Snag this idea: Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Bombs

 

This sweet idea from RCI partner, Tomric Chocolate Systems, combines two of the hottest trends this fall—pumpkin spice and a hot cocoa bomb all in one unmistakably fall package.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’re likely well aware last year’s hot cocoa bomb trend is just as hot as ever. Stand out from the literal hundreds, if not thousands, of cocoa bombs on the market these days by offering something more unexpected, a pumpkin spice hot cocoa bomb, in the shape of—you guessed it—a pumpkin!

Photo credit: Tomric Systems

Click here for detailed instructions on how to recreate this exact look using Tomric’s H-855 mould and their recipe for pumpkin spice hot cocoa to fill your pumpkins!

Although today is National Pumpkin Day—this concept can be celebrated throughout November and can be marketed to customers as a fall holiday hostess gift or even as centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. If this cute little gourd has you feeling inspired, look at your inventory of hollow moulds that could also be converted into unique hot cocoa bombs like this.

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Transform Truffles into Truffle Pops in 5 Easy Steps

Looking for something fun and different? Cake pops have been popular for years, but what about upping the ante with unique and decadent truffle pops? RCI partner, Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, shares an idea for an easy, grab-and-go option for your storefront or a custom favor perfect for events. Keep reading for 5 easy steps to transform your truffles into truffle pops!

Photo credit: Birnn Chocolates of Vermont

5 Easy Steps to Create Truffle Pops

1. Choose your truffle
2. Choose your stick (candy apple or rock candy sticks are both great options)
3. Warm ice pick with heat gun, stick pick gently into top or bottom of truffle, move in small circles, remove and wipe clean.
4. Heat your stick, slightly, and insert into truffle.
5. Let sit for 2-5 minutes before using the stick to pick up.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first Truffle Pop! Finish by wrapping with cellophane and ribbon of choice.

We’d love to see your truffle pops!  Please tag @retailconfectioners and @birnntruffles.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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5 Ways to Add a Pretzel Twist to Confections

From its crunchy texture and salty exterior to its versatility in both sweet and savory applications—what’s not to love about pretzels? Adding pretzels to your existing confections is a quick and easy way to add a new, and interesting twist (pun intended) to your product line up.

Photo credit: River Street Sweets

Pretzel Peanut Butter Cup

Add that signature pretzel crunch to your peanut butter cups with chunky, crushed pretzel pieces both inside and out.

Photo credit: LiveLovePasta

Chocolate Pretzel Toffee

Who needs nuts when you’ve got pretzels? Consider substituting broken pretzel pieces for a yummy, nut-free toffee. Check out this recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

Photo credit: Real Housemoms

Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Take your chocolate-covered pretzels to next-level status by adding a generous dollop of caramel to pretzel twists before coating them in chocolate. If pretzel rods are more your style, consider dunking them in caramel before coating in chocolate. You might have to stock up on more pretzels for this one!

Photo credit: Brown Eyed Baker

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Meltaways

We’ve already established that peanut butter and pretzels are a winning combination, but in case you need more evidence, try adding a generous portion of crushed pretzels to your peanut butter meltaways or buckeyes and watch them disappear before your very eyes.

Photo credit: Real Housemoms

Salted Pretzel and Caramel Fudge

This is just another example of taking something already amazing—caramel and chocolate fudge—and turning up that craveable salty and crunchy factor with, you guessed it, pretzels.

Basically, the moral of the story is if you have existing confections that are sweet and creamy—like a rich, chocolate-covered vanilla buttercream or nutty hazelnut meltaway—try experimenting by adding pretzels and see what happens. Invite friends, family and loyal customers to stop by for a test taste in exchange for their feedback.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Celebrate World Teachers’ Day + Get Free Printable Gift Tags!

 

Help parents shower teachers with some much-deserved appreciation for World Teachers’ Day on October 5!

Quickly convert any of your delicious confections to the perfect gift for World Teachers’ Day just by adding a fun gift tag. Click here to download RCI’s custom gift tags for free—printed six to a page.

Looking for creative ideas for teacher gifts? Check out this past blog post for inspiration sure to make your business the apple of the teacher’s eye!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.