Candy Making 101

Chocolate candy making is easy and fun to do. It can be a project for the whole family.

It can be as simple as plain chocolate to very detailed, using colors or fillings.

We carry Merkins wafers which come in milk, dark and white.

There are also colors: red, dark green, light green, yellow, orange, pink, blue and purple, which all taste like the white.

Merkins also makes butterscotch and peanut butter flavored wafers.

CANDY MELTING INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT GET ANY WATER IN THE CHOCOLATE. BE SURE THAT ALL BOWLS AND UTENSILS ARE DRY BEFORE USING.

Double Boiler Method:
Heat water in the bottom portion of a double-boiler until it is boiling vigorously. Turn off the heat and put wafers in the upper portion of the boiler. Stir frequently until the chocolate is entirely melted. It should be the consistency of a thin pancake batter. Re-heat as needed.

Microwave Method:
Use a microwave safe bowl. Heat chocolate for 30 seconds on a medium setting. Take out and stir. Repeat this process until the chocolate is melted and the consistency of a thin pancake batter. It may take about 3 minutes.

When Painting Molds:
To keep the colors ready for detailing, use small Pyrex type dishes on a griddle or electric frying pan with a small amount of water on the lowest setting.

Trouble shooting:
Overheating may cause the chocolate to thicken or burn. Always start with a small amount of chocolate until you know how long melting will take in your microwave. If your chocolate is burned, there is no course but to throw it out. If it is thick and difficult to work with, it may be thinned with Paramount Crystals.

Filling Molds:
Use a teaspoon or squeeze bottle to pour melted chocolate into the mold. Tap the filled mold on the table so that air bubbles will surface. If making a pop, insert stick and roll it to cover. Place mold in refrigerator or freezer to harden. Time will vary depending on the mold thickness.

To Paint or Not to Paint
Painting the details on a mold is a form of expression. It gives you a chance to put more of yourself into each piece, how you envision what it should look like. It is like ceramics…but you get to eat your mistakes!

Tools you'll need to paint: food approved paintbrush, toothpick, cake tester, squeeze bottle or the end of a lollipop stick. It all actually depends on how small it is and what you find comfortable.

Care of Molds:
Do not put in the dishwasher. Use lukewarm soapy water and rinse immediately. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.