Chocolate University Online Blog
Everyone knows about lollipops. These kiddie treats are especially popular with the, er, kids. This lip-smacking type of confectionery, also called lolly, pop, sucker, or sticky-pop comes in different shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are known for being mounted on top of a stick.
The origins of lollipop are somewhat a blur. Many people claim that it has been around since the 18th century. The Roman word “lolly” apparently means tongue and “pop” means slap.
These sweet delights have always had a special place in our hearts since most of us grew up loving them. These days, various companies are producing delectable and entertaining lollipops but most of these treats come in fruit flavors. Just for fun, let’s make some delicious alteration and come up with chocolate-chip lollipops!
Chocolate Chip Lollipops
• 1 chocolate chip cookie mix
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons water
• 24 flat ice cream sticks
• Assorted edible decorations
Preheat oven to 375°. Combine cookie mix, buttery flavor packet from mix, egg and water in large bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended. Shape dough into 24 (1″) balls. Place balls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Push ice cream stick into center of each ball. Flatten each ball with hand to form round lollipop. Decorate by pressing decorations onto dough.
Bake at 375° for 8-9 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on baking sheets. Remove to cooling racks. Cool completely. Store in airtight container. |
Eat your heart out!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate candy, chocolate chips, confectionery
In 2006, a nongovernmental organization in Japan started an annual chocolate-selling campaign to benefit and provide support to pediatric cancer patients and hospitals in Iraqi cities, including Baghdad, Basra and Erbil. This year, some of the proceeds will go to the children in Fukushima Prefecture, where the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is situated.
Minoru Kamata, chief of the Japan Iraq Medical Network, said: “We received many messages of support from Iraqi people (after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami) that made us determine to allocate part of the proceeds for Fukushima.” Kamata, a doctor and an author, has also shown his support for Belarus after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster by participating in medical programs. He also said that certain group members have played their parts in the removal of radiation in Fukushima Prefecture.
The Tokyo-based group is looking to sell 140,000 tins of chocolate, each priced at 500 yen, before Valentine’s Day. If they meet their objectives and generate profit with the total amount of 70 million yen, they plan on giving 7 million yen to Fukushima, 42 million yen to Iraq, and the remaining 21 million yen to pay the chocolate production, distribution, and other operating costs.
The group already started the latest campaign on December 1. They have already sold 102,000 tins of chocolate. According to Maki Sato, the secretary general of the group, the charity money for Fukushima will be used for activities such as traveling day care programs and measurement of food.
The packaging of the chocolates will feature the drawings of a 15-year-old girl who recovered from leukemia with the help of the group. Sato said: “We received a letter from an Iraqi girl saying she drew red flowers to show her support for Japan,”
You can show your support by buying the chocolates offered in the campaign. Go visit www.jim-net.net. OK, that’s a Japanese language website, so good luck with that! You can still get an overview of the organization on their English language page at www.jim-net.net/en.
If you happen to be in Tokyo between February 1 and 15, then head to Daitokai, a restaurant in Takadanobaba, in which an exhibition on child artists in Iraq and Fukushima will be held.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate candy, chocolate destinations, chocolate production, functional chocolate, working with chocolate
Everything good in life is either illegal, immoral, or fattening, or so they say. Butterfinger Cake can be cold hard (and yummy!) proof to that, but so be it. After all, it’s not so bad to indulge once in a while in something that you know can’t do your figure any good.
Butterfinger® is a candy bar made by Nestlé which has a crumbling and orange-colored center that can be compared to crisp caramel and peanut butter and it is covered in chocolatey coating. It has been around for decades and is a darling to many.
This cake recipe is such a guilty pleasure most especially to those who love Butterfinger candy bar per se.
Butterfinger Cake
• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 8 ounces butterscotch topping for ice cream
• 2 large Butterfinger® candy bars
• 1 large carton whipped topping
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
Mix cake according to package directions, and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. While cake is still hot, pour butterscotch topping over cake, poking small holes in cake so that topping can soak in. Cool completely. Crush Butterfinger bars. Reserve 1/2 of one bar and mix the rest into a large carton of whipped topping along with the pecans. Spread over cooled cake, and top with reserved Butterfinger. Refrigerate until ready to serve. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: butterfinger, candy bars, chocolate bars, chocolate cake, chocolate candy, peanut butter
“The Milk Chocolate Melts In Your Mouth – Not In Your Hand”
You can definitely guess where this slogan came from. M&M’s® milk chocolate candies are one of the most loved chocolate brands. With a splash of different colors such as green, yellow, blue, brown, violet and orange, M&M’s instantly became an all time favorite for the kids and even those who are still kids at heart.
M&M’s not only satisfy one’s craving for sweets but it has also become a very entertaining tool for fun interactive games. There are a number of virtual games spreading all over the Internet with the use of M&M’s as major characters. These cute M&M’s characters are navigated in a number of virtual adventures games.
Mars, a well-known company that has been manufacturing chocolates for more than 100 years is known as a leader in the chocolate industry. Mars Candy Factory was the one who produced M&M’s chocolate candies during 1941. M&M’s chocolate candies instantly became a fad in the 1940’s and 50’s. It won the heart of the people. The sweet taste of chocolate combined with a crunchy flavored coating immediately became a hit.
Now here’s the latest coming out of Hackettstown, New Jersey: Mars Chocolate North America announced that a few of its M&M’s candies are going solo.
The company stated that the M&M’s spokescandy crew that is characterized by the color green, orange, blue, yellow and red opted to go on their separate paths. However, the company is hopeful that the patrons of this sweet treat will help a lot in bringing them back through a new campaign called “Reunite ‘M”.
The contest will run until September 15, 2011. The consumers who participate have the chance to win huge amount of prizes that are valued at more than $1.5 million, including the $100,000 that will only be won by one lucky contestant.
The mechanics are easy. You just have to buy selected packages of M&M’s milk chocolate candies and look for all the five characters printed under the wrapper. You can click on this link to see the official rules of the game.
Mars Chocolate North America chief consumer officer Debra Sandler stated that “Our M&M’s spokescandy crew has literally been the face of our brand for many years, and we’re not taking the news of the separation lightly. We’ve initiated a full-fledged “Reunite ‘M’” campaign and we hope America will join forces to help us get them back together.”
For all the M&M’s milk chocolate lovers out there, you know what to do. Help reunite your favorite spokescandy treats together. Bringing them back together will provide them with a capacity to bond once again and strengthen their relationship.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate candy, contests, grocery product, M&M's, Mars, milk chocolate
Over 60,000 shoppers voted M&M’S Pretzel Chocolate Candies as the 2011 Product of the Year.
The food product category was Candy & Snacks, and the Mars Chocolate Company came out on top during a selection process that had consumers voting for their favorite innovative product. The products were chosen based on 4 key elements; appeal of innovation, usage, satisfaction, and purchase intent.
The M&M’S Pretzel achieved high marks across all elements but scored highest in satisfaction.
The Product of the Year award is hosted in 28 countries and is the world’s largest consumer-voted program of its kind.
According to the shoppers, the sweet and salty combination makes M&M’S Pretzel candies irresistible.
M&M’S have been around since 1941. There are permanent varieties of M&M’S as well as seasonal ones. You’ve got your milk chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate peanut, dark chocolate peanut, Almond, Peanut Butter, and Baking Bits. Whew!
But wait, there’s more! You’ve got personalized, minis, Halloween, Valentines, Easter, and don’t forget, Pretzel!
Ok, I think I’m done. And craving M&M’S for some reason!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate candy, grocery product, M&M's, Mars, product of the year
OMG! Home of the Famous Chocolate covered Potato Chip, “Chippers”. That’s what Carol Widman’s Candy Company proudly boasts. And I completely agree!
Carol Widman’s Candy Company is located in Fargo, North Dakota. They’ve been making quality chocolates for four generations. I’m not sure when they started making chocolate covered potato chips, but they have perfected them. They come covered in milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, peanut butter, and white almond.
It really doesn’t matter which coating you choose, so pick your favorite. No matter what, the Chippers are down right addicting.
I can’t stop eating my milk chocolate chippers. Good thing I can still type while my mouth is full or this blog post would never get published.
The chocolate is smooth and creamy, with soft caramel and nutty notes. The potato chips are crispy, salty, and extremely fresh tasting. According to the company’s website, www.carolwidmanscandyco.com, they use Red River Valley Potato Chips, made from a locally grown red potato known for its excellent robust flavor.
I am a little nervous about sharing my enthusiasm for this incredible chocolate gem. What if they run out?
Or, perhaps worse yet, what if my family finds out I ate them all and accidentally forgot to share?
Categories: chocolate review
Tags: chocolate candy, milk chocolate, potato chips
2004 was a tumultuous time for Chicago-based chocolate retailer Fannie May. It was the year they declared bankruptcy. More than 200 stores were closed.
Fannie May began in 1920 when H. Teller Archibald opened a chocolate shop on LaSalle St. in Chicago. In 1946, the famous Fannie May Pixies® were introduced and it continues to be their best selling item. Pixies are caramel covered nuts drenched in chocolate.
In 2006, 1-800-Flowers.com bought Fannie May in the hopes of turning its fortunes around. Now, with increased online sales, it is once again becoming a thriving business.
According to David Taiclet, president of gourmet food brands for 1-800-Flowers.com, people care about Fannie May products and the memories that go with them. The new owners plan on keeping the decades-old candy recipes. These recipes may not be trendy, but they certainly have a loyal following.
By the end of this year, 2010, Fannie May will have a total of 85 stores in 6 Midwest states and will produce about 10 million pounds of chocolate.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: caramel, chocolate candy, chocolate covered nuts, Fannie May
As promised here are two recipes. The first is for Candied Orange Peel. The second is for Jellied Orange Candies.
For best results you’ll have to temper the chocolate so review those instructional blog posts, or refer to your Chocolate University Online lesson materials, if you need to refresh your memory.
Candied Orange Peel
• 1 large navel orange
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped
Using a vegetable peeler, cut the orange peel from the stem end of the orange down to the navel end, forming long 3/4 to 1-inch-wide strips. Bring the water to a boil. Add the peels and cook for 1 minute. Drain and then rinse the peels under cold water.
Stir the sugar and 1/2 cup of fresh water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil. Add the orange peels and simmer over medium-low heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer the peels to a sheet of parchment paper to dry and completely cool. This will take at least one hour.
Melt and temper the chocolate. Dip the orange peel completely in tempered chocolate and allow to dry and harden at room temperature. |
I recommend trying both recipes so you can discover your favorite. Here’s the second…
Orange Jelly Candy
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon orange oil
• 5 drops each red and yellow food coloring
• Semisweet chocolate, chopped
Grease a 9-inch square pan with 2 teaspoons butter and set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the pectin, baking soda, and water. The mixture will foam. In another saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring both mixtures to a boil. Cook until foam on pectin mixture thins out a little. Bring the sugar mixture to a full rolling boil (about 4 minutes).
Gradually add pectin mixture to the boiling sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Continue to stir constantly.
Remove from the heat. Stir in orange oil and food coloring and immediately pour into the prepared pan. Let stand at room temperature until set – about 3 hours.
Dip a knife into warm water and use it to cut firm candy into squares or rectangles (fingers). Melt and temper the chocolate. Dip the pectin shapes into the tempered chocolate. Shake off excess and allow to dry and harden at room temperature. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate candy, orange
If you like the flavor combination of chocolate and orange, did you know you could enjoy it three different ways?
- chocolate-covered orange peel
- chocolate coated orange jelly sticks
- orange flavor-infused chocolate
Perhaps you are already of lover of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, the one that you bang on the counter and sections of chocolate wedges that look like an orange come apart.
Or, you fancy candied orange peel like I do and blogged about last week. Candied orange peel is a treat made from boiling long, thin curls of orange peel in sugar until it turns into something similar to fruit leather. Then it’s turned into perfection by coating with a premium dark chocolate.
And then there are orange jellies, aka orange jelly fingers or orange jelly sticks, that are candies made from pectin. These are a little like jelly beans or gummy candies and range from soft textures to hard.
As you already know, my favorite type is the chocolate covered orange peel, but sometimes I am in the mood for orange pectin jellies. I prefer the softer pectin recipes because the orange flavor is released faster and mingles with the chocolate better in my mouth.
Tomorrow, I will post a recipe for candied orange peel and orange jelly candy. This way you can compare the two types, side by side in written form. And, for the more adventurous, an invitation to make and eat!
Categories: fun chocolate facts
Tags: chocolate candy, orange
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is an international retail franchisor of chocolates and confectionery products. 21 years ago a man named Frank Crail started the company in the old-west town of Durango, Colorado.
I recently tried their version of chocolate-covered candied orange peel. Chocolate-covered orange peel is one of my favorite chocolates, and I like to try various recipes from chocolate shops around the globe.
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s version of candied orange peel was excellent! The texture was chewy with a nice snap (I know that sounds strange but if you have ever eaten candied citrus you know what I mean) and the sugary sweetness was just right, not overly sweet. The chocolate was a bit subdued by the intense orange flavor. Just at the finish, the chocolate lost its intensity and bitterness. Overall, I enjoyed the great flavor combination. As always with good chocolates, I was left satisfied yet looking forward to more.
According to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory website, www.rockymountainchocolatefactory.com, they make about 300 chocolate candies you can choose from; clusters, caramels, creams, truffles.
By the way, you can make candied orange peel at home and dip it in your preferred chocolate. But I will warn you that the job is time consuming. Just make one batch and you’ll see why buying some will not only save you the hassle, but you will also realize why chocolate covered candied orange peel commands a high price!
Categories: chocolate review
Tags: chocolate candy, chocolate covered fruit, dark chocolate, orange
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