TURKISH DELIGHT

Steps:

• Oil an 8-inch-square baking pan, and set aside. Place the sugar, 1 cup water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan, and stir to combine. Place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. If there are sugar crystals on the side of the pan, brush down with a pastry brush dipped in water. Clip on a candy thermometer, and heat to 240 degrees. Remove sugar syrup from the heat, and set aside.
• Combine 3/4 cup cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 3/4 cup water in a medium saucepan, and whisk until smooth and fully combined. Bring the remaining 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a separate pan; add to cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. Place over medium heat, and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture becomes quite thick and just comes to a boil.
• Pour the sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly, and reduce heat to medium. Gently simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in rose water, food coloring, and almonds, if using. Pour into the prepared pan, and let set overnight. Combine the confectioners' sugar with the remaining 1/4 cup cornstarch. Sprinkle some of the mixture in an even layer over a cutting board, and unmold the Turkish delight onto it. Sprinkle the top of the candy with more of the sugar mixture. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch squares. Let sit uncovered overnight. Just before serving, dust with the remaining sugar mixture. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.