Chef's Notes Plus

Master Sugar Cooking Technique

Sugar is the defining ingredient of candy making. It provides sweetness, bulk, flavor, mouthfeel, and preservation to candies of every description. Without sugar, there simply would not be such a thing as candy. In chocolates, the sugar is already contained in the chocolate itself, and we may add little or […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Meet Your New Favorite Flavor: Gianduja

Gianduja (jhan-DOO-ya) is a delicious mixture of chocolate and finely ground nuts. It is most likely Italian in origin and is traditionally made with dark chocolate and hazelnuts. While it is possible to toast and grind nuts and add the resulting paste to chocolate, it is simpler to make and […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Desserts

Mint Meltaways

Makes 81 pieces They are called meltaways for a reason: When coconut fat is mixed with chocolate, the result is a mixture that melts very quickly in the mouth. Add flavoring to it, and you have a singular sensation. No need to dip these in chocolate—just dust with powdered sugar […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Not-So-Spooky Halloween Treats

Whether you’re a kid or kid-at-heart, Halloween is a fun calendar-sanctioned reason to eat candy, and we are here for it. If you need a little inspiration for some treats for your holiday get together, start with a few of our favorite ghoul-worthy nibbles. Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Cupcakes Pumpkin Date Cake […]

Desserts

Peanut Brittle

Makes 1 thin sheet Brittle is some of the easiest candy to make, and the pay-off is unbeatable! This basic version uses peanuts, but you can substitute any nuts, especially roughly chopped almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts, or even sesame seeds, pepitas, or oats. Add smoked sea salt or cocoa […]

Desserts

Peanut Butter Nougat

Makes one 9 by 13-inch slab All of the goodness of peanut butter in a light nougat—nothing could be better, except maybe adding some chocolate. This nougat pairs well with both dark and milk chocolate. The texture of the nougat will improve a day or two after it is made. […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Peppermint Bark

Makes one 10×15-inch sheet Ingredients 8 ounces (1/2 cups) candy canes (crushed) 1/8 teaspoon peppermint oil 8 ounces (3/4 cup) dark chocolate, tempered, or dark chocolate candy melts, melted 8 ounces (3/4 cup) white chocolate, tempered, or white chocolate candy melts, melted Directions Line a 10×15–inch sheet pan with parchment […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Red, White Chocolate, and Blue Bark

Sometimes cooking is about the journey, not the destination. That is especially true when cooking with kids, and particularly when cooking with kids who have been inside a lot these last few months. For the Fourth of July this year, we’re keeping it simple—and fun!—with some candy crafting. White chocolate […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Regional Food Spotlight: Sponge Candy

You may think Buffalo, New York stopped when it perfected the spicy Buffalo wing, but you might be surprised to find out that the wing is arguably the second-best food to come out of the city. For the sweet-toothed among us, Buffalo’s very best regional specialty has an unfortunate name […]

Desserts

Rochers

Makes 25 pieces Rocher is French for “rock,” and these chocolates just might be named that because they do! There is no limit to the possible combinations of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and cereals that can be made into rochers. These are just a few—use your vision to create your […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Rock Candy Recipe

Makes 6 pieces Ingredients 9 lb (18 cups) granulated sugar 1 1/2 quarts water 6 bamboo skewers 1 egg white, lightly beaten 2 tbsp coarse sugar Food coloring, as needed (optional) Directions Combine the sugar and water in a large clean pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pan […]