Chocolate Turkish Paste

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. granulated gelatin (unflavored)
• 1/2 c. cold water
• 2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/3 c. cocoa
• 2/3 c. water
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Soak the gelatin in 1/2 cupful cold water 10 minutes. Combine sugar, cocoa and 2/3 cupful water in a heavy saucepan; cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is well dissolved. Blend in the gelatin and bring to a boil; cook slowly over a low fire about 15 minutes (220 degrees) without stirring. Remove from fire; stir in the vanilla, and cool undisturbed for about 30 minutes. Line the bottom of a shallow pan (8-inch square) with waxed paper. Pour in cooled mixture. Let stand 24 hours, then invert onto a well-greased surface. Carefully peel off paper; cut into squares and roll in granulated sugar.

Yield: About 4 dozen squares.