Cooking 101 - Sweets: Candy Corn
Treat yourself sweetly this Halloween
October finally is here, and Halloween quickly is approaching. This holiday
— known for its colorful costumes and tasty treats — simply
is not complete without candy corn.
Candy corn dates back to the 1880s, according to the National Confectioners
Association. George Renn-inger, an employee of the Wunderlee Candy Company,
invented the sweet, brightly colored candy.
In 1900, the Goelitz Candy Company (currently the Jelly Belly Candy Company)
began making the sweet treat.
Today, manufacturers use a "cornstarch molding process." A
tray with molds for the candy corn is filled with cornstarch. The candy
is made by pouring different-colored syrups from the bottom to the top
— yellow, orange and white. When the layers are cooled, the candy
gels together to form the sweet candy corn.
National Candy Corn Day is Oct. 30. Pick some up and try out the fun
recipes listed below.
Howling Candy Corn Cookie Bark
16 Halloween Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups miniature pretzel twists, coarsely broken
1/3 cup raisins
2 packages (6 oz. each) Baker’s Premium White Baking Chocolate
1/2 cup candy corn
1/4 cup brown and orange sprinkles
Spread cookies, pretzels and raisins into 13x9-inch rectangle on a lightly
greased baking sheet. Set aside. Place chocolate in small heavy saucepan;
cook on low heat until completely melted, stirring constantly. Drizzle
over chocolate cookie mixture; spread with spatula to evenly coat all
ingredients. Top with candy corn and sprinkles; lightly press into chocolate
mixture to secure. Cool until firm and break into pieces. Store in airtight
container at room temperature.
Candy Corn Popcorn Balls
1/4 cup (1/2 stick butter or margarine)
1 package (10 1/2 oz.) miniature marshmallows
1 package (4-serving size) gelatin, any flavor
12 cups (3 qt.) popped popcorn
1 cup candy corn
Microwave butter and marshmallows in large microwavable bowl on high
1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Stir in gelatin until
well-blended. Pour marshmallow mixture over combined popcorn and candy
corn in large bowl. Mix lightly until well coated. Shape into 16 (2-inch)
balls or other shapes with greased or wet hands.
Source: Kraft Foods
For more fun fall foods, log onto the Food & Fun section at www.kraft.com.
Search for fun Halloween foods from throughout the world or find a new,
interesting beverage for any season.
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