Tip #269: Celebrate National Almond Buttercrunch Day on June 29

With National Almond Buttercrunch Day at the end of the month, now is the time to make plans to perfect your recipe or introduce this popular confection into your product line. Keep reading for expert tips on how to achieve the signature crunch as well as a formulation worthy of a national holiday.

ALL ABOUT THAT CRUNCH

According to Walter Richmond, author of Choice Confections, this buttery and crunchy treat is “one of the finest confections made.” So how do you get the perfect crunch? This confection’s signature crunch comes from a high cook temperature and the right formulation of ingredients, namely butter and sugar. Typically made by caramelizing sugar with butterfat at a high temperature of 290-300° F. Equally important, the ratio of butter and sugar will have an effect of the grain of the crunch. Richmond recommends 37-42 percent butter and 63-58 percent sugar (nuts excluded) for the confection to gradually become softer and melt in your mouth when eating.

Use the following formulation to adapt this classic recipe in your own candy kitchen.

Click here to download formulation

Maybe it’s the crunch or rich buttery goodness, consumers love buttercrunch enough to honor it with a national holiday. If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of how to make great buttercrunch (or toffee) with consistency or how to make corrections when issues arise, make plans to attends RCI’s upcoming Caramels, Toffees & Brittles course August 15-17, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Caramels, Toffees & Brittles offers students optimal hands-on learning experience while benefiting from the knowledge and skills presented by confectionery and chocolate experts.

Caramels, Toffees & Brittles is open to both RCI members and non-members. Event organizers encourage those interested to register now, as the course is limited to the first 24 registrants. For detailed course information, visit www.retailconfectioners.org/caramels.

Stay connected with RCI through Facebook for more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tip #266: Save with Special Offers from Exhibitors at RCI Industry Expo

RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo is right around the corner! If you haven’t done so already, there's still time to join RCI in Cleveland from June 18-22, 2018. Click here to see who’s exhibiting by viewing the expo floor plan which includes exhibiting company descriptions and contact information. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information and to register to attend.

Not only are industry tradeshows a great opportunity to see new product innovations and connect with suppliers and fellow confectioners, you can also save money on items such as packaging, equipment and ingredients. Many exhibitors will provide show specials just for those who take advantage of placing orders while at the show. For example, you could secure a reduced shipping rate or discounts on the same orders you may place a couple months from now, when the need arises. Keep in mind, most suppliers will allow you to place an order and arrange for later shipping dates so you could even place your Christmas order and know it will arrive at a later arranged date.

As an added incentive, every order placed during RCI’s Industry Expo is entered into a drawing for great prizes provided by exhibitors.

Stay connected with RCI through Facebook for more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.