Prickly Pear Candy

Prepare your equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

Strain the Prickly Pear Juice: Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the prickly pear juice into a bowl, ensuring a smooth candy texture. (10 minutes)

Combine and Cook: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the strained prickly pear juice and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. (15 minutes)

Pour and Bake: Once boiling, immediately remove from heat and carefully pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread evenly. Bake until the candy is firm and slightly caramelized around the edges. (5-7 minutes)

Cool and Set: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candy cool completely in the pan until firm and set. This may take at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Cut and Wrap: Once cooled, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the candy into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.