Christmas Cookies (err...Candy)

Did you ever read CS Lewis' beloved book of Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe?  After reading this book in a class at school my curiosity was perked wondering what Turkish Delight tasted like.  My teacher did all of us a favor and ordered some from a delicious local candy store. My mom then tasted this delicious candy and LOVED it too, especially the green lime flavor coated in rich dark chocolate.  Hope this delicious recipe makes you feel like a kid again.

Turkish Delight
adapted from:  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/turkish-delight/

1 1/2 cups water
3 cups sugar
3 T light corn syrup
1/2 cup orange juice (lime juice)
3 T orange (lime) zest
3 (0.25oz) envelopes unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup cornstartch
1/2 cup cold water
1 T vanilla
3/4 cup chopped pistachios (omitted)
powdered sugar to dust
melted dark chocolate (to dip)

Bring 1 1/2 cups water, sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring all the while, until temperature reaches 240*F on a candy thermometer. Set aside (keep HOT). In another bowl combine orange juice and zest. Pour gelatin powder over.  Let rest. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; combine into hot syrup. Cook over medium low heat until SUPER thick. Remove from heat; add orange juice mixture and vanilla (with nuts if desired). Grease an 8x8pan (sprinkle and coat with powdered sugar).  Cool completely. Sprinkle with more powdered sugar and cut into small pieces. Dip individual pieces into melted chocolate. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Chill. Place in an air container and store (I like to store in fridge).