Piping Candy Letters, Simpler Than You Might Think

Hey folks, today I am going to teach you how to pipe letters out of candy coating. It looks pretty cool and it is easier than you might think. Besides, everyone will ooo and aww about your mad candy skills.
Things You Need:

• Candy Coating, you can use rounds linked or blocks found at your supermarket.
• Double Boiler, or you can use the technique I use (observed here).
• Ziploc baggies, or off-brand, whatever.
• Spatula
• A paper clip, twist tie, clothespin or small office clamp. A binding device OK!
• Plastic wrap
• A flat surface to work on, like a cutting board.
• Toothpicks
• Water and an oven
• A paper template if you have crappy handwriting and little imagination like myself. Print from a computer if necessary.
• A Dish towel.
• Shortening
• Measuring spoons
• Tape (any kind will do in a pinch)
• Scissors

Directions

• First things first, you will need to mise en place. Having everything in one place will make things go more smoothly for you.
• Start by putting your cutting board in the fridge or freezer while you set everything up. This will help the candy to harden once it is laid on the board and not ooze everywhere.
• Print your template off if you are going to use one.
• Put an inch or two of water into your double boiler and bring it to a boil with the top section on.
• Throw your candy pieces into the top part, making sure that they do not come into contact with any water. If you bought the block, break it into smaller bits with your fists. Or a knife. Whatever.
• As your candy gently melts, stir occasionally, incorporating all the chunks. You may need to add a tablespoon of shortening to thin it out. The candy does not need to super runny. In fact, that may be bad. It just needs to get a ribbony state.

Ribbon-esque

• Pull your cutting board out of the fridge and tape your template to it.
• Stretch plastic wrap tightly over your paper template, tape it down as well. Return to to fridge if your candy coating is not yet melted.
• When the candy has thoroughly melted, pull out a Ziploc bag and turn it inside out over your hand or a cup. You are basically making a piping bag.

 

• Start transferring the candy coating to your bag, this can be a little hot. Use a dishtowel between your hands and the bag if you have to. Fill the bag only about 1/3 of the way full to start. You can always add more.

Warning, this can be a little hot!

• When you have added the coating, try to get as much air out as possible and seal the bag. Twist the top of the bag to work the candy down to a bottom corner. Use one of the above mentioned clamping items to hold the candy in place near the bottom. It should be a tight fit.

• You then use the scissors to cut the tip of of the bag off. How much is cut of depends on how fine your lettering will be. I always start small and cut more if needed. If you cut too big, you will have to empty the bag and start over.

 

Snippy!

• Resting your hand against the board, start filling in the spaces on your template. Be careful not to rest your hand on your work. Move around the board systematically so you don't smudge or get worked into a corner. You can use a towel wrapped around the bag if it is too hot for you to handle with you bare hands.
• Store your finished work chilled until you're ready to use. Lift off the plastic carefully with a knife.
• Enjoy your results!

I'm a freakin' genius!