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Like the candy in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Turkish Delight is the symbol of temptation," says Bruce Edwards, author of two recent books on Narnia and Lewis, Further Up and Further In and Not a Tame Lion. But in the story of Wonka's factory, "chocolate reigns," he says.

Perhaps it is no accident that the object of temptation in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was invented (or so tradition has it) to keep peace in a sultan's harem. The sultan asked his chef to make him a sweet that would appease his many wives, and the chef invented what is now known as Turkish Delight.

The point, of course, isn't so much what the candy is, but that Edmund indulges himself on it. As Lewis's demon Screwtape advises his nephew on encouraging gluttony, "However you approach it, the great thing is to bring [your subject] into the state in which the denial of any one indulgence … 'puts him out,' for then his charity, justice, and obedience are all at your mercy."

Recipe from Wikipedia

• 2 c sugar
• 1/2 c cornstarch
• 1 1/2 c water
• 1/2 ts cream of tartar
• 2 tb rosewater OR one of the following to taste:
• 1/2 ts rose food flavoring
• 1/4 c fruit juice
• 1 tb vanilla extract
• 1 tb orange extract
• 1 tb Creme de menthe liqueur
• Food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 c chopped toasted pistachios or almonds (optional)
• confectioner's sugar, granulated sugar, or desiccated coconut for dusting

Combine sugar, 1 c water, cream of tartar, and flavoring(s) in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with remaining water, mix completely, and slowly stir into sugar mixture. Boil over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes, until the mixture reaches "Firm-ball stage," or 245ºF (120ºC) on a candy thermometer. Apply non-stick cooking spray to a form (ice cube trays will do nicely), shallow pie pan, or jelly-roll pan. Pour the hot mixture into the pan or form and allow to set. When cool, release from form or cut into cubes as applicable and roll each piece in powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or coconut.

Store at room temperature in airtight container.

Note: with the exception of the sugar, cornstarch, water, cream of tartar, and cooking technique, this recipe may be greatly altered according to taste and/or occasion.

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CT's full coverage of C. S. Lewis and Narnia is available on our website.

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December (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49