Working with candy melts is a fun and easy way to create decorative treats, and involves melting, shaping, and setting the candy. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Melting the Candy Melts
- Microwave Method: This is the quickest method.
- Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the candy melts to seize up.
- Double Boiler Method: This provides more control.
- Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a heat-safe bowl (glass or stainless steel) on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
- Add the candy melts to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
2. Using the Melted Candy
- Dipping: Dip pretzels, cookies, fruit, or other treats into the melted candy. Use a fork or dipping tools for best results.
- Molding: Pour the melted candy into candy molds. Tap the mold gently to release any air bubbles.
- Piping: Transfer the melted candy to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe designs onto parchment paper, cookies, or other surfaces. This is great for decorative barks. Let the piped designs set before proceeding.
- Bark: Pour the melted candy onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread it into an even layer. Add sprinkles, nuts, dried fruit, or other toppings. Let it set completely before breaking into pieces.
- Decorative Bark: Pipe designs with candy melts onto parchment paper and let them set. Then, pour a different color of melted candy over the piped design to complete the bark.
3. Setting the Candy
- Room Temperature: Allow the candy melts to set at room temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the candy.
- Refrigeration: Speed up the setting process by placing the candy in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Tips and Tricks:
- Avoid Water: Water is the enemy of candy melts! Even a tiny drop can cause them to seize up and become unusable. Make sure your bowls, utensils, and hands are completely dry.
- Thinning: If the candy melts are too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable shortening or paramount crystals to thin them out.
- Coloring: Use oil-based food coloring specifically designed for candy melts or chocolate. Water-based food coloring will cause the candy to seize.
- Storage: Store leftover candy melts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
