Melting Candy Coating

Four Easy Methods
Because you're starting with candy coating (instead of real chocolate, which requires tempering), you can use several easy ways to melt to a perfect smooth texture for molding. Candy Melts are also known as confectionery coating or summer coating. They are convenient wafers made of sugar, milk solids, vegetable oils, flavorings and colors. The Light Cocoa, Dark Cocoa and Dark Cocoa Mint-flavored Candy Melts also contain cocoa powder. Candy Melts taste delicious, but don't require the careful melting procedures of chocolate.

Before you begin, make sure all of your utensils are dry. Water causes melted coatings to harden and streak. Melted Candy Melts are ready for molding when the texture resembles cooked pudding. For all methods, do not overheat by melting on too high a setting or for too long. Coating loses its proper consistency if overheated or if liquids are added. If coating becomes too thick, add 2 teaspoons of hydrogenated solid vegetable shortening per 14 oz. of Candy Melts.

1. Microwave Oven: Convenient Melting A quick and easy way to melt candy in a microwave-safe bowl, spouted measuring cups, a squeeze bottle or disposable decorating bags. If you're using a bowl or measuring cup, microwave 1 package candy caoting at 40% power or defrost setting for 1 minute. Stir thoroughly. Continue to microwave and stir at 30-second intervals until smooth and completely melted. By using bags or the Melting Bottle, you can squeeze the candy right into the mold for less mess.

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

If you're using squeeze bottles, fill bottle half full with candy coating and microwave at 40% power or defrost setting for a 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.

2. Double Boiler: Easy Melting Fill lower pan with water to below level of top pan. Heat water to a simmer, then remove from heat. Put candy coating in top pan and set in position on lower pan. Stir constantly, without beating, until smooth and completely melted.

3. Slow Cooker: For Large Quantities Ideal for melting large amounts of candy (3 1/2 to 5 lbs.). Note: Do not melt less than 3 1/2 lbs. Place 1 package of Candy Melts into a slow cooker and set on low. Never use a higher setting. Stir occasionally as it melts. When almost completely melted (about 20 minutes), add another package. Stir occasionally again until almost completely melted, then add another package of Candy Melts. Repeat procedure until you've melted as much candy as you need. You can melt up to 5 lbs. of Candy Melts in your slow cooker (total melting time for 5 lbs. is about 45 minutes).

4. Warming Tray: For Melting More Than One Color Place different colors of candy coating in oven-safe glass bowls or custard cups. Position bowls on tray on a low to medium setting, stir while melting. Left on the low setting, the tray will keep your assorted Candy Melts colors at the ideal melted texture while you are molding.

Candy Coloring

Turn white candy coating into virtually any color using oil-based candy colors. Candy coloring is a great way to change shades or to achieve cool custom colors.

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're mixed. Pastel colored candies are most appetizing, so keep this in mind when tinting.

Candy Flavoring

The creamy, rich taste of candy coatings can be enhanced by adding oil-based candy flavors.

To Flavor:

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

Using Candy Molds--With Chocolate/Candy Coating

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.

Clean-Up

After you finish making candy, wash your candy molds in warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Don't use soap or detergent – they can eventually cause molds to dry out and crack. Never boil your molds or place them in the dishwasher. Molds can last for years if you store them the right way…keep them flat to prevent warping and place tissues between stacked molds to prevent scratches.

Storage

Making candy for a special occasion or holiday? Save time by making it in advance. Molded candy will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks. To store safely, pack candy in airtight containers and keep at room temperature. It is not necessary to refrigerate or freeze your molded candy.