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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Now that fireworks from the 4th of July have fizzled, it’s time to look forward to the next major holiday! Many Americans have already started making arrangements for Labor Day on September 3, while our Canadian friends may be counting down until Civic Day on August 6, however, any bacon fan worth their salt is already salivating for International Bacon Day(otherwise known as “IBD” by bacon fanatics) on September 2.
Even if you don’t regularly observe IBD, you can agree the salty flavor and crunchy texture of bacon, paired with sweet chocolate is a match made in hog heaven (okay, maybe just heaven). There’s a seemingly endless array of ways to pair bacon with chocolate. Whether you’re working with bits, chunks, strips or not-so-delicate bacon roses, this little piggy may bring with it different requirements from your local health department that you should be aware of before you grab that skillet.
Here’s some ideas, if you decide to go whole hog:
If you don’t want to take the risk of using real bacon in your recipes, consider using bacon flavoring or smoked bacon sea salt for a more subtle flavor. Make your bacon confections sizzle by sprinkling with Sizzling Bacon Candy. Check out this past post about how to preserve the pop when incorporate popping candy into a truffle center.
If you really want to make your local bacon fans squeal, ask your fans to share ideas for bacon-related confections they’d like to see at your shop or let them vote for their favorite once you’ve narrowed down some realistic options. Not only is this sure to create some excitement amongst your fans, it will help identify if you have enough of an audience to really bring home the bacon!
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Looking for inspiration to launch a new product or add a fresh a new look in your retail shop? Look no further than Pantone’s Color of the Year, Ultra Violet.
Said to evoke originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking, shades of Ultra Violet are increasingly used in packaging and graphic design by forward-looking brands seeking to stand out, according to The Pantone Color Institute.
Incorporate Shades of Violet into Products and Merchandising
Since it was first introduced in December, ultra violet has been the inspiration for apparel, cosmetic and home decor brands as well as well-known personalities and artists. Let ultra violet light the way for your product development efforts and even when ordering gift items and other merchandise for your retail shop.
Create cosmic strawberries with metallic violet luster dust or take a more literal approach by incorporating edible violets into your candies, like Sprinkle Bakes (click here for easy lollipop tutorial). For a fresh spin on homemade marshmallows, add blackberry puree to get a natural violet hue (check out recipe).
Make an Impact with an Ultra Violet Candy Buffet
For maximum impact in your store, group together your favorite ultra violet (and other shades of purple) treats in a candy buffet. Consider adding violet lollipops, foil-wrapped chocolates, Jordan almonds, taffy and jelly beans to create more of a variety.
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Gain inspiration from brands like Sephora and Gap for their use of
the color of the year in past product promotions. Images:xriteandSelectism |
Create a Color of the Year Promotion
Pantone is recognized globally as the leading source of color information and trend forecasts. If you’re not already familiar with Pantone, there’s a good chance consumers in your community are, especially if your retail shop is near a university. According to an article published on NYTimes.com, “Pantone [has] tremendous influence over the visible elements of the global economy — the parts of it that are designed, manufactured and purchased.”
December is pretty much the Super Bowl for Pantone, after the Color of the Year is officially announced. You can expect consumer products in industries spanning from fashion to home décor, packaging and beauty products to jump on the bandwagon, why not the candy industry? If this seems like a good fit for your business, now may be a good time to identify these consumers.
Pantone’s color of the year could just be the spark of inspiration you need for a new product launch or fresh merchandising plan. Have you ever used Pantone’s color of the year as inspiration in your business? If so, please share in the comments below.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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We’ve all heard the saying “don’t cry over spilled milk,” the same could be said for burnt caramel. Mistakes in the kitchen happen and sometimes there’s nothing you can do but put the mistake behind you and move on. Before pitching the botched batch, here are a couple ideas for salvaging your burnt caramel.
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| Masahiro Makino / Getty Images |
One option would be to try masking the bitterness of burnt caramel by incorporating instant coffee into the mix. There is something comforting about this flavor combination, plus with an extra jolt of caffeine, the only tears shed over this concoction will be tears of joy. Try this recipe for cozy coffee caramels from TheSpruce.com.
If you're feeling adventurous, embrace the burnt flavor and use it as a opportunity to get creative. According to FoodIngredientsFirst.com, burnt caramel is one of the hot new flavor trends for 2018, “A burnt caramel flavor pairs the sweet, milky notes of the caramel with the deep and slightly smoky characteristics of burning the caramel.”
With National Caramel Day on April 5, you might just have to burn a batch of caramel “on accident” to celebrate! Share in the comments below if you have other solutions for fixing burnt caramel.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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For being a rare and mystical creature, ironically, unicorns are everywhere these days! Consider incorporating these fun and simple unicorn-inspired treats into your spring and summer merchandising for some added sparkle, sure to inspire impulse purchases for birthdays, baby showers, and just for the fun of it!
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| Popsugar Food |
Unicorn Pops
Transform your favorite sandwich cookies into unicorns with a few easy steps. Click here to view a video tutorial by PopSugar.
RCI Tip: Kimberly Mitchell with Olympian Candies, suggests inserting wooden popsicle sticks into double-stuffed sandwich cookies to make this process easier and more efficient than using lollipop or sucker sticks.
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| Hostess with the Mostess |
Unicorn Horn Treats
All you need is sugar cones, colored confectionery coating and sprinkles to make magic in the form of unicorn horns. Click here to view the recipe from Hostess with the Mostess.
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| Lady Behind the Curtain |
Unicorn Pretzels
Who doesn’t love chocolate-covered pretzel rods? Add a swirl of caramel, bright colors and a little shimmer and your customers will feel the magic with every bite! Consider making a special batch for samples using the broken pretzel rods. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.
RCI Tip: Open your bag of pretzels and leave it open the night or day before you plan to coat them. By allowing the pretzels to get slightly stale, you are removing moisture which helps prevent surface cracking in the chocolate.
Group these magical treats together for impact, and get creative with colorful unicorn merchandise and a fun framed unicorn printable ( click here to download a free unicorn printable from RCI) to create a whimsical world fit for a unicorn in your candy shop.
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.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Plaid is not just for lumberjacks. From bold buffalo checks to traditional plaid patterns, the plaid trend is everywhere! Consider incorporating plaid into your fall and winter merchandising themes to create dynamic displays and gotta-have-it gift ideas.
If the just the sight of the word “wallpaper” makes you cringe, consider a more temporary solution to getting your plaid fix while creating a dynamic merchandising display with peel and stick wallpaper. Check out Devine Color’s buffalo plaid Peel & Stick wallpaper, available at Target. As the name suggests, it is self-adhesive and removable. It is available in a roll that covers a 27.5 square-foot area. Click here to learn more.
Aside from being their own kind of eye candy for display, a vintage or like-vintage plaid thermos could be a fun vessel for your hot chocolate mix or hot chocolate truffles.
Another idea to add some plaid to your store front, would be to snag a variety of plaid fabric, preferably flannel, to make your own garland with rustic charm. Use up your remaining scraps of fabric by tying them around your boxes, bags and containers to “dress” them for the cool weather.
By incorporating a trendy plaid look into your merchandising plan, your sure to make customers feel warm and cozy this fall and winter!
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.
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Posted By RCI,
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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A tower of truffles or “truffle tree” is a stylish way for your customers to serve truffles to a large group. The Truffle Tree also makes for an eye-catching merchandising display for your retail shop. It is a big ticket item that can add nice revenue to your store’s sales. With a little advance planning, building the tree can be relatively easy to execute.
Here you will find a list of materials needed and step-by-step instructions for creating this showpiece as provided by RCI member, Annedore's Fine Chocolates. RCI members: Click here to log on to RCI’s member site and view three variations of ganache recipes on page 9 of 2014’s 3rd quarter issue of Kettle Talk.
For ease of construction, un-dipped ganache balls may be stored in the freezer. Simply follow the instructions below for thawing and dipping the ganache balls and you are ready to build a tree on demand.
Materials Needed:
- Truffles (see recipes below)
- Silicone mats
- Plastic wrap
- Foam block
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional)
- Round toothpicks
- Tempered chocolate
- Foam cone
- Wrapping paper or fabric (preferably coordinating with the color of your truffles)
- Flathead pins
- Scissors
- Ribbon or tree topper (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare truffle centers using your own ganache recipe or see recipes below. Pipe ganache onto silicone mats. Cover the mats with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours. Transfer mats to the freezer for 12 hours. Remove mats from the freezer and pop out ganache balls (Note: Balls may be returned to the freezer for future use). Cover balls with plastic wrap and allow them to come to room temperature.
- Cover a foam block with parchment paper or aluminum foil, so it can be reused. Glue a toothpick into each ganache ball by, first, dipping one end of the toothpick into tempered chocolate and then inserting that end into the center of the flat side of the ganache ball. Allow toothpick to set up firmly in the ganache ball.
- Once the toothpick is firmly set in the ganache ball you are ready to dip each ganache ball in tempered chocolate. Dip each ball carefully and then insert tooth-picked end of the ball into the block of foam. This will allow for perfect-looking, uniform truffles to create your truffle tree. Allow chocolate to set up. Truffles may be decorated while standing in the block of foam.
- Before you begin to build your tree, first, wrap the foam cone completely with wrapping paper or fabric – secure with flathead pins, as needed.
- Beginning at the bottom of the cone, push the tooth-picked truffles into the cone working your way around the cone to create the first row. On the second row, stagger the truffles by placing them in the open spaces created by the first row. Carefully work your way up the cone row by row until the entire cone is covered in truffles. Toothpicks may need to be cut as you reach the top of the cone.
- Crown the top of your tree by inserting a tooth-picked truffle vertically on the top of the cone. Experiment with different tree toppers, such as a large bow or a chocolate initial or number (birthday idea). Use your imagination.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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Even if you aren’t a skilled artist, creating beautiful and trendy chalkboard signs can be achieved with these 5 tips and tricks from the pros.
- Use a Level and a ruler for straight lines and even spacing
- Pick your tool – mechanical chalk pencil, chalk pencil (intended for marking fabric when sewing), chalk marker or real chalk.
- A damp cloth and a handful of Q-Tips can work wonders when it comes to correcting mistakes and cleaning up smudges.
- DIY stencils – If you plan to use an image more than once (your logo or a chocolate truffle with a swirl) make your own stencil with vellum paper. You can easily trace any printed image by placing vellum over the print.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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As the temperature outside starts to cool, heat things up by adding sweet and spicy treats to your product lineup. Not only are spicy flavors incredibly trendy right now, a little heat from red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can produce a more dynamic flavor in any confection. As a general rule, spice balances sweet and vice versa. If you have a product that has been described as “too sweet,” try adding a hint of spice to the recipe to better balance the sweetness.
Javier Sanchez, with Savage Bros. Co., took a traditional confection to the next level during his demonstration at last week’s Philadelphia Candy Show. Red Pepper Peanut Brittle is perfect for chilly tailgate parties and bonfires, or as a gift for the heat-seekers among us.
Red Pepper Peanut Brittle
Recipe by Savage Bros. Co.
Ingredients:
4.5 lbs sugar
3 lbs corn syrup
1.5 lbs water
4.5 lbs raw peanuts
1 lb butter
.38 oz vanilla
1.13 oz baking soda
.5 oz salt
2.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Prepare cooling table with warm water flow. Set kettle temperature to 400 degrees. Place sugar, corn syrup and water in kettle and bring to a boil. At 250 degrees, slowly add peanuts so not to decrease temperature. At 280 degrees, add butter.
At 290 degrees, turn off heat and start the water flush for 45 seconds. Add red pepper flakes and mix. Add salt, baking soda and vanilla. This will allow brittle temperature to reach 300 degrees by the time it’s finished mixing.
When ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, pour onto warm table or tray and either shake pan or use a spatula to spread brittle to desired thickness. Slowly start to cool table down.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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Trendspotters from the 2015 Summer Fancy Food Show identified popular flavor profiles that just might tantalize your taste buds and inspire ideas for your own new product development.
Flower Power
Floral notes such as rose, lavender and hibiscus made a memorable appearance in products such as Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower & Rose Lemonade, Masala Pop Saffron Rose Popcorn, Rogue Creamery La-Di-Da Lavender Cheese and Vosges Haut-Chocolat Blood Orange Hibiscus Caramel Marshmallows.
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| Vosges Haut-Chocolatcovers marshmallows in burnt sugar caramel with blood oranges and hibiscus flavors, chocolate and tops it with black salt. |
Cocktail Culture
Spirits, wine, and beer inspire flavors and ingredient pairings like Bissell Maple Farm's Pappy & Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Syrup, Brooklyn Brine Co. Hop-Pickles, Colonel Pabst All Malt Amber-Lager Worcestershire Sauce and L.A. Creamery The Manhattan.
Go Ginger
An honorable mention, so to speak, goes to ginger as another hot flavor trend (pun intended) for 2015.
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