterness and sweet aftertaste of black tea, etc. The sweetness of the candy balances beautifully. On rainy days in Hue, sitting under a porch with a pot of hot tea, a plate of candy, and a close friend, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility and lightness in your soul.