'I bet if you try it you won't be able to stop at just one piece!' Photo courtesy of Dannii Minogue.
My guilty pleasure this month is Turkish Delight, something I never used to go out of my way to eat until a couple of months ago when someone bought a box of traditional Turkish Delight to the Australia's Got Talent auditions in Sydney.
Chocolate and sweet treats are occupational 'hazards' during long days of filming on the AGT set, and I'll admit I'm first in line when they crack open a box of Ferrero Rocher. I've seen the TV commercial - I know somewhere, in a remote and exotic embassy, there is an 'Ambassador' looking on and really spoiling us, so it would be rude not to!
I have to say; when the Australian-made and aptly named Real Turkish Delight made its appearance during a break in filming I really wasn't interested. Until they took the lid off the box...
Authentic Turkish Delight is made with rose water and the scent packs a phenomenal punch, as if the room has been filled with fresh, garden-grown flowers.
It was irresistible and, once I'd sampled the first juicy, icing sugar-dusted, pink-tinged cube, I was infatuated. The texture is tackier than other jelly-style sweets so, when you sink your teeth into a piece, it has a bitey, slightly chewy texture. And, if you go for traditionally made Turkish Delight, it's preservative-free so the taste is pure and delicate, like eating rose petals.
That might sound a little weird, but I bet if you try it you won't be able to stop at just one piece!
I'm sorry to say that Real Turkish Delight isn't available in the UK, but relieved to hear that Arabica Food and Spice in Selfridges Food Hall stocks the genuine article. Step aside shoppers, I'm coming on through!