Category Archives: Party Favor Candy

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Candy Rituals

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Confectionary and ritual have been partners for a very long time. Although the most immediate candy rituals that come to mind are probably part of religious (Christian or Pagan) rites like Christmas, Easter and Halloween, there are numerous ceremonies and rituals involving candy. These are but a fraction.

The Way of Tea or the Japanese Tea Ceremony involves ceremonial preparation of powdered green tea shared communally along with candy and sometimes a meal followed by candy. During the ceremony the host and guests strive for spiritual refreshment and harmony with the universe. The Japanese philosophies of art, beauty, harmony and respect are at the heart of the rituals performed. The custom originally grew from Zen Buddhist monks’ habit of drinking from a bowl during worship but has grown to embrace an appreciation and devotion to the careful craft in the utensils and preparation of the tea and candy or food.

The Buckeye tree which is associated with prosperity and abundance has been used for many years in some traditions of folk magic. The nut is a toxic meat that is part of the horse chestnut family or, Aesculus Glabra. Hoodoo rituals using the nuts involve applying mercury and wax to the nut to create a powerful charm when held. This charm is said to bring luck and wealth.

During the Mexican Day of the Dead ceremonies candy skulls are used to represent the heads of dead friends and family. Sugar is dissolved in water until it becomes thick syrup which is then poured into variegated molds. Once the sugar hardens it is decorated with colored sugar and brightly colored paper cut-ups and given a Christian name. In this way a person can have a candy skull with the name of a friend or relative so that they can “eat the skull” as is the custom that honors those passed. Sometimes Amaranth skulls are made using walnuts for the eyes and peanuts or pumpkin-seeds for the teeth.

The Sunrise Dance is a traditional coming of age ceremony for young girls of the Apache Indian tribe. The ceremony, called na’ii’ees, was a reenactment of the myth of Changing Woman. A girl’s na’ii’ees required preparation of a special ceremonial dance area. This area was covered with blankets and a ceremonial buckskin as well as baskets filled with candy and fruit.

Truly a fascinating study, the use of candy in ceremonies and rituals around the world is extraordinary. The range and scope of these rites and ceremonies is fodder for the most innovative imagination. The element of fun and caprice accompanying candy ceremonies makes them often the most pleasurable of all traditions.

Ancient Candy

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Candy in one form or another has been around for thousands of years. Honeycomb was probably the first ready made candy of the earliest humans. From then forward honey was and continues to be a favorite natural confectionary sweetener. Early Egyptians also favored honey as a sweetener and often used it to sweeten fruit and nuts, such as dates and almonds, to create the first Egyptian confectionaries.

Romans used honey to create candy too. Ancient recipes have been preserved which indicate that the Romans used boiled nuts and honey, sprinkled with ground sesame, as a candy treat. This would have been the precursor to modern nougat. Pine nut candy was the confectionary of choice in medieval courts (in the early days of candy it was a luxury of the rich). This candy was made from a mixture of breadcrumbs, cane sugar, honey, ginger and pine nut kernels. This would have been similar in flavor and texture to the Roman treat.

Meanwhile in the ancient dynasties of the East the art of candy blowing was begun during the Tang Dynasty of the first century. In this process the confectioner/artist lifts a caramel mixture onto a stick which is formed into a single open ended funnel with sides dabbed with wheat flour to prevent sticking the sides together. The open end is then closed and the ends pulled into the shape of a thread-like spout. Air is blown into the spout and as the funnel expands into a sugar bubble, it is quickly shaped into the animal of choice. All this has to be done in a matter of seconds before the sugar hardens and loses its pliability. The finished product is stained with food coloring to create the features of an animal.

Meanwhile many North American Indian tribes had candy from the first century onwards. Tree sap and the bark inner layers were particularly popular as chewing gum as well as fruit seeds and plant stalks. Catkins mixed with animal fat were also a well loved treat.

All of these favored first candies bear a resemblance to some of those still preferred today. Honey continues to be an excellent choice of sweetener and of course nuts and seeds are staples of the candy makers, even of the 21st century. It would be fair to say though, that the ancients would certainly have envied the vast selection and assortment of candies available in modern times. While we may think we have come along way in the presentation of candy as well, it is arguable that no one has ever outdone the candy blowers’ animal creations, in either the past or today.

Candy Containers and Cookie Jars

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Just about everyone loves candy but some people are particularly fond of what the candy comes in. There are numerous collectors of candy containers and cookie jars (which include cookie containers) and in fact there are a plethora of books written on the subject. The most notable well written prose on the subject of candy containers and cookie jars are these:

Album of Candy Containers by Jennie D. Long.
Complete American Glass Candy Containers Handbook/With Supplement by George Eikelberner.
Collectors Guide to Candy Containers: Identification and Values by Douglas Dezso and Leon and Rose Poirier. Over 500 color pictures of all kinds of candy containers.
Collectors Encyclopedia of Cookie jars Book III by Fred, Herndon, and Joyce Roerig.
Collector’s Encyclopedia of Cookie Jars, Book II, by Fred Roerig, Joyce Roerig.

    For those who love the rich combination of candy and history there are some interesting reads for you as well.

    Candyfreak by Steven Almond
    The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars by Joel Glenn Brenner

      The psychology of candy has long been a source of interest to candy makers, parents and psychologists alike. While we all know that candy calls to mind associations, usually pleasant and often from childhood, books have been written which actually profoundly describe the impact that candy can have in some people’s lives. For one such story which is both well written and entertaining read:

      Candy and Me (A Love Story) by Hilary Liftin

        In addition to books for candy and history lovers and collectors of candy containers and cookie jars, there are conventions, website blogs, chat rooms, clubs and trade fairs all dedicated to these hobbies and interests. The fascinating world of candy extends far beyond our personal favorite titbits.

        Island Candy

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        The best candy for a steamy hot day and therefore a favorite of the islands is not surprisingly candy that offers a sense of cool refreshment like coke bottles or Haribo peach and gummi raspberries candy. Closer to home on Coney Island fruit candy also rules although lollipops and cotton candy come a close second.  But, there is something about island heat that makes fruit shaped candy an unbeatable treat. Fruit candy, maybe just because it looks like fruit, offers a startling sense of sunshine and sand. Or how about sitting in a cool ocean beach, lapping up the waves and sucking on a coke bottle – doesn’t that just makes you feel downright cool and content?

        Of course cool refreshment isn’t the only feeling induced by candy. There is candy that can be associated with making a person feel warmer and cosier or even more energetic, less stressed or more attractive. Chocolate is certainly a warmer candy feeling food, hot cocoa and thick dark bars call to mind roaring fires and snuggling under covers.  High glucose candy will give you a boost, suckers will reduce stress and chewing gum is a definite anxiety reliever. In fact some studies have shown that brain activity settles from an anxious state to a more stable state while chewing gum.

        Some candy, and it’s an entirely individual experience of course, just jets a person back to childhood with a single bite or smell. Whether it was the candy store cabinet items you longed for as a kid or the candy rope necklace given by your best friend, each of us has a memory associated with candy that epitomises our youth. Speaking of young, it isn’t just the memory of a candy type that is so nostalgic, it’s the way we ate the candy. It was sucking a gumball till you got right to the gummy inner or, for some, sucking just long enough to be able to breach the candy’s outer core and reach the gum.

        Sugar Rush

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        Despite evidence to the contrary many parents still believe that sugar causes hyperactivity in their kids so they won’t give them candy. While this has been proved an old wives tale, many parents will nonetheless swear to the fact that their kids go bonkers on sugar. There are two probabilities for this happening.

        The first is that if a persons glucose levels are low, the ingestion of glucose into the body will feel like a sugar rush resulting in an increased burst of energy. This is similar to the replenishment of many other nutrients that the body requires. For example, an anaemic person (a person with low iron) will feel lethargic and when a couple of iron tablets are taken they will feel a rush of energy very quickly. This will only occur if iron levels are low and the same is true for glucose. A sugar rush will only be experienced by a person low in glucose which is necessary for proper body function.

        The second possibility is that parents and children expect sugar to translate into hyperactivity and so it does – the placebo effect. This is not to say that a person is faking, not at all. The power of the mind over the body is a well known fact. If the mind believes something to be true it can easily create a physical response in line with that belief.  This is never more evident than when a child is hurt or sad and a parent offers candy consolation.  We’ve all seen a child go from severe distress to smiles when a candy or chocolate is offered. This isn’t the child faking it, nor was the child’s suffering unreal. The placebo effect of candy and chocolate for young children is so strong that the minds link between candy and pleasure takes over from the very real pain the child is feeling.

        Although the evidence suggests that sugar itself doesn’t hype kids up, parents aren’t imagining things. Between low glucose levels and a placebo effect children exhibit an evident response to the candy. The twist is that what the candy is doing is actually improving the glucose and psychological condition of the child’s body.

        Candy – not Candy

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        So you thought that maybe candy was just a sweet, tasty, confectionary treat, desert and briber of small children?  Wrong! Candy, perhaps because of the allusion to the sweet confectionary treats we all love, has been the favored name of everything from cars to cologne. Candy in literature, film and music has been used in titles and lyrics perhaps more than any other item that comes to mind. Consider for instance the number of books and novels called candy:

        Candy (novel), a 1958 novel by Terry Southern and Mason Hoffenberg

        Candy (Kevin Brooks novel), a 2005 novel by Kevin Brooks

        Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction, a 1998 novel by Australian writer Luke Davies

        Candy Candy, a Japanese shojo manga and anime

        Candy (manga), a Japanese yaoi manga

        Candy (magazine), a Filipino periodical

        Or the bands:

        Candy (band), mid-1980′s American power-pop band

        Candy (Malaysian band), a Malaysian all-female rock band

        Candy 66, a Venezuelan alternative metal band

        The Candy Band, an American punk-rock group for children

        Candies (group), a Japanese vocal group

        Candi & The Backbeat, a Canadian pop band

        Songs by far outweigh any other kind of candy name use, apart from confectionary candy of course! Check out this impressive list.

        “Candy” (1944 song), popularized by Johnny Mercer and Jo Stafford

        “Candy” (Aggro Santos song), featuring ex-Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt

        “Candy” (Ash song)

        “Candy” (Cameo song)

        “Candy” (H.O.T. song)

        “Candy” (Iggy Pop song), with Kate Pierson; covered by Killer Barbies

        “Candy” (Ken Hirai song)

        “Candy” (Koda Kumi song)

        “Candy” (LL Cool J song)

        “Candy” (Mandy Moore song)

        “Candy” (Paolo Nutini song)

        “Candy (Drippin’ Like Water)”, by Snoop Dogg

        “Candy”/”Molly’s Lips”, a split single by The Fluid and Nirvana

        “Candy”, by Bikini Kill from Revolution Girl Style Now!

        “Candy”, by Enon from Hocus Pocus

        “Candy”, by Foxy Brown from Broken Silence

        “Candy”, by Luv Unlimited, featured on DDRMAX Dance Dance Revolution 6thMix and 7thMIX

        “Candy”, by Morphine from Cure for Pain

        “Candy”, by The Presidents of the United States of America from The Presidents of the United States of America

        “Candy”, by Will Smith from Big Willie Style

        “Candy-O” (song), by The Cars

        “CANDY♥”, by Riyu Kosaka from begin

        “Hard Candy” by Madonna

        Candy characters also abound in the world of entertainment which include such notables as DJ Candy, a character in the video game MySims; Candy (Dave The Barbarian), a fictional character in the American animated television series titled, Dave The Barbarian; Candy Smiles, a character from Cory in the House and finally, Candy, a character from Of Mice and Men.

        And speaking of film, let us not forget the great candy movies like Candy (1968), a film based on the Southern and Hoffenberg novel and Candy (2006), a film based on the Davies novel of the same name. Candy Lane created in 2003 is a short film made in New Zealand that is filled with candy color and candy names. The world of books and entertainment is full of candy named media and characters and that’s because candy is a universal symbol of fun, flavor and frivolity.

        Sweet as Candy: Short Film

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        This New Zealand musical, short film has been hiding away for far too long, since 2003 to be precise. It’s a confectionary tale of rock n roll, marching girls and roller skates created by director, Kezia Barnett. Barnett is clearly a genius and of the movie has this to say, “Bubble gum pop is my passion, and layering, visually and with content, is my love.”

        Not to be confused with the 2006 Hollywood film called Candy and directed by Neil Armford. That film is much deeper, way more serious and much less pink. This film, Sweet as Candy takes place in the pop plastic, milk bar universe of Bubblegum Valley. It is the love story of Blue and Candy. From the musical lyrics and interspersed dialogue we know that there are rumors that Blue has been untrue and Candy is clearly not happy about it. It doesn’t take long though, for the music and hair gel to overwhelm any feelings of despair. Blue arrives at the Paperdoll Diner (where Candy is waiting) in his mint Cadillac where he breaks into song and proclaims his love for Candy.  In fact everybody, Blue, Candy, marching bands and Blue and Candy look-alikes all break into song and dance.

        The movie is very candy pink and candy blue which is a little overwhelming at times. The movie look and feel is actually very similar to the popular 2010 Katy Perry video, Candyland.  Especially the candy colored hair and clothes. The plot and the cinematography are nowhere near the slick perfection of Hollywood but for those who enjoy something a little different and fun; Sweet as Candy fits the bill.  So different in fact that it makes Wonka’s candy factory look normal. The icing on the cake; the movie was produced by Bubblegum Valley Productions. Sweet!

        City of Sculpture Festival

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        For those used to seeing their jelly babies about a half an inch tall the latest installation at the Marble Arch in London comes as a bit of a shock. Larger than life jelly babies now grace the prestigious site in a highly acclaimed resin sculpture titled, Jelly Baby Family and created by artist, Mauro Perucchetti. The extraordinary statue of seven colored jelly babies was unveiled on December 13. The pop artist describes his work as the embodiment of family unity. He also says the sculpture depicts the multicultural aspects of contemporary society, especially in metropolitan centres like London.

        The sculpture has been erected as part of the Westminster Council, City of Sculpture Festival. The festival attracts pieces from the most illustrious artists and galleries in the world. Jelly Baby Family weighs 3.2 tonnes and stands over fifteen feet tall. Perucchetti’s sculpture is just one of many creative works that will be on display on Park Lane during the festival.

        Besides Jelly Baby Family, exhibition viewers can expect to see a fifteen foot child’s hand pushing a black Fiat Cinquecneto. The car featured in the sculpture titled, Vroom Vroom was artist, Lorenzo Quinn’s, actual first car. The sculpture was created to reflect the child within all of us. The hand is a focal point of many of the artists works because he says, the hand is a symbol of human power, the power to love, hate, to create or to destroy. Quinn is highly acclaimed and has in the past produced pieces for the Vatican City and the United Nations.

        Jelly Belly Family and Vroom Vroom are just two of sixty world class pieces that are on show. The sculpture styles displayed reflect the many genres of sculpting including traditional and contemporary styles. The city hopes that the exhibit will enhance Westminster’s reputation as a cultural hub.

        This Westminster area of London is known for famous art exhibits, galleries and museums. The project is also a push to support art projects in the city ahead of the Olympic Games. Funding and support for the exhibit is provided by the city council and local galleries including the Halcyon.

        Caramel

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        Caramel, the word evokes a sense of creamy sweetness. The deep brown tones and soft yellows of caramel actually make you feel as if you are peacefully swirling along on a languid liquid journey. That may be the reason some of the most prestigious and elegant eating and drinking establishments in the world have adopted the creamy sweet word Caramel in its name.

        The two ‘Caramel Bar and Lounge’ clubs are aptly located at the center of the world’s playgrounds in Las Vegas and Dubai respectively. The Caramel Bar and Lounge is a place to go to mingle with international affluence in an air of sophisticated sweetness. The Las Vegas Caramel Club is located off the Bellagio making for easy transition to and from the fun and games of the casino and theatre, and a relaxing break to meet and socialize. The Caramel in Dubai features caramel flavored mixed drinks for the ladies.

        Besides being a great place to eat and drink caramel is a movie, a color and of course a sweet treat unto itself. The latter is the world’s favorite caramel so it seems apt to share how the sweet caramel we all love is created in a fudge recipe. There are many other ways to enjoy fudge, in a sauce or a brittle for example, but we only have so much room to write so for those who want to know how to make caramel fudge, this recipe is for you.

        How to make caramel fudge:

        Ingredients:

        3½ cups sugar
        ½ cup milk
        1/8 teaspoon salt

        ½ tin sweetened condensed milk
        1 tablespoon golden syrup
        125g butter

        Directions:

        Place the sugar and milk in saucepan and slowly bring it to a boil, then add the rest of ingredients. Gently boil the ingredients stirring regularly for around 30 minutes. Test to see if the fudge is ready by dripping a small drop into a glass of ice cold water. If the fudge forms a soft ball then it is ready for the next step. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until thick and then pour into a tin about an inch thick. Refrigerate for at least two hours or until set.

        Bachelorette Baby Birthday Blowout!

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        We were so pleased to be a part of the first birthday party for Blakesley Sutter (daughter of “Bachelorette” stars, Trista and Ryan Sutter). The party was held April 3, 2010 at the Sonnenalp Resort in Vail, Colorado.

        Mom Trista and Baby Blakesley enjoy some goodies from the candy buffet!

        ACandyStore.com provided the candy for the candy buffet, which kept Blakesley and her friends coming back for more sweets!

        The delicious candy buffet! For exact items/quantities used, please see below.

        Among the candy were vast amounts of Beeps Bright Bears:

        Star Flower Pops:

        Powder Blue Sixlets:

        There are many creative ways to spice up your candy buffet. You might choose to use “candy tags” and come up with unique, personal titles for the candy. (Example: With the Star Flower Pops, call them “Blakesley’s Flower Garden”.) Some candy buffets include take-home bags personalized with each guest’s name- perfect for taking some tasty treats to-go!

        And remember: candy buffets aren’t just for kids and birthday parties! On our site (ACandyStore.com), we have arranged candy by color and theme. It is so easy to search for the perfect bulk candy for your wedding, game day party, shower, holiday, or corporate event!

        One of the many joys of our bulk candy business is being a part of special moments like birthdays, weddings, showers, and celebrations for all occasions! Please let us know if we can help with your special moment!