Candy Gems Recipes

CANDY GEMS

Steps:

• Bring 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons corn syrup to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat until syrup registers 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon extract and 1 or 2 drops food coloring using a rubber spatula. (Mixture will steam and bubble when liquid is added, so be careful.) Transfer mixture to a liquid measuring cup, and let the bubbles settle slightly, about 15 seconds.
• Slowly pour mixture into gem candy molds just below the top. Let cool until candies harden, about 30 minutes. Remove candies from molds. Repeat with remaining 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon extract, and 1 or 2 drops food coloring (same color as first batch).
• Let second batch cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Top with first batch of hardened candies, flat sides together, matching sizes and shapes. Let harden and cool completely before removing from molds.

CHOCOLATE GEMS

Steps:

• Melt 4 ounces chocolate in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Let cool to room temperature. Pour into gem candy mold. Refrigerate until hardened, about 15 minutes. Remove chocolates from mold. Repeat with 4 ounces chocolate.
• Melt remaining ounce chocolate, and brush on undersides of first batch of gems. Immediately top with second batch of chocolates, flat sides together, matching sizes and shapes. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Wrap each in a foil wrapper.

IRISH GEMS

Steps:

• Blend together mashed potatoes and sugar. Add coconut, vanilla, and salt.
• Drop from a teaspoon onto wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Shape into peaks. Let stand uncovered 30 minutes.
• Melt, in a saucepan over very low heat, chocolate chips and paraffin.
• Using a teaspoon, pour chocolate mixture over peaks of candy. Cool.
• Makes approximately 4 dozen.
• Note: I usually add about 2 cups of chopped pecans.
• Note: If you shape the mixture around an almond and dip the ball in the chocolate you have a mini faux Almond Joy!