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.

The Tradition of Valentine Candy

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Back in ancient Rome they used to celebrate a young man’s entry into adulthood, or his rite of passage, during an event called the Fertility Festival which lasted several days and began on the 13th. On the first day the festival opened dedicated to peace and love. During the second day, February 14, the names of willing single women were placed into an urn and one was drawn by every young single man. These paired couples were partners for the following year which, on the Roman calendar began that March. Although there was no guarantee of commitment often these couplings, after a year of being together, would result in marriage.

In the fifth century the Christian church in its efforts to stamp out such pagan and sexual conduct created a coinciding holiday celebrating a Christian saint remembered for his devotion to love (Saint Valentine). They retained the idea of drawing names from an urn but instead of placing the names of willing women into the urn they placed the names of saints for young women and men to draw out and emulate for the following year. Needless to say this tradition was not nearly as popular as the former version. The new tradition also took away what was previously a great opportunity for a single male to find a partner, and visa versa. To make up for this single men began creating presents of written greetings of affection for girls they liked. They would present these on the 14th of February.

This tradition spread and evolved over the years so that during medieval times in England the names of single men and women were put into urns and drawn in pairs. Each couple would exchange gifts and be sweethearts for a year in which the man was bound by honor to court and protect his sweetheart. This tradition was made official when King Henry VIII declared February 14, Saint Valentines Day.  The old traditions and the new were thus combined to create the Valentines Day we know today, in which sweethearts give each other gifts like flowers or candy and declare their love.

Glucose – We need it!

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Glucose, the sugar used to make candy, is an essential nutrient for the human body. It isn’t just necessary for energy levels either, glucose is critical for maintaining healthy body function, it is as important as other nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. In fact it is the most important of all the carbohydrates that the body requires and most people don’t even realize that glucose is a carbohydrate.

Carbohydrates are the main dietary source of glucose. Rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, milk, fruit, and sweets are all carbohydrate-rich foods. Many fruits also contain good glucose levels. Some people experience a condition called hypoglycemia which means that they don’t have sufficient glucose in their system. Symptoms of this can include fatigue, shaking, dizziness or fainting. Lollipops and suckers are particularly pleasant sources of glucose that have the added benefit of feeding glucose levels in the body slowly and steadily over a period of time.

So what exactly are carbohydrates? They are the superior short-term fuel human beings need because they are simple to metabolize and better for us than fats or amino acids. Glucose is the most important carbohydrate because the level of glucose is used as the main control for the central metabolic hormone, insulin.  But it isn’t just humans that use glucose; it is used as an energy source in most organisms, from bacteria to humans.

Candy isn’t the only source of glucose but it is, for many people, the most pleasurable source of glucose. Let’s face it, there aren’t many of the body’s requirements for health and well-being that are such a pleasure to ingest while providing the body with an essential and health promoting nutrient. For anyone needing an occasional energy burst and especially for those people prone to hypoglycaemia, candy is an excellent source of glucose available in a flavor and texture to suit anyone and everyone – guaranteed!

Do It Yourself Valentine Chocolates

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Nothing says I love you like an effort made to create something special, unique and home made for your sweetheart. Don’t worry that your valentine chocolate creations won’t look as good as store bought, the thought really is what counts and, believe it or not, it isn’t as difficult as you may think to create beautifully presented chocolate candy pieces. Ready to give it a go!

To begin with you will need

Ingredients:

Couverture or confectioners chocolate

You will also need:

Candy molds

Palette knife or metal spatula

Squeeze bottles

Pouring jug

Note: Couverture chocolate requires the cook to temper the chocolate. This chocolate tastes better but is harder to make

Directions

There are three options for melting the chocolate and each will have equally good results. The microwave is obviously the easiest but some may wish to infuse their chocolate with patient loving care over a slow cooker or double boiler. The perfect melted chocolate temperature will be warm on the wrist, not hot.

Microwave: place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and cook it on high power at 10-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is just melted but not hot.

Slow cooker: set the cooker on low heat stirring occasionally and making sure the chocolate does not get hot. A slow cooker is great for melting chocolate and keeping it at just the right temperature.

Double boiler: For optimal temperature controls use this method. Set up the double boiler with a small amount of water but make sure the water does not touch the top of the pan or the chocolate. Melt the chocolate stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth, and then remove the pan from the heat.

Once the chocolate is melted and creamy, spoon it into clean, dry plastic squeeze bottles or a pouring jug. Set the bottles or jug in a pan of warm water to stay at just the right temperature and be sure to dry the bottles before using the chocolate.

Use the squeeze bottles or jug and carefully pour the chocolate slowly into the molds, leaving back about half a cup of soft chocolate kept in a squeeze bottle in the warm water.

Using the palette knife or spatula, scrape off any excess chocolate. When the top of the mold is smooth and even, gently tap the tray of chocolates on the countertop to pop any air bubbles.

To make the chocolate harden quickly, put it in the freezer for a few minutes or simply refrigerate the chocolate until firm. Use the squeeze bottle and remaining chocolate to slowly and carefully pattern the tops of the chocolate molds and return them to the fridge for a few more minutes.

Once the chocolate and chocolate trim is firm enough come out of the mold, invert the entire mold onto a clean towel and twist very gently to release the chocolates. A box and some ribbon and you have created the ultimate valentines chocolate gift.

M&M = Marriage & Magic

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For a magical wedding buffet in a whimsical yet classy ambiance, candy banquets have become the piece de la resistance of the modern wedding. M&M candy individual colored bulk bags offer an economical and creative way to create that magical setting. Whether set in big bowls by color, incorporated into centerpieces or lovingly wrapped in bonbonieres, M&Ms are a versatile solution to wedding table themes of any color or character. There are some great ideas for using M&Ms which are tried and true and a few others that are very unique, these are some of the best examples.

A simple yet really effective colored work of M&M edible candy art is simple. Using as many differently shaped glass or clear plastic bowls or jars as you can find, arranged on a banquet table or in the centre of guest tables. Choose several M&M colors (4-6 colors is effective without overkill) which tie in nicely with the color them of the wedding and fill the variously shaped containers to the brim – with one color in each container. This looks appetizing and also stunning as a centerpiece or dedicated candy table arrangement. As an extra special feature which will serve as the most original thank you gift, set a small candy scoop by each guest plate wrapped in a bow or some lace, whatever you fancy. Guests can use the scoop to eat the M&M candy and then take the scoop home as a memento. If you really want to go all out have each scoop engraved with the date and the names of the newlyweds.

Another super special idea for M&M candy within a funtastical wedding theme is the use of apothecary jars instead of big centre displays. Fill small apothecary jars with a single color M&Ms and tie a matching colored ribbon around the top. Place one jar by each place setting and again you can choose to engrave the jars as mementos of the big day! Choose as many M&M colors as you wish but use only one color in each small jar for a classy colored candy effect.

A brilliant variation on the memento theme is the use of loot bag seat covers – now this is really original and clever! Create covers for seat backs with drawstring cords. Write the name of the bride and groom and the date on the bag, either with permanent color or embroidery (lots of great options here too). At the end of the evening guests pull the seat covers off and they become loot bags in which guests can scoop colored M&Ms and also take home their wedding programs, placeholders, etc…

It will come as a surprise to most that individually colored M&M bulk packages are available in red, maroon, dark pink, pink, orange, gold, yellow, green, aqua, teal, dark green, light blue, blue, dark blue, light purple, purple, white, cream, brown and silver M&Ms. We are pretty sure that means there is an M&M color candy for every wedding theme color! Did we mention black and white M&Ms?

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.

Themed Candy Wedding Buffet Designs

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One of the most spectacular candy wedding buffets I have seen lately is a winter wonderland themed candy buffet. The wedding couple chose a variety of light blue and white rock candies which included white and blue rock candy swizzle sticks, pretzel sticks dipped in white candy and sprinkled with light blue candy sprinkles, blue and white candy cane sticks and of course white candy mints.  Each candy type was displayed in a different glass container with the smaller jars (and candy) placed in front of the larger containers. A light blue table runner with silver trim completed the look and the effect was stunning.

This candy buffet was for a small intimate wedding and the selection and size of the candy buffet reflected this.  A larger function would want to include a greater variety of candy and possibly some additional splashes of color. Some suggestions for other excellent wedding candy choices might be silver candy, black candy or variegated shades of blue candy. Of course if the wedding is color themed the candy buffet can made to suit. Alternatively a creative bride and groom could add subtle color by using blown glass and white candy or by using a table runner that will tie together the colors of the candy.

Wedding color trends for 2011 have the top 6 wedding colors to be turquoise, coral, black & white, yellow, fuchsia and deep red. Even though some of these colors are quite bold there is no reason that the wedding candy buffet cannot be accommodated to suit the color theme. Some suggestions for wedding buffets using this years hottest bridal colors are:

Turquoise:  berry blue jelly belly’s, aqua M&Ms, gummy butterflies, and turquoise rock candy sticks. Use blue tinged display glass and a turquoise runner to bring together the varying shades.

Coral:  a spectacular coral candy buffet will include orange sixlets candy, peaches and cream gumballs, orange M&Ms, cotton candy jelly belly’s and chocolate apricots. Complement the coral colored candy with a classy beige or brown table runner.

Black & White: this was probably the most popular color theme of 2010 which shows no sign of decreasing popularity. The options for black and white candy buffets are numerous and can be created to be elegant, frivolous or both. Some candy choices for this buffet include, white wedding mints, black tie Jordan almonds and gummi penguins. Use clear curved glass for originality and a black table runner for style.

Yellow: yellow is fun and the candy buffet should reflect this couples sense of playfulness. Choose banana heads, yellow M&Ms, smile pops and yellow sixlets candy to create shape and color for your candy buffet. Go with a black or white table runner so not to overwhelm the yellow.

Fuchsia: dark pink M&Ms, hot pink sixlets candy and multi-color chocolate lips will create a fuchsia candy spectacle that will have your guests talking. If you have a larger buffet, add fuchsia milk chocolate long stemmed roses and pink foil peach hard candies. Make the statement even bolder with a red table runner.

Deep Red: red is the color of love so this candy buffet must have cinnamon imperial hearts as well as red foil cherry hard candy, red chocolate cherries candy and red milk chocolate hearts. Red is a great combination color and any table runner shade will enhance the appeal of a red candy buffet.

Anyone who has been to a wedding with a candy buffet dessert table will tell you it was a highlight of the wedding reception. Add to that, it is a simple dessert to organize, it is less expensive than most other dessert tables and it can be themed to match the wedding colors. A candy buffet can be presented in a style that reflects the wedding couples personality. These make it the perfect dessert, and centrepiece, for every wedding.

Hard Times Sweetened by Candy

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As the global recession seems to drag on and on candy consumption, which peaked in the U.S. at the height of the recession, continues unabated. It seems that stress and difficult times are inducement for candy consuming comfort. That’s good news for candy suppliers who have experienced across the board sales increases since 2009. Candy pundits attribute the rise to the benefits of candy as an inexpensive comfort food.

Interestingly the last big candy boom was during the depression of the 1930s which certainly supports the idea that when times are tough people eat more candy. The great depression also prompted the creation of a number of popular confections which remain favorites today such as Snickers, Tootsie Pops, Mars bars with almonds and Three Musketeers, all created in the early 1930s. Pretzel filled M&Ms have just been introduced and it will be interesting to see if the world will enjoy another candy creation boom.

Many professionals, especially in the world of business are using candy to assuage battle worn customers, clients and employees. Some professionals who have always had candy available to visitors are finding they have to fill their candy bowls significantly more often. When it comes to comfort candy, traditional candy is the most popular. The nostalgia of childhood candy, like hard candy and gumballs, (coupled with the expense of gourmet products) make these the ones people crave most in a recession and during hard times.

The benefit of candy isn’t just rooted in nostalgia and fond memories. Chocolate, licorice and other ingredients in candy do raise endorphin and serotonin levels in the people who eat them. Raised endorphin and serotonin levels equal increased happy feelings and mood. Some candy makers won’t use fructose corn syrup because they say it is bad for the brain neurotransmitters that carry the happy hormones.

Some studies have shown that difficult times increase sales in other indulgences like alcohol and cigarettes. Next to these, candy appears to be an excellent and fulfilling alternative for relieving stress and lightening the mood. Plus, there is no SIN tax on candy!

Valentines Day Candy

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, chocolate fondue for two anyone? A special trend for a unique and romantic date is chocolate fondue by a roaring fire. Fruit can be used for dippers but my personal favorite is marshmallows. The chocolate remains smooth and creamy over the fondue flame and is good for hours of candle/fire lit romantic banter.

The recipe:

7 ounces chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate

2 tablespoons lukewarm water

4 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons cherry or orange liqueur

1 tablespoon sifted, unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Marshmallows

Whole fresh strawberries

Thick slices of banana

Directions

In the bowl of the fondue pot combine the chocolate and water. Stir over warm water until the chocolate melts and is smooth. Add the cream, liqueur, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Place the fondue pot over the fondue flame and arrange the fondue forks, fruit and/or marshmallows on a serving tray. Using the fondue forks spear a fruit or marshmallow, dip it into the chocolate sauce and enjoy!

Of course if you haven’t got time for this kind of Valentines Day effort, or if the relationship isn’t that intimate –yet, chocolate and candy are tried and true courting success. Excellent Valentines Day chocolate/candy choices include: pink or red milk chocolate hearts, valentine gummi sanded hearts, Peeps vanilla or strawberry cream hearts and of course chocolate roses. Or, what about conversation hearts candy? These are still my personal favorite because they recall the most innocent days of childhood when love was pure and uncomplicated. Those little hearts shared by friends with the words I Love You, Be my Valentine, I’m  Yours, I Hope, and a raft of other gorgeous little sayings that mean so much.

Say I love you with chocolate or candy and you are sure to get it right this year. Whether you choose a very adult romantic chocolate fondue for two, or the more playful conversation hearts which are certain to make your true love smile, you won’t go wrong with candy on Valentine’s Day.

Cacao Genome Sequencing or, More Great Chocolate!

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Back in the beginning of 2010 an international team of 18 universities led by CIRAD in France, who had been working together to sequence the cacao tree DNA in an effort to understand the crop susceptibility to disease as well as the essence of cacao, announced they had cracked the plant DNA. Then in September the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that they had successfully sequenced the genome of the cacao tree.

The cacao crop is one in which demand consistently exceeds supply and so for the farmers who harvest cacao and for chocolate lovers alike, the developments mentioned are an amazing breakthrough which open the door to increased productivity in some of the most impoverished areas of the world. 70% of cacao production occurs in West Africa and it is the financial lifeblood of cacao farming communities.

Thanks to this research farmers will be able to modify crops to be better breeders and more resistant to the diseases, droughts and pests that plague this plant in particular. That could translate into as much as $700 million dollars worth of saved crops annually. Now that the genome has been successfully sequenced the benefits should enable breeders to begin producing superior new lines of trees using traditional techniques almost immediately.

Cocoa trees also have the added benefit of helping the environment. Not just because they are a natural, renewable resource but also because they grow best under a forest canopy and as such they provide a degree of protection from forestation. For farmers and folks in the chocolate industry the benefits are obvious but what does this mean for the consumer?

One answer may be healthier chocolate. Although chocolate already possesses inherent health benefits this research will enable some modification of percentages of cocoa butter, flavonoids and antioxidants present in the cocoa produced from cacao crops. So not only can chocolate be made to be even healthier than it is, it will also probably taste even better (if that’s possible) smell more delicious and have a smoother, creamier texture in the future.