Best Chocolate for Making Candy: A Guide for DIY Enthusiasts
Embarking on a journey to create delicious homemade candy and confections requires the right ingredients, particularly high-quality chocolate. The choice of chocolate not only affects the taste but also the texture and longevity of your confections. This article explores the best chocolate options for making candy, provides guidance on where to find them, and offers recommendations for various chocolate types and brands suitable for different uses.
The Importance of Choosing Quality Chocolate
When making candy, it is crucial to opt for a high-quality chocolate. For most candy-making projects, we recommend selecting chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%, and ideally as high as 80%. These chocolates offer a rich, deep flavor and are essential for creating satisfying and impressive confections. High-quality chocolate not only tastes better but also melts more smoothly and evenly, ensuring a reduced risk of seizing.
Chocolate Types and Uses
1. Couverture Chocolate - Ideal for Frostings and Ganache
Couverture chocolate is one of the best choices for making intricate frostings and ganaches, as it melts smoothly and sets beautifully. This type of chocolate is also excellent for making chocolate truffles and other chocolate confections. Couverture comes in various forms: dark, milk, and white. It is typically used for professional-level confections and cake decorating.
2. Chocolate Buttons - Perfect for Quick Melt-Downs
For those needing to melt chocolate quickly without the risk of burning or seizing, chocolate buttons are an excellent choice. These pre-cut pieces make the process faster and more hassle-free. They are particularly useful when making truffles, chocolate curls, or simple layer cakes. Chocolate buttons are usually made from milk or white chocolate, giving them a sweet and creamy flavor that melts quickly and evenly.
Where to Find the Best Chocolate for Your Candy Making
Whether you're based in the UK or elsewhere, sourcing the finest chocolate can be challenging but rewarding. Online platforms like Amazon offer a wide range of high-quality chocolate options and are excellent for those looking to purchase internationally. For a truly authentic and high-end chocolate experience, consider visiting Belgian chocolate shops, which are renowned for their exceptional quality and taste.
Recommended Chocolate Options
For UK customers, purchasing chocolate online from reputable stores like Amazon is a convenient option. There are also several Belgian chocolate shops you can explore during your travels. One such shop is located in Adinkerke, a beautiful town just over the border from France. About an hour's drive from Calais, this shop and factory offer a wide range of Belgian chocolate varieties, including dark, milk, and white chocolate couverture, as well as chocolate buttons for quicker melting.
Amazon Recommendations
Amazon is an ideal platform for finding high-quality chocolate. For couverture chocolate, a brand like Callebaut or Cacao Barry is highly recommended. These labels offer a variety of couverture chocolates suitable for frosting, ganache, and truffle making. For baking, consider brands like Hershey's, Bob's Red Mill, or Valrhona, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Making candy and confections is an art form, and one that thrives with the right ingredients. Quality chocolate is not just a matter of taste but a foundation that ensures the success of your confections. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, making the right choice of chocolate can elevate your confections to new heights. From online stores to boutique shops, there are numerous options available for you to explore and experiment with, so choose wisely and let your confections speak to your love for dessert.