It's important to clarify that you are likely referring to making a simple syrup that resembles glucose syrup, rather than isolating pure glucose itself, which requires specialized equipment and chemical processes. The following recipe provides a method for creating a glucose syrup substitute.
Here's how you can make a homemade glucose syrup substitute:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups caster sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the caster sugar, water, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Dissolve Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Avoid stirring during the simmering process as it can cause crystallization.
- Check Consistency: To test the consistency, carefully remove a small amount with a spoon and let it cool slightly. It should be syrupy and slightly thicker than water.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. Store the syrup in an airtight container at room temperature.
Important Notes:
- Caution: Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns.
- Crystallization: To prevent crystallization, ensure that all sugar crystals are dissolved before boiling, and avoid stirring the mixture while it is simmering. If crystals do form, you can try brushing the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve them.
- Cream of Tartar: The cream of tartar helps to invert some of the sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose, which helps to prevent crystallization and gives the syrup a smoother texture.
- Substitutions: This homemade glucose syrup substitute can be used in recipes that call for glucose syrup or corn syrup.
