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Tip # 196: Coat Marshmallows in Dextrose

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
 
The season for s’mores is right around the corner. Variations of this classic summer treat continue to grow in popularity, but don’t let a rise in seasonal demand lead you rock-hard, dried-out marshmallows!
 
If you’re not enrobing the marshmallow, roll it in dextrose after it is cut to prevent it from drying out. For marshmallows bound for the enrober, adding a little dextrose to the top and bottom will also help the chocolate stick.
 
Some candy makers use powdered sugar for the same effect, however, the added sweetness from the powdered sugar may make your marshmallows too sweet.
 
 
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:  Candy Hacks  Candy Making  Marshmallow  Seasonal  S'mores 

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Tip # 186:Take 3 Tips from RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Last week, twenty-seven chocolatiers participated in Retail Confectioners International’s Chocolate Boot Camp®. Although students in the course varied in age and experience, each of them graduated with a better understanding of working with chocolate.
 
“No matter what size your company is or how long you have been in business, there is always something to learn at Chocolate Boot Camp," says Michael Crudden, Vice President of Operations at Rosalind Candy Castle and 2016 course graduate.
 
We’ve snagged 3 quick tips from this popular course to share with you! Even if you’re a seasoned vet, you may be surprised to learn something that you can incorporate into your business.
 
Tip #1: Some centers need to be cooled in order to make them firm enough to hold their shape. If centers are too cold, they will cause the chocolate coating to crack and have a dull finish. Ideally, centers should be between 65-75 degrees Farenheit when coated in chocolate.
  
Tip #2: When using chocolate mouldsavoid bloom by making sure the moulds are 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the chocolate.
 

Tip #3: If you don’t have a tempermeter, dip a knife blade into chocolate, leaving a thin film on the blade. If the chocolate is firm and not tacky in 5 minutes, at normal room temperature (65-68 degrees Farenheit), it is in good temper.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  bloom  Candy Hacks  Candy Making  Chocolate  Chocolate Boot Camp  Chocolate Production  crack  dull finish  Education  Moulds  temper 

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Tip #166: Candy Hack: Using Lecithin in Caramel Corn

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Image Credit: Dan's Homemade Candies

If your caramel corn sticks together and becomes difficult to separate, adding lecithin will help. Randy Hofberger of R&D Consultants advises mixing lecithin with a little oil and adding this mixture at the end of your caramel corn recipe. This will help the caramel spread apart easier and save you the hassle of manually pulling it apart. 

Allergy Alert! It is advised that individuals with soy allergies do not consume products that contain lecithin. Although lecithin is a byproduct of soy, there is always a chance soy protein will find its way into lecithin. Lecithin derived from sunflower or canola are more allergy-friendly alternatives to soy. 

Don’t cry over spilled lecithin.
Resist the urge to clean spilled lecithin with a damp cloth or spray cleaner, which will only gump up and make it worse. Instead, cover the spill with sugar and it will clean right up.

 

Tags:  Candy Hacks  Candy Making  Caramel Corn 

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