Create Beautiful Molded Candy

 First determine whether you are using Candy Coating/Summer Coating instead of real chocolate. Candy coating is much easier to work with because real chocolate must be tempered (heated and cooled to several temperature settings) for it to set and work properly. If using Candy Coating/Summer Coating, proceed to step 1. If using real chocolate, temper as required and go to step
4.

1) To Melt the Candy Coating:

Be sure all of your utensils and molds are thoroughly dry. Even a small amount of water will cause the candy to "seize" and become extremely firm and unworkable.

The easiest way to melt candy is in a microwave-safe bowl, glass measuring cups, a squeeze bottle or disposable decorating bags.

If you're using a bowl or measuring cup, microwave 1 pound candy coating at 30% power or defrost setting for 1 minute. Stir thoroughly. Continue to microwave and stir at 30-second intervals until smooth and completely melted.

If you use bags or a squeeze bottle, you can squeeze the candy right into the mold for less mess.

If you're using a squeeze bottle, fill bottle half full with candy coating and microwave at 40% power or defrost setting for 1 minute, knead gently to mix and continue melting at 15-second intervals until candy is completely melted and smooth. When melted, twist lid on bottle and squeeze candy right into molds.

                                              

If you're using a disposable bag, microwave as described above, squeezing the bag between heating intervals to blend candy discs together. When completely melted, snip off the end of the bag and squeeze melted candy into molds. Throw away bag when empty.

2) To Color:

For candy coloring, add oil-based colors to melted candy coating a little at a time. Mix thoroughly before adding more color.
Colors tend to deepen as they set. Pastel colored candies are most appetizing, so keep this in mind when tinting.

3) To Flavor:

The taste of candy coatings can be changed or enhanced by adding oil-based candy flavors.

Add approximately 1/4 teaspoon oil-based Candy Flavor to 1 pound of melted candy coating. Never use alcohol or water based flavorings; they will cause coatings to harden.

4) Using Candy Molds

If you have melted the candy in a squeeze bottle or decorating bag, use the bottle or bag to add enough melted candy to the cavity(s) of the mold to fill to the desired level. If using another melting method, use a teaspoon to transfer the melted candy to the mold. Once the cavity(s) is filled as desired, hold the mold flat and tap the mold several times onto a solid surface to remove any air bubbles in the candy. Place the mold in the freeze and leave until candy is firm (usually 5-10 minutes). Place a
towel or paper towels on your work surface. Remove the candy from the freezer and turn over the mold onto the toweled work surface to release the molded candy.
Hint: When handling molded candy, use white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints.

5) Clean-Up

After you finish making candy, wash your candy molds in warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Soap or detergent is not necessary and can eventually cause molds to dry out and crack. Never place molds in the dishwasher. Store the molds flat away from heat, placing a paper towel between molds to prevent scratches. If you clean and store your molds properly, they can last for years.