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Chocolate |
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 Chocolate confections
have become increasingly popular. Previously, American ones consisted of mainly
filled and dipped chocolates. Now, European-style chocolates are very popular
here, such as truffles made
with flavored ganache
centers, which are covered with tempered
chocolate.
Chocolates can be made by hand with
tempered or melted chocolate or
with a short-cut chocolate candy wafer from
Merckens.
This is a delicious special compound manufactured by Merckens Chocolate Co.
designed for melting and molding. This candy does not have to be
tempered. However, the information here discusses making candies from scratch:
The following is a list
of those mentioned here with step-by-step information and recipes on how to make
your own:
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ENROBED |
Bonbons are the most well-known dipped chocolates. Ganache, a mixture of
melted chocolate and cream, can form the centers. They are then dipped in
tempered chocolate for a uniform coating and appearance. |
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TRUFFLES |
Truffle candies imitate Perigord truflles covered with earth. Today,
truffles are made from ganache which is coated with tempered chocolate and
then covered with cocoa powder or confectioner's sugar, ground nuts or
praline powder. Classic truffles are small and delicate, never resembling
golf balls or eggs. |
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SOLID
MOLDED |
Tempered chocolate is spread on a plaque which fills decoratively shaped
cavities indented in it. After setting, the mold is inverted and the
individual chocolates fall out. I like to use shallow molds when making
them. |
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FILLED
MOLDED |
The cavities in a mold plaque are coated with tempered chocolate. After it
sets, fillings are piped in. Then a layer of tempered chocolate is spread
over which covers the filling. When set, the mold is inverted and the
filled chocolates come out. The best ones are made with a thin shell and a
delicate filling. |
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HOLLOW
MOLDED |
Mold is filled to the top. Then, it is inverted over chocolate bowl to
allow excess chocolate to drain. Let set and then, unmold. |
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BOWLS |
A balloon is dipped into melted chocolate as high as you want the sides.
Let set and pop balloon. |
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DECORATING |
Marbleize chocolate, make ribbons, paint with
contrasting tinted chocolate and more. |
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FUDGE |
Fudge is a creamy, semi-soft
candy most often made with sugar, butter or cream, corn
syrup and various flavorings. It may be cooked or uncooked, but both
styles must be allowed to set before cutting. |
Other confections - Sugar
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