Exploring the Possibilities of Pectin in Pate De Fruit

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Pate de fruit is a traditional French confection made from fruit puree, sugar and pectin. Pectin is a natural thickening agent used in jams and jellies, and gives pate de fruit its firm, jelly-like texture. In this week’s blog post, we’re sharing tips from Chef Josh Johnson with Guittard Chocolate Company on how to achieve two distinct applications for pate de fruit by using a different type of pectin.

Pictured above are two distinct applications for pate de fruit. The confection on the left used G pectin to achieve a slab pate de fruit, where NH pectin helped achieve a softer, more fluid texture that could be piped into the chocolate shell on the right.

G Pectin

If you’re looking for a classic pate de fruit, G pectin is the way to go. Pate de fruit normally has a firm set, like a fruit jelly. Once set, it remains stable and can’t be manipulated. For an enrobed (or slab) piece, G pectin will achieve a firm consistency that cuts nicely on a guitar cutter. G pectin also offers a slower set time and a very nice fluidity when poured into a frame. This is key in being able to pour multiple frames without the product setting too quickly.

G pectin is a mixture of yellow pectin, dextrose and citric acid which work together to achieve the aforementioned qualities. Be sure to not switch yellow pectin for G pectin, or the other way around, because the results will be drastically different.

NH Pectin

NH pectin can be used to create a softer texture, which can be stirred or blended to a smooth consistency. Once completely cooled, it can be piped perfectly into moulded chocolate shells. NH pectin is primarily used in glazes for different pastry applications, because it can be remelted and remain homogenous as a liquid glaze. NH pectin is also called “thermo-reversible pectin.”

It’s important to understand the effects of different types of pectin to achieve your desired confectionery application. Click here to download Chef Josh's recipes for chocolate raspberry bon bons (pictured above) featuring pate de fruit that utilizes G pectin or NH pectin to achieve two distinctly different results.

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Generate Excitement with Limited-Edition Confections

Photo credit: Sour Patch Kids®

“Limited edition” products exist across all industries including technology, fashion, cosmetics and, of course, food. RCI member, Kate Wadman with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate shares how companies big and small often use this strategy to break through the noise of evergreen activities (known for being relevant, though repetitive) in the market and pull consumers in.

Why does this work?

At its core, “limited edition” speaks to basic economics of supply and demand. Offering unique items for only a set time can increase demand and create an elevated value for those items, as well as the overall brand. This sense of immediacy and exclusivity kickstarts the desire to buy and experience.

“Limited edition” or “special edition” also gives the product a new or never-before-seen feel that generates excitement and plays on consumer FOMO or “fear of missing out.” Consumers are attracted to a new experience for simply that, something new. They also have an innate urgency to engage, because they don’t want to lose out and are fearful they may not have the same opportunity again.

Finding Inspiration

It’s one thing to create a limited-edition item. It’s another thing to keep the inspiration flowing for an entire line or consistent calendar of goodies.

To supplement ideation and creation of special-edition items, look to limited-time offerings in other spaces for inspiration or even to use as an ingredient itself. That’s exactly what Joe Sofia, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Technical Advisor, did when tasked with exploring the limited/special edition concept.

Additionally, inspired by overarching industry trends of nostalgia and sensory, Joe looked to create a recipe rooted in the limited-time offer mindset, but would also come alive in its experience and pack an emotional punch. Enter Sour Patch Kids® cereal. A much-loved candy since the 1970s, Sour Patch Kids has seen its fair share of expansion into other items, but the recent jump to a cereal inspired by the flavor might be its most unique. And it certainly fit the bill for a unique and special offering.

Four simple ingredients later, Sour Patch Kids Bark was born. White confectionery coating served as the canvas for the cereal while preserving texture and a small amount of citric acid crystals amplify the sour. Topping it off with actual Sour Patch Kids candy, added additional color to hit sensory at another eye-popping angle. Click here to download the recipe from Joe Sofia and Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. 

Opportunity To Play

It’s worth noting that not every limited-edition product works for everyone. It’s important to experiment and play around to create something that speaks to your specific customers. A great part of limited edition is that you’re not committed to it forever. If it doesn’t work, try something else. Once you land on the right flavors and the right mix, your limited-edition product can pack a powerful punch.

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Caramel Twists & Pairings: 3 Variations of Caramel to Try

 

Consumers’ flavor preferences are divided between two trends. One based on comforting and nostalgic, more traditional flavors and the other on novelty, experimentation and intensity. These are not mutually exclusive; consumers will migrate between the two based on individual needs and external factors, shared Chiara Calcagnini and Eva Teyssier with Barry Callebaut in an article written for RCI’s Kettle Talk magazine.

Experimental: Caramel with a Twist

Consumers love to try out new flavor combinations. A caramel flavor with a twist can provide enough of a familiar ground to persuade them to take the plunge towards novelty flavors or ingredients. Twists also bring new life and interest to offerings that may otherwise be overlooked because they’ve been seen so many times before.

Twists and pairings

Caramel pairs wonderfully with a variety of different inclusions to create multi-sensorial experiences. Combinations with healthier inclusions like seeds, nuts and dried fruits are especially appealing for consumers. All sorts of caramel twists including combinations with cocktail-based flavors, rosemary and sea salt, cocoa nibs, etc. can bring your caramel creations to a next level and create an elevated and premium perception. Caramel also has incredible potential to satisfy various eating occasions and consumer needs. For example, caramel and caramel products are the perfect solution for the rising trend of on-the-go consumer snacking.

In the spirit of exploring new and creative twists on caramel, we’re sharing 3 variations of caramel flavors to try this fall.

Photo credit: Shotwell Candy Co.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Caramels

If a caramel walked into a bar—a swanky, retro bar—it might walk out tasting like Shotwell Candy Co.’s “Old Fashioned” Cocktail Caramels. Described as “buttery soft caramel, infused with aromatic bitters, barrel-aged bourbon, and orange extract.”

Photo credit: King Arthur Baking Company

Salted Rosemary Caramel Sauce

For herbaceous twist on your class caramel recipe, add a hint of fresh rosemary. This recipe for salted rosemary caramel sauce calls for boiled apple cider to add a more refined flavor and also recommends straining the caramel to remove any remaining pieces of rosemary.

Sweet tip: Speaking of caramel sauce, if you have a great caramel recipe and aren’t currently making caramel sauce, this could be a natural variation which would give your customers another way to enjoy your caramel.

Photo credit: Love & Olive Oil

Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Caramels

Especially if you already have chocolate caramels in your wheelhouse, adding cocoa nibs is sure to elevate your recipe with welcome texture and crunch elements. Check out this recipe from Love & Olive Oil.

Adding a twist to your caramel creations can elevate them from ordinary to interesting and even trendy, especially for younger consumers.  If you’re interested in learning more about the science of crafting perfect caramels, click here to get notified when registration opens for RCI’s Caramels, Toffees & Brittles education course in Orlando, Florida February 21-23, 2023.

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5 Fresh, New Ways to Feature Strawberry

For many, vibrant, sweet and juicy strawberries are a welcome sign that summer is here!

Roll out the red carpet, welcoming summer’s official berry (we think…) with five fresh, new ways to feature strawberry in your summer product lineup.

Photo credit: California Strawberries

Strawberry Peanut Butter Cups
Put a fresh spin on the classic peanut butter cup with the addition of freshly slice strawberries. Click here for a recipe from California Strawberries.

Photo credit: California Strawberries

Matcha-Covered Strawberries
Perhaps an unexpected twist on chocolate-covered strawberries, the addition of matcha powder to the white chocolate is sure to pique customer interest.

Photo credit: Bridgewater Chocolate

Chocolate Strawberry Pearls
With the slight crunch of dried strawberry in the center of layers of white chocolate and strawberry-flavored chocolate, these delicate pearls made by Bridgewater Chocolate are an elegant way to showcase strawberries.

Photo credit: Taste of Home

Strawberry Pretzel Bark
Here’s a new take on the summertime classic, strawberry pretzel dessert. With its natural berry notes, ruby chocolate is a natural fit for pairing with strawberries.

Photo credit: Milk Bar

Strawberry Shortcake Truffles
Combining all the creamy, salty, buttery, fruity, unforgettably tasty flavors of strawberry shortcake in a single bite, Milk Bar’s strawberry shortcake cake truffles are made with strawberry-studded vanilla cake, soaked in strawberry milk and rolled in strawberry shortcake crumbs. Milk Bar’s founder and television personality, Christina Tosi, shares her recipe here.

With strawberries popping up in farmers markets across the country, now is the time to take advantage of your local harvest. Even if you don’t follow some of these recipes exactly, use them as inspiration to create a recipe that is totally unique to your brand!

Here’s wishing you a sweet, strawberry kind of summer!

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Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with Irish Cream Caramels Recipe

This week’s sweet idea is proof that you don’t need rainbows and green food coloring to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in proper fashion. Transform your caramel recipe by adding a splash or two of Irish cream flavor to add familiar hints of cocoa and vanilla found in Baileys^® Irish Cream liqueur.  

Photo credit: LorAnn Oils

Take your caramel up a notch with this recipe for Irish Cream Caramels from LorAnn Oils. Enjoy layers of indulgent sweetness with drizzles of white and milk chocolate, followed by sprinkles of crushed toffee pieces—yes, please! 

If you fancy plenty of rainbows and green food coloring for your St. Patty’s Day celebration, we’ve got you covered! Click here for 5 sweet treats for St. Patrick’s Day. Share your favorite St. Patty’s inspired treats on RCI’s Facebook page.

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Get Popping with Champagne-Inspired Confections

With New Year’s Eve around the corner, we’re sharing bottle-popping ideas for champagne-inspired confections. This versatile flavor can be used to ring in the new year, celebrate a loved one for Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries or even make great wedding favors.

Photo credit: Hilliard’s Chocolates

Rosé Truffles

For those who love wine and chocolate, RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolates hits the mark with their rosé flavored ganache covered in rich, dark chocolate.

Photo credit: Sugarfina

Chocolate-Covered Champagne Gummy Bears

What’s better than the popular champagne gummy bears? Champagne gummy bears drenched in your signature chocolate couverture, of course.

Photo credit: Melville Candy

Champagne Lollipops

These gourmet cocktail lollipops from Melville Candy not only fit the bill with flavors like pink champagne, prosecco and champagne bubbles, they almost look too pretty to eat…almost.

Photo credit: Kopper’s Chocolate

Rosé Cordials

These rose cordials from Kopper’s Chocolate quite literally drip with class and the sparkling pink finish makes them even more irresistible.

Photo credit: Stress Baking

White Chocolate Champagne Truffles

Looking to create your own champagne-flavored delights? This recipe for white chocolate champagne truffles captures the essence of any celebration worthy of bottle popping! Click here for recipe from Stress Baking.

Photo credit: Jelly Belly Candy Company

Champagne and Rosé Jelly Beans

Toast any occasion with champagne and rosé jelly beans from RCI member, Jelly Belly Candy Company. They have all the flavor of a glass of bubbly in a mini-sized bottle with none of the alcohol.

Cheers to lots of bubbly confections and a sweet new year ahead!

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No-Sugar Added Hot Cocoa Bombs: Tips, Tricks & Recipe

Hot cocoa bombs were all the rage last year and so far, are coming in hot for the cooler fall and winter seasons. Although considered a very indulgent beverage treat, RCI partner, Blommer Chocolate Company, has shared their version with no sugar added!

Photo credit: Blommer Chocolate Company

If you’ve ever struggled with assembling hot cocoa bombs, Blommer also covers two methods of assembling and adhering hot cocoa bombs for you to try and choose your favorite.

Click here for detailed instructions and a recipe for no-sugar-added hot cocoa bombs, plus valuable tips and tricks for making the perfect hot cocoa bomb every time!

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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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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5 Ways to Celebrate National Apple Month

Pumpkin may reign king of fall, but one might say the apple is queen. October is National Apple Month and just another reason to incorporate apple into your fall product line up. Keep reading for five confections to help you celebrate National Apple Month.

Credit: Hilliard’s Chocolates

Apple Pecan Caramel Bark

RCI member, Hilliard’s Chocolates, evokes all the fall feels with this bark that combines white chocolate, cinnamon oil, dried apples, caramel and cinnamon sugar for a welcome fall treat. Hilliard's Chocolates presented this idea at a past Candy Clinic. RCI members can login to view past Candy Clinic presentations like this one at retailconfectioners.org/candyclinic.

Credit: Peter’s Chocolate

Apple Pie Truffles

Achieve the comforting flavors of warm, apple pie in a truffle with this recipe from Peter’s Chocolate.

Credit: King Arthur Baking

Apple Cider Caramels

Another iconic fall flavor, apple cider brings a welcome depth of flavor to any caramel recipe. Check out  this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

Credit: Shugary Sweets

Apple Pie Fudge

Not only does this fudge bring fall flavor, the addition of gingersnap cookies emulates the texture of a crisp fall apple. Click here to view recipe from Sugary Sweets.

Credit: Cookies and Cups

Caramel Apple Popcorn

Caramel popcorn is reimagined for fall with dried apple chips and a dash of warm cinnamon in this recipe by Cookies and Cups.

We hope this week’s post helps you celebrate the flavors of the fall apple harvest.

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 Family-Friendly Ways to Generate Sales for Fall 2020

There’s little doubt this fall season is going to look very different for many families and individuals. Thanks to COVID-19, many of our favorite traditional fall events will be canceled or, if not, done very differently.

Here’s five ideas from RCI members for generating sales by creating memorable experiences for families this fall.

Candy-Making Classes: Two Ways

Hosting virtual candy-making classes is a great way to engage with consumers. RCI member, Yelibelly Chocolates, has developed a series of at-home candy-making classes which can be experienced as a prerecorded video or live Zoom call. Further direction can be shared with customers after purchasing a supply kit containing the needed ingredients and supplies.

Known for their in-person candy-making classes for kids, RCI member, PeterbrookeChocolatier, has been able to continue in-person classes by offering small groups of families and/or close friends to take private classes together after local mandates allowed. This approach limits potential exposure to participants by individuals outside their inner circle and creates a more comfortable environment for local patrons to do something fun outside their homes.

Socially Distant Outdoor Events

Is your annual fall festival cancelled this year? Use your creativity to dream up a socially distant outdoor event to generate foot traffic at your store. RCI member Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium plans to host their annual outdoor pumpkin painting party (albeit practicing social distancing) and treat kids dressed in their Halloween costumes with a complimentary goodie bag.

Another idea could include hosting a family movie night in the parking lot by hanging a white sheet on the side of your building and setting up a projector. RCI member, MarshmallowMBA plans to partner with local churches to gain exposure during Trunk-or-Treat events in their community.

DIY Take-Home Kits

Make it easy for shoppers to create special memories for their families. RCI member Stever’s Candies had success over the summer by selling s’mores and ice cream sundae take-home kits, each packed with all the sweet ingredients needed and bundled together for a quick, grab-and-go treat or an easy, yet thoughtful, gift.

Themed Virtual Tastings

Hosting a virtual chocolate tasting may be just the ticket for safely connecting with chocolate lovers near and far. Incorporating themes will make the experience more memorable and potentially lead to customers ordering multiple tastings. RCI member, Blommer Chocolate Company, suggests themes that hypothetically whisk participants away to a virtual vacation destination or even highlight your home base. Check out this video from Blommer Chocolate's Rose Potts for more inspiration on creating a successful virtual chocolate tasting.

For a more local vibe, source local fall produce to highlight as part of your virtual tasting. We think this recipe for apple cider caramels from King Arthur Baking Company would be the perfect addition to a fall harvest themed tasting.

Virtual Factory Tour

Pique the curiosities of children and parents alike by sharing virtual tours of your candy kitchen. After closing their factory to tours, RCI member SnowflakeChocolates has posted a virtual tour of their facility on social media as well as behind-the-scenes videos of how they make chocolate-covered Oreos and maple fudge. After seeing all the yummy confections in the making, invite followers to get it fresh by placing orders online or in-store. 

After a popular children’s YouTube sensation toured their facility, RCI member Boehm’sCandies created an Eat-Along Kit including the confections featured in the tour. If you’re looking to take your virtual tour to the next level, feature your signature confections in the video tour and sell them as a bundle for consumers to purchase and enjoy while they watch your virtual tour.

Businesses that thrive this fall will be the ones that are intentional about creating a safe and comfortable environment for consumers and their families to not only enjoy their products, but create memorable experiences their patrons won’t soon forget. Here's wishing you a sweet and successful fall season!

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