The Sweet and Fluffy Cotton Candy

The origins of cotton candy are unclear and the inventor of this confection cannot be pinpointed. However, four people have been identified and named as the inventors of the candy and they are William Morrison, Thomas Patton, Josef Delarose Lascaux and John C. Wharton.

William Morrison and John Wharton were two candy makers from Tennessee. They invented the first electric cotton candy machine and were given the patent for the cotton candy machine in the year 1899. This machine made cotton candy by melting sugar and using centrifugal force to spin the sugar and force them through tiny holes before releasing them. When they received the patent, the pair brought and presented the machine to the 1904 St. Louis World Fair.

On the other hand, Thomas Patton was experimenting with caramelized sugar and used a fork to form them into threads. He then designed a machine that utilized a gas-fired rotating plate that would spin the sugar and form them into threads. These threads were then collected and formed into a big cotton ball which is now called cotton candy. He presented the machine at the Ringling Brothers' Circus where it was a hit and sold like popcorn to children. He received a separate patent for his machine and his process for making cotton candy in 1900.

Around the same time, Josef Delarose Lascaux, was a dentist in the state of Louisiana who introduced cotton candy in his dental clinic. He, however, did not receive a patent or trademark for his cotton candy unlike the other three.

The early patented machines were found to be defective and did not last long. Some machines would break while others made loud rattling noises. The Gold Medal Products company came up with a more dependable cotton candy machine that used a spring base. This new machine contributed to the transformation of the cotton candy industry.

Cotton candy is a huge hit because it is very simple to make. The process of making it is different from the usual way candy is made. In cotton candy, sugar is melted until it is in a liquid state. The liquid sugar is then spun in the cotton candy machine. Using centrifugal force, the machine forces the liquid through and out of tiny holes. These holes form the sugar into threads and cool the liquid sugar. Once the threads of sugar are cooled, they become solid again. Afterwards, the center of the machine is full of thousands of tiny threads of sugar that are then collected by a stick. The threads adhere to the stick and the ball grows bigger as the threads stick to more threads. It is then shaped into a ball and served. Sometimes, the ball is stuffed into a plastic bag with the stick removed. Some stalls offer other flavored cotton candy and others may even give you toppings like milk powder to go with it.

Nowadays, cotton candy machines and stalls are found everywhere. You can see them in amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds and circuses. Even though its history has left a lot to be debated about, it doesn't really matter to the consumers. To them, it is still a summertime favorite because it is light, sweet and fluffy. just the way they like it.

By Michael Russell - How to Make Chocolate Candy - A Fascinating Segment of Cooking

Homemade Chocolate Candy Recipes - No More Candy Shop

Some people may think that candy is only sold at the candy shop. But that's not the case because you can prepare even tastier candy recipes at home.

Here are 4 candy recipes you can prepare at home:

1. Almond Chocolate Coconut Cookies

Ingredients:

- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups flaked coconut
- 2 cups chopped almonds

Directions:

- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Grease cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture until well blended.
- Finally, stir in the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Almond Coconut Chocolate Cookie Balls

Ingredients:

- 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup whole almonds

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In the top half a double boiler melt the chocolate and condensed milk, stirring frequently.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the coconut.
- Stir in the vanilla and salt. Mix well until the coconut is completely coated.
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Press one whole almond into the top of each cookie.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Check at 8 minutes as the bottoms tend to burn easily.
- Remove from oven and cool.

3. Babe Ruth Bars

Ingredients:

- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 6 cups cornflakes cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup peanuts

Directions:

- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and white sugar.
- Cook stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly mix in the cornflakes, chocolate chips and peanuts until evenly coated.
- Press the entire mixture gently into a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

4. Candy Bar Bars

Ingredients:

- 2/3 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 4 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Mix in the vanilla, corn syrup and oats.
- Pat this dough into the greased pan. Bake for 15-16 minutes (don't over bake).
- Meanwhile, over low heat melt together the chocolate chips and peanut butter.

Allow the cookie base to cool slightly, and then spread the chocolate peanut butter mixture on top.

Cool completely and cut into bars.

By Lucille Green - Chocolate Candy Gift Basket - A Tasty and Easy Gift Guide

Starburst Candy

You'll agree with me that sometimes it's quite difficult to make our kids happy. In fact, what you might have in mind while thinking of making them happy may actually prove to be contrary. One way of making them happy is definitely Starburst candy. The good thing about this candy is that its juicy, sweet and probably the best way for a delicious treat. In fact, you may find its different packaged types irresistible.

This name finds its roots in the opal fruits which were used in candy around 1971 in the United Kingdom. However, the story today is quite different and this name no longer portrays that image. Starburst candy is available in variety of fruit flavors such as mango, apple, strawberry etc and its also in different shapes and sizes. Nevertheless, square shape is the most common.

When it comes to decorating them, manufacturers know what it takes to get your attention and thus you'll find them hard to resist. Moreover, if you're a primary school teacher this is the only way to be that popular and favorite teachers among the kids. Have you actually tried using them in teaching? please let me not tell of the results as you already know they can work magic.

If your child's birthday is somewhere around the corner, Starburst candy will definitely help you make it the most memorable event and put that smile in your child. More so the orange flavored ones will do the trick since they're definitely the most popular among children.

By Peter Gitundu - Chocolate Candy Gift Basket - A Tasty and Easy Gift Guide

The Chocolate Candy Bar Cure For Your Heart

Not all the news about the things we love to eat and their effect on our health is bad, especially this study done at the University of California Health Sciences Center in San Francisco. California scientists confirm that consuming just a small bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you. It's very good for you, according to UCSF researcher Mary Engler, PhD, RN, and her research team.

Dr. Engler and her colleagues divided a pool of 21 healthy test participants into two groups. The first group was assigned the task of eating a Dove Dark Chocolate bar every day for two weeks. Dove bars are rich in cocoa, a rich source of the plant chemicals known as epicatechins. Epicatechins particularly potent antioxidants from group of compounds called plant flavonoids. Scientists believe epicatechins keep cholesterol from calcifying in blood vessels, keeping them more supple, and less at risk for clots.

The second group of test participants didn't get Dove bars but they did get dark chocolate candy. Their chocolate bars had the healthy epicatechins taken out.

Everyone who participated in the study reported to the clinic for an ultrasound evaluation of the ability of their blood vessels to open wider and relax. Blood vessel dilation is a good indication of endothelial health that maintains normal and healthy blood pressure. The Dove bar eaters experienced significant improvement in endothelial function.

Why would this be? The study doesn't prove the reason beyond any doubt, but the test participants who ate the Dove bars and enjoyed the improved blood pressure also had high concentrations of epicatechin flavonoids in their blood streams.

Dr. Engler told the press that hers was the longest-running clinical trial ever to consider the role of chocolate flavonoids in health. She said that elevated bloodstream concentrations of chocolate epicatechins triggered release of dilating and relaxing chemicals in the lining of the arteries and smaller blood vessels. Better blood flow, Dr. Engler reminded the press, is better for your heart.

By Robert Rister - Sugarless Candy Treats

Healthy Candy Choices at the Candy Store

Yes you can have your cake and eat it too at least when eating candy.

There are many healthy aspects of eating certain kinds of candy. Candy stores and manufacturers are taking full advantage of this to satisfy customer demand. As consumers are looking for healthy choices and better ingredients the candy industry is responding.

Dark chocolate for example has antioxidant properties and this combined with fruits and nuts offers additional health benefits. The use of nuts that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol also contain fiber and various vitamins are clearly a healthy add. The American Peanut council reports that eating one serving of peanuts a day can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Organic peanuts are starting to be used in candy products as well. Many of these nuts are found in the mot popular bulk candy products.

Another popular nut that is used in candy is the almond. The almond not only tastes great but also provides health benefits and helps increase candy shelf life. That is good for the US in particular California where most of the world's supply of almonds is grown. Between 1999 and 2007 almond consumption has doubled in the US. Almonds are high in vitamin E, protein, fiber and calcium and included 13 essential ingredients. They also have a reputation for lowering people's cholesterol. This is similar to peanuts which are also known to be high in protein, vitamin E, fiber and potassium.

Tree nuts such as the very popular Hazelnut are now becoming more poplar. Tree nuts are known to be packed with vitamin C. They are also loaded with antioxidants which are heart healthy.

In an effort to boost candies healthy profile, appeal to the hearts of consumers, manufactures are making healthier candy. So next time you have that sweet tooth look for healthy candy at your local candy store.

By Joel Bernstein - Sugarless Candy Treats

Favorable Chocolate Candy

As a matter of fact, you can use chocolate candy to help you get better grades on a test or just better grades in general. The smell and taste of chocolate candy is a strong one that it can be used as a mental marker to help you remember things you normally wouldn't easily be able to. As an example, a study conducted on a dog where a scientist named Pavlov taught the dog to associate the ringing of a bell with feeding time. He'd ring the bell and feed the dog. In time, the ringing of that bell caused the dog to salivate. That study was a major breakthrough in our brains work; even though it was applied on a dog.

The Smell of Chocolate Candy

For example you're studying for a math test you have to remember a certain theorem, such as the Pythagorean Theorem, but you just can't seem to make it stick in your brain. However, you take out a piece of chocolate candy, let's say a chocolate candy bar, and you smell it as it reaches your mouth. You eat the chocolate but it's the smell that causes you to remember that theorem for later. The next day, you're taking the test when you forget that the rest of the candy bar was left in your backpack. It's all melted now but you happen to catch a whiff of it. The scent of the chocolate brings you right back to the day before when you were looking intently at that theorem. Out of the blue, the odor of chocolate candy has given you the mental reminder you have to to remember that hard to learn theorem and you straightforwardly answer it on the test.

Chocolate Candy Smell and Taste

You can absolutely carry out this with anything like fruits, excellent smelling incense or anything else to that effect, however, nothing can still beat the strong and distinctive aroma of candy chocolate. It is so addictive that it will help you remember what you need to if you smell it while you're studying and definitely smell it again when you're having your test.

Taking In Chocolate Candy Moderation

Chocolate candy is fine if eaten in moderation, and it can help you get good grades but you don't want to sacrifice your nice figure just to get good grades by constantly eating chocolate. If you will not limit your chocolate candy consumption you will surely gain weight which is one of the greatest problems of women these days. You can use the smell alone to your advantage, just smelling the chocolate candy will be good for your memory.

By Andy Immotna - Personalized Chocolate Candy-Unique Gifts Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate

Types of Candy Molds

Have you ever thought that you could actually make candy yourself instead of buying one? Well, I am sure what follows next is how and what cookware you need. Candy molds are definitely some of the items you need. In fact, some people not only use them in making candy but also in soap making, molding butter, ice cubes, sugar and so on.

Candy molds come in variety of shapes and types such as holiday, seasonal, adult chocolate, lollipop and crispy, animal, sporty molds, wedding special, baby molds e.t.c. Others that are meant for occasional purposes will include; Easter chocolate molds, designed to brighten up your Easter in styles such as; Easter egg, bunny and chick chocolate molds, Easter lollipop molds, rabbit cake pans and so on.

Am sure you are thinking of adding some creative and elegance on the table this Christmas. Have you actually considered candy shaped sculpture molds? If you haven't, you've a whole wide choice to select from. Snowflake lollipops, toy soldier lollipops, cute gingerbread, wreath and candy care are some of your choices. 3d molds are also available and they do magic in creating those delicious and tasty candy shaped trucks, cruise ships,3D cars,Santa, snowman, toy soldiers e.t.c.

Colorful pumpkin, ghosts, spider, rat and scary Frankenstein molds are also available for your Halloween special and if you appreciate nature's beauty, leaf chocolate molds in different styles such as daisies, roses, lilies, orchids are available and will do magic in making your wedding colorful. To maintain candy molds, don't wash every time you use them, use minimal amount of liquid soap, dry them and always store in a cool dry place.

By Peter Gitundu - Personalized Chocolate Candy-Unique Gifts Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate

Candy Samples

How many different types of candies do you think there are? Well, to be honest I am not quite sure of the exact number either, but I can tell you that some shops offer more than three hundred varieties of candy samples ranging from old-fashioned candies to sugar free ones. They are available for all age groups and are easily found in any candy shop.

Basically, saltwater taffy, licorice, old-fashioned candies, creamy fudge, huckleberries and sugar free are some of the most popular and common samples of candies. For instance, saltwater taffy comes in different flavors such as banana, blueberry, chocolate etc and you can buy a pound of it that has your favorite flavors for only 10.95 dollars. Other samples for instance creamy fudge will only cost you 13.95 dollars.

Even though much information concerning candy samples is available on line, one thing that amaze me is the magnitude in which candy shops are growing and turning into wholesale and distribution. In fact, they've a well-defined supply chain serving wide range of customer base that include; hotels, individuals, corporate offices, gifts shops, hospitals, news convenience businesses and sporting individuals. In most cases there's always a discount.

Not only do this candy samples come in affordable prices and for all age groups, they also come with additional snacks e.g coffee, groceries etc. In fact, all this is meant to attract and retain more customers. However, if you look around you'll notice that most candy shops not only supply individual customers and large operators, but also supply for corporate events.

By Peter Gitundu - 5 Healthy Alternatives To Candy This Halloween