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Game Day Sweets: 5 Football-Themed Treats for the Win

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Updated: Friday, December 13, 2024

 

Football season isn't just a time for fans to gather and cheer for their favorite teams—it’s also a sweet opportunity for candy makers and chocolatiers to get creative. Game-day excitement will continue to grow until Super Bowl Sunday in February, creating a growing demand for football-themed sweets that add a special touch to each gathering. Whether it’s for tailgating, Super Bowl parties, or just family gatherings to watch the game, football-inspired treats appeal to both children and adults alike. Keep reading for fun and inspiring ideas that are sure to make shoppers cheer!

 

Football-Shaped Chocolates

Rich, detailed moulds can capture the look of a classic pigskin football, complete with stitches. Consider offering various sizes, from bite-sized treats to larger centerpiece chocolates that fans can break open during halftime. RCI member Peterbrooke Chocolatier, for example, offers life-sized chocolate footballs filled with their signature chocolate-covered butter popcorn. As if this realistic chocolate football from RCI member Annedore’s Fine Chocolates wasn’t impressive enough, we love how they package it with a pretty branded ribbon in their team colors.

Photo credit: See’s Candies

Transform your chocolate Easter eggs into footballs by simply piping the football stitching with white chocolate.  This rocky road football by RCI member See’s Candies is a real showstopper!

 

Photo credit: Bon Bons Chocolatier

 

Tailgate Essentials

You don’t have to be a devoted football fan to love this sporty merchandising display by RCI member Bon Bons Chocolatier! Not only do they showcase a variety of sizes of chocolate footballs, teaming up their football-themed treats with other cute tailgate essentials, such as a Game Day platter and fun puffy vest koozies, makes us want to host a football watch party just because!

 

 

Team-Colored Candy

Fans love repping their team colors, and that can easily translate into candies and chocolates. Always a hit for snacking at football parties, jelly beans, gummies, or chocolate-covered pretzels can also be used to sport your local team colors. There’s no surprise which team Baltimore-based Wockenfuss Candies is backing with these vibrant purple non-pareils! RCI member Fowler’s Chocolate Company developed their own popcorn mix complete with mini chocolate footballs, chocolate drizzle and team-colored sprinkles.

 

 

Chocolate Charcuterie Boards

RCI member, Vande Walle’s Candies has enjoyed success with their team-inspired chocolate charcuterie boards. Read RCI’s blog post for tips on building your own chocolate charcuterie board. RCI member Li-Lac Chocolates packs four varieties of sweet treats into a wooden tray to complete their chocolate football platter.

 

 

Photo credit: Just Candy StoreWH Candy

 

Themed Candy Bars

Another option is offering football-themed chocolate bars. Create custom wrappers for your own chocolate bars with football designs and clever sayings or better yet, chocolates that incorporate ingredients inspired by stadium snacks—pretzels, caramel corn or peanuts.

 

 

This social media post by RCI member Bruce’s Candy Kitchen is a nice reminder not to limit yourself to professional football teams. You may see just as much support, if not more, for high school and college football teams in your community.

Take advantage of football season by giving buyers a reason to spend on game day. Build a football-themed display by incorporating your local team’s colors (or black and white stripes will work too) and a chalkboard with spatterings of X’s, O’s and arrows…leading them straight to their next purchase!

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.  Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Fall  Football  Marketing  Member Ideas  Merchandising  Super Bowl 

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Fall Flavor Frenzy: 5 Must-Try Pumpkin Spice Treats

Posted By RCI, Monday, October 14, 2024
Updated: Friday, December 13, 2024
 

 

Thanks to Starbucks and their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (also known as PSL), the arrival of fall is now synonymous with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice. This delightful blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves has transcended the beverage world and found its way into an array of treats and confections.

Let’s dive into some delicious ways to satisfy those PSL cravings now through November with creative pumpkin spice-inspired confections!

 


Photo credit: Amy’s Gourmet Apples

 

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apples

Why not elevate the classic caramel apple with a pumpkin spice twist? For a limited time only, Amy’s Gourmet Apples dips a granny smith apple in caramel, before coating it in white chocolate. Lastly, the bottom is coated with graham cracker crumbs and topped off with a drizzle of orange chocolate for a seasonal spin.


Photo credit: Lore’s Chocolate

Pumpkin Seed Bark with Sea Salt

Get inspired by the flavors of fall with a pumpkin seed chocolate bark. Lore’s Chocolates sprinkles crispy, candied spiced pumpkin seeds and sea salt on top of dark chocolate. Put your own twist on this idea by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even candy corn. Your customers will love this festive treat!

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Craft rich, creamy pumpkin spice truffles by blending chocolate ganache with pumpkin puree and spices. RCI member Speckled Hen Chocolate Company makes a pumpkin truffle with real pumpkin, cream, butter, chocolate, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg all piped into an adorable mini chocolate pumpkin shell. 

Don’t have bite-sized pumpkin moulds? Consider rolling your pumpkin truffles in graham cracker crumbs or crushed pecans for an extra crunch.

 


Photo credit: Trolley Treats

 

Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Add a twist to popcorn by drizzling it with white chocolate and sprinkling pumpkin spice seasoning on top. Trolley Treats adds pumpkin candies to their festive fall popcorn mix. This sweet-and-salty treat is perfect for movie nights or cozy fall gatherings. Package it in festive bags for a fun, shareable snack!

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

If you love pumpkin and you love peanut butter, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate fall! Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company blends natural peanut butter with pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices to make the ultimate fall confection. This concept could also be applied to a peanut butter meltaway recipe. Consider adding a sprinkle of crunchy graham cracker crumbs as a finishing touch.

These confectioners are embracing the pumpkin spice trend in creative ways, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy consumers’ fall cravings. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of autumn and make the most of this pumpkin spice frenzy!

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.  Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Candy Making  Fall  Halloween  Member Ideas  Pumpkin Spice  Thanksgiving  Trends 

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5 Spooky Chocolate-Covered Treats for Halloween

Posted By RCI, Monday, October 7, 2024
Updated: Friday, December 13, 2024

 

Halloween season is back, bringing with it all the fun and spookiness we love! If you already make chocolate-covered treats, we’ve got some exciting ideas that require little effort and just a few extra touches. Here are five quick and easy ways to dress up your favorite chocolate-covered treats for a spooktacular Halloween!

 

 

Ghost Truffles

RCI member Graham’s Chocolates crafts the spookiest cute treat each Halloween: ghost truffles! A hauntingly delicious dark chocolate ganache wrapped in a sweet white chocolate shell. Perfect for a delightful fright!

 

 

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Witches Brooms

Embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween with delightful chocolate-covered strawberry witches’ brooms! These fun treats feature a fresh strawberry dipped in milk chocolate and topped with a chocolate Cheerio® and drizzled with more chocolate and finished with a mini pretzel stick, perfectly resembling broomsticks. Click here to watch a step-by-step video.

 

 

Monster Toes

Get ready for a fun and creepy Halloween treat with these giant monster toes! RCI member Water's Edge Chocolates transforms chocolate-covered Twinkies® into delightfully grotesque monster toes, complete with an edible chocolate toenail and chocolate jimmies to look like crazy hair. Perfect for Halloween parties or just for some spooky fun, these giant toes are sure to bring laughs and tasty bites!

 


Photo credit: The BearfootBaker

 

Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies

Turn classic chocolate-covered sandwich cookies into festive pumpkins! Simply dip cookies in orange chocolate and decorate as you like. We love the fun, whimsical touches used to decorate these pumpkins, from the misshapen googly eyes to the pecan stems. The possibilities are endless if you look at what you have on hand. Stick them on lollipop sticks for easy handling!

 

 

Frankenstein Crisp Rice Treats

Give your Rice Krispie® treats a spooky makeover! Dip treats in green chocolate and once set, add milk chocolate for hair, a jagged mouth and googly eyes. Add mini pretzel sticks to sides for his bolts.

These fun and easy ideas will add a delightful twist to your Halloween offerings. Make sure to share photos of your Halloween treats on social media and on your e-commerce site for greater exposure and sales potential. So grab your supplies, get creative and enjoy a sweet Halloween!

 

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Fall  Halloween  Holidays  Member Ideas 

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Try this Viral Strawberry Treat with a Twist

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Updated: Thursday, September 26, 2024

 

For many candy makers, selling chocolate-covered strawberries in the summer heat might sound like a recipe for disaster. However, thanks to a viral idea from a produce market in London, this seemingly crazy idea is worth a second look--especially for late summer and fall events, including outdoor gatherings.

 

 

The viral concept simply involves a cup of fresh strawberries covered with melted chocolate. Click here to see how RCI member Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus does it. The appeal of these chocolate-covered strawberries lies in their simplicity. If you’re a chocolatier, you already have melted chocolate and likely a good source for fresh strawberries, if you make chocolate-covered strawberries for holidays.

 

 

 

For a creative spin, consider a strawberry shortcake-inspired version. Drench strawberries in white and milk chocolate and sprinkle with crushed shortcake cookies for a nostalgic twist. Alternatively, a cookies and cream variation, where the strawberries are covered in a mix of white chocolate and crushed Oreo cookies, will satisfy any cookie lover’s craving. For a campfire classic, try a s’mores version by mixing strawberries with milk chocolate, mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

Don’t limit yourself to strawberries. Adding a mix of fresh pineapple, blueberries, and grapes will work beautifully with this technique. Pineapple can be drizzled with white chocolate and toasted coconut, and grapes can be covered in a dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt.

Incorporating these variations not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also helps your business stand out in a competitive market. Embrace this viral trend and let your creativity shine with these deliciously cool treats. This simple yet delicious idea has become a favorite because it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest ones, and these chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect example of that.

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.

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Tags:  Chocolate  Fall  Heat Tolerant Candy  Melted Chocolate  Outdoor Events  Spring  Strawberries  Summer 

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5 Surprising Ways to use Sweet Potato in Confections this Fall

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Updated: Friday, January 20, 2023

This week we’re gaining inspiration from one of the most underestimated fall ingredients—the sweet potato. While it’s unlikely that the sweet potato currently holds a spot in your collection of candy ingredients, we’re hoping you’ll give this surprisingly versatile super spud a chance to prove its worth in your candy kitchen this fall.

If sweet potato casserole is part of your family’s Thanksgiving spread, you may have thought to yourself, “this is good enough to be dessert!” That’s not just because of the gooey, toasted marshmallows on top. When roasted, sweet potatoes weep liquid which can be reduced to a naturally sweet, thick and creamy texture similar to caramel sauce. Add sugar, butter and heavy cream to make a more earthy variation of caramel or omit the dairy completely to make a vegan caramel.

 

 

Spiced Sweet Potato Caramels
Like sweet potato casserole, but better! This recipe is similar to pumpkin caramel, but with pureed sweet potato. You could use canned sweet potato puree to save time, but more importantly, consider layering this caramel with marshmallow to achieve the full sweet-potato-casserole effect. Or coat in chocolate and top with sea salt, because, why not?!

 

 

 

 

Dulce de leche and Sweet Potato
Though a turkey shape may be a timelier application here, we’re loving this combination of dulce de leche, sweet potato and sea salt encased in dark chocolate.

 

 

Salted Cashew Sweet Potato Fudge
Although unexpected, canned yams and cashew butter contribute to the rich flavor of this fudge recipe. Give it a try and you may find it to be a new fall favorite.

 

 

Sweet Potato Dark Chocolate Bar
Inspired by dulce de batata (a Dominican sweet potato pudding), this bean-to-bar chocolate maker uses sweet potato as substitute for animal milk in their vegan chocolate line.

 

 

Sweet Potato Caramel Sauce
This approach is not for everyone, but if you enjoy experimenting and can appreciate a very minimal ingredient list and/or want to grow your vegan customer base, this two-ingredient recipe for sweet potato caramel sauce may be worth a try. This sauce could be used for savory or sweet applications and could the base for a number of other sweet potato experiments.

Move over pumpkin and make room for the versatile sweet potato as a new favorite fall ingredient! Not only is the sweet potato a beloved addition to many holiday potlucks (shout out to sweet potato casserole and pie!), it is also a superstar in the vegan community. If you find the humble sweet potato as endearing as we do, share your sweet potato confections on RCI’s Facebook page @retailconfectioners.

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Caramel  Creative Flavors  Fall  Fudge  Thanksgiving  Vegan 

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Apple Cider Infused Treats: Perfect for Fall

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Updated: Friday, January 20, 2023

 

Long before pumpkin spice lattes were a thing, spiced apple cider was quite possibly the undisputed official beverage of fall. While pumpkin spice can be found nearly everywhere this time of year, there are still some of us who look forward to tracking down high-quality apple cider at the local farmers’ market or a roadside farmstand. Together the fresh apple flavor paired with the aroma of warming spices elicits all the cozy feels.

Before apple month draws to a close, we pay homage to the regal apple with apple cider infused confections.

 

 

Cider Spiced Candy Apples

Put a fall spin on your candy apple recipe by adding apple cider to your recipe—or try this recipe on for size. This could also be applied to caramel apples by making an apple cider caramel. Check out this recipe for apple cider caramels.

 

 

Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn
The addition of spiced apple cider brings a welcome depth of flavor to any caramel recipe—including caramel popcorn.

 

 

Spiced Cider Fudge
This easy white chocolate fudge is flavored with apple cider and pieces of toffee for texture.

We hope you enjoy this post! If you try any of these recipes or would like to share photos of your favorite apple cider infused confections on Facebook, tag us @retailconfectioners.

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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Tags:  Apple  Apple Cider  Candy Apple  Caramel  Fall  Fudge  Halloween  Popcorn  Pumpkin Spice 

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No-Sugar Added Hot Cocoa Bombs: Tips, Tricks & Recipe

Posted By RCI, Wednesday, January 26, 2022

 

Hot cocoa bombs were all the rage last year and so far, are coming in hot for the cooler fall and winter seasons. Although considered a very indulgent beverage treat, RCI partner, Blommer Chocolate Company, has shared their version with no sugar added!

 

If you’ve ever struggled with assembling hot cocoa bombs, Blommer also covers two methods of assembling and adhering hot cocoa bombs for you to try and choose your favorite.

Click here for detailed instructions and a recipe for no-sugar-added hot cocoa bombs, plus valuable tips and tricks for making the perfect hot cocoa bomb every time!

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Fall  Hot Cocoa  no-sugar-added  Recipe  tips  Trends  Winter 

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Snag this idea: Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Bombs

Posted By RCI, Wednesday, January 26, 2022

 

This sweet idea from RCI partner, Tomric Chocolate Systems, combines two of the hottest trends this fall—pumpkin spice and a hot cocoa bomb all in one unmistakably fall package.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’re likely well aware last year’s hot cocoa bomb trend is just as hot as ever. Stand out from the literal hundreds, if not thousands, of cocoa bombs on the market these days by offering something more unexpected, a pumpkin spice hot cocoa bomb, in the shape of—you guessed it—a pumpkin!

 

 

Click here for detailed instructions on how to recreate this exact look using Tomric’s H-855 mould and their recipe for pumpkin spice hot cocoa to fill your pumpkins!

Although today is National Pumpkin Day—this concept can be celebrated throughout November and can be marketed to customers as a fall holiday hostess gift or even as centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. If this cute little gourd has you feeling inspired, look at your inventory of hollow moulds that could also be converted into unique hot cocoa bombs like this.

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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Tags:  Fall  Hot Cocoa  Moulds  Pumpkin Spice  Recipe  Thanksgiving 

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Apple Month

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Updated: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

 

Pumpkin may reign king of fall, but one might say the apple is queen. October is National Apple Month and just another reason to incorporate apple into your fall product line up. Keep reading for five confections to help you celebrate National Apple Month.

 

 

Apple Pecan Caramel Bark

RCI member, Hilliard’s Chocolates, evokes all the fall feels with this bark that combines white chocolate, cinnamon oil, dried apples, caramel and cinnamon sugar for a welcome fall treat. Hilliard's Chocolates presented this idea at a past Candy Clinic. RCI members can login to view past Candy Clinic presentations like this one at retailconfectioners.org/candyclinic.

 

 

Apple Pie Truffles

Achieve the comforting flavors of warm, apple pie in a truffle with this recipe from Peter’s Chocolate.

 

 

Apple Cider Caramels

Another iconic fall flavor, apple cider brings a welcome depth of flavor to any caramel recipe. Check out  this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

 

 

Apple Pie Fudge

Not only does this fudge bring fall flavor, the addition of gingersnap cookies emulates the texture of a crisp fall apple. Click here to view recipe from Sugary Sweets.

 

 

Caramel Apple Popcorn

Caramel popcorn is reimagined for fall with dried apple chips and a dash of warm cinnamon in this recipe by Cookies and Cups.

We hope this week’s post helps you celebrate the flavors of the fall apple harvest.

Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Tags:  Apple  Fall  Recipe 

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6 Ways to Dress Your Apples for Halloween

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Updated: Thursday, January 21, 2021

 

You may already have a Halloween costume in mind for yourself, but what about your apples? For shoppers looking for unique treats this Halloween, here are six ways to dress up both candy and caramel apples for Halloween.

 

 

Photo credit: Bakingdom

Pumpkins

If you already make candy apples, simply replace the red food coloring with orange and tie on a green ribbon to transform your apples into “pumpkins.” Fans of your candy apples will be pleasantly surprised by a new take on a classic.

 

Photo credit: Hilliard's Chocolates

 

Ghost

These caramel apple ghosts are so cute…and easy, it’s almost frightening. After layering your apples with luscious caramel, dunk them in white chocolate. We recommend piping dark chocolate to make the for the eyes and mouth—by the way, we love their pumpkin apple too!

 

 

Photo credit: Keeping Up With Kaci

Mummy

Bring you mummy caramel apples to life by turning white-chocolate-covered apples on their side and spining while adding thin, layered stripes in white chocolate. Before the chocolate dries, embellish with candy eyeballs or, as before, use dark chocolate.

 

 

Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Candy Company

Frankenstein

Green confectioners coating topped with candy corn, dark chocolate and more candy eyeballs complete this Frankenstein-inspired caramel apple. Do you dare to give it a try?

 

 

 

Photo credit: Woman’s Day

Woodland Creatures

These adorable woodland creatures are proof that Halloween treats don’t have to be spooky. Click here for a tutorial from Woman’s Day.

 

 

Poison Apple

These glossy, black candy apples are spooky chic. Expect lots of oohs and ahs, in addition to social media shares. Click here to view a video tutorial by Taste Made.

Shoppers looking for unique treats will scream with delight when seeing your spooky, sweet apples all dressed up for Halloween.

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook.

Tags:  Candy Apple  Candy Holidays  Caramel Apple  Creativity  Fall  Halloween  Tutorial 

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