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| MarthaStewart.com |
Brittles & Toffees
As long as they’re not coated in chocolate, you can count on these hard candies to stand tough. This recipe for sweet and smoky brittle from MarthaStewart.com would make the perfect addition to a summer BBQ or pool-party themed display or sold at a farmers’ market.
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| Tastemade.com |
Fudge
Not only do many fudge recipes hold up to reasonable heat, no-cook fudge recipes can help you keep the temperature down in your candy kitchen. Check out this tutorial for watermelon fudge that screams summer! Consider inserting popsicle sticks into watermelon wedges to serve as fudge pops.
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| Chocolate Storybook |
Cotton Candy
A staple at any outdoor carnival or boardwalk, these sugary clouds melt in your mouth, but not in your hand. When stored properly, cotton candy can withstand relatively high temperatures and deliver pops of color to your booth or retail shop. If you don’t want to make it yourself, Chocolate Storybook wholesales 31 unique flavors of hand-spun, specialty cotton candy from classic pink vanilla to spicy jalapeno.
Outshine the sun this spring and summer with these 5 delicious treats that can tolerate the heat, without turning into a melty, soupy mess.
Register now for RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo
Get more inspired ideas like these from fellow confectionery professionals and join us at RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo June 3-7, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. Register now to attend RCI's two-day Industry Expo for only $5 with the promo code "RCIHigh5." For more information and to register online, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual.
Note: The above recommendations are intended for use in reasonable conditions and not guaranteed to withstand extreme heat, such that might occur in shipping during spring and summer months.
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.
Tags: Brittle Cotton Candy Fudge Heat Tolerant Candy Marshmallow Member Ideas Summer Toffee Truffles
Tip #299: 5 Animal-Themed Treats to Support National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
Did you know April 30 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?
When there’s a national holiday celebrating everything from potato chips to “talking like a pirate,” it may be difficult to take these holidays seriously. When you find a holiday that speaks to your heart, however, it can create an opportunity for you and your business to support a cause that you may not have otherwise thought would make sense for a candy business.
If helping our furry friends find a forever home makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, consider making these fun animal-themed treats as a way to raise funds for shelter animals in your local community.
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| Moonstruck Chocolate Co. |
Chocolatey Critters
Use your strengths to create fun and creative confections inspired by the critters that melt our hearts. Moonstruck Chocolate Co. of Portland, Oregon has become famous for their four-piece “Critter Truffle Collection,” which consists of handmade truffles resembling a bunny, cat, mouse and none other than a chocolate lab.
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| kidsactivitiesblog.comandPinterest |
DIY (Decorate-It-Yourself) Dog & Cat Cookies
It will be raining dog and cat-lovers in your candy shop if you invite families to decorate their own chocolate-covered sandwich cookies like their favorite pets, in exchange for a donation to your local animal shelter. Click here for an easy step-by-step tutorial to make these cute cats by kidsactivitiesblog.com.
Party Animal Crackers
Animal crackers hold a special place in the heart of both kids and kids-at-heart, but when coated in chocolate that’s a game changer. When sold in small portions, these make great birthday party favors or a fun snack. Consider donating a portion of your sales of chocolate-covered animal crackers to a charity that serves animals.
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| Handmade Charlotte |
Candy Bar Pups
These treats are so doggone cute, we couldn’t resist sharing! Although these are made using a Twix candy bar for the body, a Tootsie Roll for the ears and a Hershey Kiss for the head, you may be inspired to use other products that you make and sell in your own store. Click here to view the tutorial.
Pet-Friendly Dipped Treats
We all know chocolate isn’t safe for pets, however, RCI members, Boehm’s Candies Chocolates of Issaquah, Washington and Bomboy’s Home Made Candy of Havre De Grace, Maryland sell special dog treats made with safe alternatives that don’t contain actual chocolate. Boehm’s Candies offers 1.5-ounce dog treats dipped in peanut butter or white confectionery coating, while Bomboy’s Home Made Candy of Havre De Grace, MD sells Vanilla-Dipped Dog Bones for man’s best friend.
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.
Tags: Animals Charity Creativity Dog Treats Holidays Member Ideas
Tip #284: 8 Ways to Show Employees Gratitude
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
Recognized employees are happy employees.
To some level, I think we can all agree this is a true statement. But why is it important? Studies show happy employees are, on average, 12% more productive than their less-happy counterparts. And now that Christmas is just over a month away, we could all use tips on how to be more productive, right?
Following an education session on attracting and retaining talent at RCI’s 2018 Annual Convention (RCI members: click here to watch the recap video), RCI members shared the countless ways they show employee appreciation (plus, many more) during our live question and answer forum, we call “Kettle Talk.” Here’s 8 of our favorite member ideas to show employee gratitude.
Simple recognition
This tip may be so obvious you could be overlooking it. Recognition in the form of a simple thank-you note or shout out in the company newsletter or on the white board in the breakroom can speak volumes. You may even be surprised at how many people hold on to kind notes from a boss or co-worker, to later reference when they need a pick-me-up.
Training
“40% of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year,” (go2HR). There are countless studies, like this, illustrating the value of employee training and development opportunities.
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| Staff from Winans Fine Chocolates + Coffees regularly attends RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo |
Winans Fine Chocolates + Coffees acknowledges the importance of employee development through continued education and networking opportunities within the industry, and invites staff members to attend RCI conferences. Even if you can’t send your team to an RCI event, look into other industry education courses or professional networking organizations near you. Click here to see a list of RCI’s industry affiliates, many of which also host conferences and education courses for your consideration.
Celebrations
Carving out time to celebrate holidays, birthdays, work anniversaries or merely the fact that it’s Friday can boost morale before a busy holiday season, improve employee retention and help build an overall stronger company culture where the team feels appreciated.
Dolle’s Candyland saves up prizes throughout the year (many of which are free promotional items that they receive) to raffle off at their annual employee celebration. Everyone walks away with a prize—from kiddie pools to mugs and silly promotional products. Even with very little money invested in the prizes they make it fun for all involved.
While the aftermath of a typical company party may include streamers and used plastic cups, a company party for Dallas Caramel Company more closely resembles a Jackson Pollock painting. Outfitted in white t-shirts and equipped with throwable paintballs, staff members playfully battled it out in the company parking lot and took home a colorful reminder of the fun that ensued. Although this type of activity may not be the best fit for all teams, consider other unconventional ways to create memorable experiences for your team to enjoy.
Of course, you don’t have to go all out to celebrate your employees. Small acts of kindness, especially when unexpected, can go a long way and, in many cases, feel more thoughtful and personal. For example, Rosalind Candy Castle buys a couple dozen roses for Mother’s Day and gives mothers on staff a single rose.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, consider ways to show your gratitude. Whether it comes in the form of a simple “thank you” note, more training and development opportunities or a fun celebration, taking the time to show employees you appreciate them is always worth the investment.
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. Review past blog posts for quick and actionable tips to apply to your business. 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.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
Tags: Celebrations Employee Management Holidays Member Ideas Productivity Training
Tip #277: Oh my gourd! Sweet Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Day
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
Thanks to Starbucks for introducing the world to the Pumpkin Spice Latte (affectionately known as PSL) fifteen years ago, no other flavor quite signifies the arrival of fall like pumpkin spice. The seemingly heartwarming marriage of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves can now be found in everything from coffees and teas, to cookies, breakfast cereal, skin care and, yes, even deodorant.
In honor of National Pumpkin Spice Day on October 1, we’re sharing a couple of our member’s favorite pumpkin spice ideas to help inspire ways you, too, can satisfy your customers’ PSL cravings.
Pumpkin Spice Caramel
Dolle’s Candyland of Ocean City, Maryland can testify to the PSL craze after great success incorporating ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg into their secret caramel recipe to create Pumpkin Spice Caramels.
Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Joy Lyn’s Candies of Paradise, California replaces the nuts in their signature brittle with toasted pumpkin seeds, along with a dash of pumpkin pie spices, to make their Pumpkin Seed Brittle for the fall season.
Take inspiration from these candy makers to create your own sweet nod to Pumpkin Spice Day…or season! Here’s a list of confections that could be fun to experiment with by adding your own creative PSL spin.
- Bark
- Fudge
- Hot chocolate
- Homemade marshmallows/s’mores
- Popcorn
- Truffles
Comment below and let us know which PSL confection you think is most worthy of celebration on Pumpkin Spice Day.
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. Review past blog posts for quick and actionable tips to apply to your business. 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.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
Tip #257: 5 Sweets that Beat the Heat
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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| Photo by Romolo Yanes |
Regardless of any groundhogs’ predictions, the arrival of spring is a month away! This means more outdoor festivals, farmers markets, picnics and parties on the horizon. Don’t let warm weather keep your business from shining at outdoor events by featuring more sturdy treats that aren’t as likely to melt in consumers' hands.
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| Epicurious |
Marshmallows
RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolates’ toasted coconut marshmallow is their “tried and true” summer confection. Try it yourself with this recipe from Epicurious.
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| Kakao Chocolatepresents Truffle Shots during RCI's Candy Clinic in 2016. |
Truffle Shots
RCI member, Kakao Chocolate shared a creative idea at a past Candy Clinic for a mess-free summery chocolate treat. By piping ganche into compostable cups, Kakao Chocolate’s truffle shots allow them to deliver the same great chocolatey taste their known for at farmers’ markets and other outdoor events without the threat of chocolate melting in customers’ hands.
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| MarthaStewart.com |
Brittles & Toffees
As long as they’re not coated in chocolate, you can count on these hard candies to stand tough. This recipe for sweet and smoky brittle from MarthaStewart.com would make the perfect addition to a summer BBQ or pool-party themed display or sold at a farmers’ market.
 |
| Tastemade.com |
Fudge
Not only do many fudge recipes hold up to reasonable heat, no-cook fudge recipes can help you keep the temperature down in your candy kitchen. Check out this tutorial for watermelon fudge that screams summer! Consider inserting popsicle sticks into watermelon wedges to serve as fudge pops.
 |
| Chocolate Storybook |
Cotton Candy
A staple at any outdoor carnival or boardwalk, these sugary clouds melt in your mouth, but not in your hand. When stored properly, cotton candy can withstand relatively high temperatures and deliver pops of color to your booth or retail shop. If you don’t want to make it yourself, Chocolate Storybook wholesales 31 unique flavors of hand-spun, specialty cotton candy from classic pink vanilla to spicy jalapeno.
Outshine the sun this spring and summer with these 5 delicious treats that can tolerate the heat, without turning into a melty, soupy mess.
Note: The above recommendations are intended for use in reasonable conditions and not guaranteed to withstand extreme heat, such that might occur in shipping during spring and summer months.
Stay connected with RCI through Facebook for more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
Tags: Brittle Cotton Candy Fudge Ganache Heat Tolerant Candy Marshmallow Member Ideas Spring Summer Toffee Truffles
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