Fondant Candy Recipes

FONDANT CANDY

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a saucepan and boil, rather slowly, to 236F on a candy thermometer or until mixture reaches soft-ball stage.
• Remove from heat to stop boiling; brush down sugar crystals with a dampened pastry brush (this is the important first step to prevent candy from being hard, grainy or sugary).
• Pour the hot candy at once onto a platter which has been lightly dampened with cold water (to help prevent sticking) and allow it to cool to lukewarm (about 110F) without disturbing.
• It will take about an hour at room temperature for fondant to cool sufficiently.
• Beat hard until fondant loses it's transparency and becomes white and opaque.
• Stop beating and knead with the hands until there are no lumps.
• When fondant is smooth, place in a tightly covered jar and it will keep for a long time.
• Fondant becomes more creamy as it stands, if covered tightly. If not covered, it dries out.
• Let stand at least 24 hours before using, for best flavor.

FONDANT-FILLED CANDIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine milk and corn syrup. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar (mixture will be stiff). Divide into two portions. , For peppermint patties, add the peppermint oil to one portion. Shape 1/2 teaspoonfuls into balls and flatten. In a microwave, melt 1 pound of candy coating, stir until smooth. With a slotted spoon, dip peppermint disks in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to harden. Refrigerate in an airtight container., For chocolate-covered cherries, drain cherries, reserving 3 tablespoons of juice; set cherries aside. Combine juice with remaining fondant. Add additional confectioners' sugar if necessary to form a stiff mixture. , Roll into 1-in. balls; flatten to 2-in. circles. Wrap each circle around a cherry and carefully shape into a ball. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely. Melt remaining candy coating; dip cherries in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to harden. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks for candy to ripen and center to soften.