Kohakutou is a traditional Japanese candy that has a crunchy crust but chewy inside. Kohakutou was made from Agar Agar and once it hardened, it became these gorgeous edible crystals!

Ingredients:

• 4g agar-agar powder (Jelly powder) 

• 300g white sugar

• 300g water

• 1 tbsp syrup of your preference (maple syrup, Ribena, etc….)

• A tiny amount of food colouring of your choice

Yields around 32 candies 

1) Prepare a lightly oiled high-temperature proof container and stand-by the syrup

2) Add water and agar-agar powder to the cooking pot and melt it over medium heat. Remember to stir it constantly to prevent burning. It takes about 1-2 minutes for the agar powder to melt completely

3) Add sugar and keep stirring. It will turn foamy. Keep stirring for around 5 minutes

4) Remove from heat and pour immediately into the container. Quickly add the syrup and mix well. Put in the tiny amount of food colouring and swirl using a toothpick.

5) Chill in the fridge for around an hour until it has set. It will be firm enough to be cut.

6) Cut into small pieces (2-3cm cubes) and place on a baking sheet

7) Let the candies sit for 2 to 3 days until the surface dry out completely. Once crystallized, the candies will have a jewel-like finish. 

There you go, your batch of unique “kohakutou” is done. They are crunchy on the outside, but chewy on the inside. It lasts for around 2 weeks in an airtight container.