¼cupsuperfine sugaraka casters or bakers sugar, or make your own
Instructions
Prepare ingredients
Whip egg white and 1 teaspoon water together until frothy. (This makes the consistency easier to paint onto the petals)
If needed, turn granulated sugar into superfine sugar by pulsing in a food processor until fine
Pull lilac flowers off the stems so you have a pile to work with
Make the candied lilacs
Paint the tops and undersides of one lilac with the egg wash. Then shower it in sugar, coating both the tops and bottoms of the petals. Set on parchment or wax paper to dry.
Repeat until all flowers are done.
Let flowers dry 24-48 hours
Let the flowers dry in the open air for 24-48 hours. They need to be completely dry before storing in an airtight container, or they will wilt from the humidity they release while drying. To test for dryness, place 1 petal in a small, airtight container and see if it wilts or stays stiff after 8-12 hours.
Once dry, store in an airtight container for up to a year at room temperature (or in the fridge if your house gets hot). I prefer glass jars, since plastic can hold odors.