Erzurum Iron Dessert Description and Distinctive Features of the Product: Erzurum Iron Sweet, a dessert made using wheat flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder, involves dipping geometrically shaped cast iron or black sheet metal molds into oil, frying them, sweetening with syrup, and serving with sprinkled walnuts. Erzurum Iron Sweet gets its name from the iron molds used in production, which are made of cast iron or black sheet metal. After the frying process, these molds are not washed; instead, they are wiped with an oily cloth and stored. Otherwise, the dough would stick to the iron and become inseparable. If the molds will not be used for an extended period, they are stored in a jar filled with oil. The molds are heated in the frying oil along with the oil. Shaping the dessert by dipping the molds into the dough, frying the dough until it turns a golden yellow without hardening, and syruping without absorbing too much syrup to prevent softening all require a skillful touch. The history of Erzurum Iron Sweet dates back to ancient times and holds a significant place in Erzurum's culinary culture. In the past, every family had its own distinctive iron mold, and families were recognized by the shapes of the iron sweets they made. This situation was seen as a sort of family emblem. Therefore, Erzurum Iron Sweet is associated with both the geographical region and its reputation. Production Method: Dough Components: - 120 ml milk - 4 eggs - 6 g baking powder - 200 g wheat flour Syrup for Iron Sweet: - 720 g white granulated sugar - 600 ml water - 1/4 lemon juice - 500 ml frying oil As the syrup for Erzurum Iron Sweet is used warm, it is prepared first. White granulated sugar and water are boiled for 25-30 minutes until it slightly thickens. When the color turns yellow, it is removed from the heat, lemon juice is squeezed in, and it is left to cool. The components for the dough are mixed to achieve a pancake batter consistency. Frying oil and the iron mold are placed in a pot. The oil, along with the mold, is heated, ensuring that there is enough oil to cover the mold. Once the mold becomes hot, it is taken out of the oil and dipped into the dough. At this stage, care is taken to ensure that the dough does not cover the mold completely. The mold, covered with dough, is immediately taken out and placed into the hot oil. After waiting for 3-4 seconds, the mold is gently shaken to separate the dough from the mold. When both sides of the dough turn golden yellow and are fully cooked, it is removed from the frying oil and placed on a plate. During the frying process, the iron mold is first dipped into the frying oil and heated before being dipped into the dough since the iron mold cools down.Once the sweets cool, they are dipped in the warm syrup and taken out. After sprinkling crushed walnuts on top of Erzurum Iron Sweet, it is ready to be served.