Baked Sunday Mornings

a sweet journey through baked: frontiers | explorations | elements | occasions

You are here: Home / Archives for Recipes / Candy

In the Oven: Peanut Butter Crispy Bars

by

Your ovens get another week off — we’re making peanut butter-chocolate rice cereal treats! Posting date is November 3.

Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 9 bars
Ingredients
  • For the crispy crust
  • 1¾ cups crisped rice cereal
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the milk chocolate peanut butter layer
  • 5 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • For the chocolate icing
  • 3 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
Instructions
Make the crispy crust
  1. Lightly spray a paper towel with nonstick cooking spray and use it to rub the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan.
  2. Put the cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Pour ¼ cup water into a small saucepan. Gently add the sugar and corn syrup (do not let any sugar or syrup get on the sides of the pan) and use a small wooden spoon to stir the mixture until just combined. Put a candy thermometer in the saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, 235 degrees F.
  4. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter, and pour the mixture over the cereal. Working quickly, stir until the cereal is thoroughly coated, then pour it into the prepared pan. Using your hands, press the mixture into the bottom of the pan (do not press up the sides). Let the crust cool to room temperature while you make the next layer.
Make the milk chocolate peanut butter layer
  1. In a large nonreactive metal bowl, stir together the chocolate and the peanut butter.
  2. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and stir for about 30 seconds to cool slightly. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Put the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until the top layer hardens.
Make the chocolate icing
  1. In a large nonreactive metal bowl, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter.
  2. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and stir for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Pour the mixture over the chilled milk chocolate peanut butter layer and spread into an even layer. Put the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the topping hardens.
  3. Cut into 9 squares and serve. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 4 days.

 

In the Oven: Pecan and Almond Chocolate Toffee

by

Time to get out your candy thermometers, bakers — toffee is next up on the schedule! Posting date is April 21.

Pecan and Almond Chocolate Toffee
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 1.5 pounds
Ingredients
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
Instructions
  1. Butter a 9-by-13-by-2-inch glass or metal baking pan (do not use nonstick spray).
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are a fine powder. Place the powdered almonds in a small bowl and set aside. In the same food processor bowl, pulse the pecans for just 1 or 2 seconds, or until they are coarsely chopped but not powdered. Set aside.
  3. Put the butter in a medium pan over low heat. When the butter is halfway melted, add the sugar and 1 tablespoon water and cook over low heat, stirring very gently with a silicone or rubber spatula, until completely combined. Clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan, turn the heat up to medium high, and wait for the mixture to reach 300 degrees F., about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to bubble and turn brown. If the browning seems uneven, swirl the pan during the cooking process but do not stir.
  4. Meanwhile, toss the dark and milk chocolate pieces together.
  5. When the mixture reaches 300 degrees F., remove the pan from the heat and remove the candy thermometer. Stir in the pecan pieces and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. After the mixture has evened out in the pan, wait 1 minute, then sprinkle the chocolate pieces all over the toffee. Wait about 3 minutes for the chocolate to melt, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Sprinkle the almond powder over the melted chocolate, then carefully put the whole pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from the freezer and break the toffee into pieces with a sharp knife. Store the toffee, between layers of parchment, in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
  7. The toffee will keep for up to 5 days.

 

In the Oven: Vanilla Bean Caramel Apples

by

Fall is in full swing — time to make some vanilla bean caramel apples! Posting date is November 4.

Vanilla Bean Caramel Apples
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 10-12 apples
Ingredients
  • 10 to 12 crisp apples
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Ice
Instructions
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems, then set them on parchment-lined baking sheets a few inches apart. Insert a small dowel (about 7 inches long, pencil-sharpened on one end) about three quarters of the way through each apple.
  2. Put the cream in a small heavy pot. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and, using the tip of the knife or a small teaspoon, scrape the seeds of the vanilla bean into the cream. Add the vanilla bean to the cream.
  3. Simmer the cream and vanilla over very low heat for 10 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the vanilla bean and any other fibrous pieces. Vanilla bean flecks will remain.
  4. Return the vanilla cream to the pot, then add the sugar, corn syrup, and butter, making sure that the mixture doesn’t splash onto the sides of the pot. Place the pot over very low heat and stir very gently until the sugar is dissolved, to prevent burning. When the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pot. Heat the caramel mixture, without stirring, to 245 degrees F.
  5. Meanwhile, put a few handfuls of ice in a medium bowl that is large enough to accommodate the pot with the caramel mixture.
  6. When the caramel mixture reaches 245 degrees F. (and stays there for at least 1 minute), remove from the heat and place the pot on top of the ice for 30 seconds to slow the cooking. Remove the pan from the ice.
  7. Tilt the pot toward you to create a big pool of caramel and, working fast, immediately begin dipping the apples in it. Dip each apple only once, and don’t worry about coating it evenly or completely (the more you fuss with the caramel the more difficult it will become to dip). Return the caramel-dipped apples back to the baking sheet and refrigerate until the caramel is set, about 10 minutes. Serve.

 

In the Oven: Vanilla Marshmallows

by

Next up on the baking schedule: vanilla marshmallows! Posting date is February 25.

Vanilla Marshmallows
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 48 marshmallows
Ingredients
  • 12 sheets gelatin
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
  1. Grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch pan with vegetable shortening: Dab a little bit of shortening on a paper towel and rub it into the sides and bottom of the pan. Set aside.
  2. Put the gelatin sheets in a medium or large heatproof bowl, fill the bowl with very cold water, and set aside; add a few ice cubes to keep the water cold.
  3. In a medium saucepan, gently stir together the sugar, ½ cup of the corn syrup, and ½ cup water. Be careful not to splash the ingredients onto the sides of the pan. Put the saucepan over medium-high heat and clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.
  4. Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and place on the stove over medium-low heat.
  5. Put the remaining ½ cup corn syrup in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Set aside.
  6. Return to the saucepan of water and check the temperature. When the temperature reaches 220 degrees F., drain the water from the bowl of gelatin and give the gelatin sheets a quick wringing out. Place the bowl of gelatin over the saucepan of simmering water and stir the gelatin sheets with a heatproof spatula until the gelatin is completely melted. Remove the bowl from the pan.
  7. Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly pour the melted gelatin into the corn syrup. Keep the mixer on low.
  8. Bring the sugar mixture to the soft ball stage on the candy thermometer (235 to 240 degrees F.), then remove from the heat. Take out the candy thermometer. Turn the mixer up to medium for 1 minute, then slowly pour the sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture. When all of the sugar mixture has been added, turn the mixer to medium-high and beat for about 5 minutes. The marshmallow mixture will begin to turn white and fluffy. Add the vanilla and salt and turn the mixer up to its highest setting for another minute.
  9. Working very quickly, pour the marshmallows into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to spread out the mixture evenly. Sprinkle with a bit of sifted confectioners’ sugar and let sit for about 6 hours.
  10. Use a knife to loosen the marshmallow from the edges of the pan, and use your hands to pull the marshmallow (it will come out in one gigantic piece) out of the pan and onto a flat surface lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Place the ½ cup confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl.
  11. Use a chef’s knife to cut the marshmallows into a 6-by-8 grid. Roll each marshmallow in confectioners’ sugar. The marshmallows will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Serve with hot chocolate or eat as is.

 

In the Oven: A Trio of Truffles

by

Make one, two, or all three kinds! Posting date is November 19.

Honey and Dark Chocolate Truffles
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 18 truffles
Ingredients
  • For the truffle center
  • 9 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1⁄4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • For the truffle coating
  • 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • Tempered Dark Chocolate (see page 173)
Instructions
Make the truffle centers
  1. Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Place a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over the bowl and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the cream, honey, and espresso powder. Heat the mixture just to a boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and pour the cream mixture through the sieve directly over the chocolate. Let the cream sit for 2 minutes. Gently stir the mixture from the center outward until it is smooth and shiny. Cover the entire bowl in plastic wrap, making sure the chocolate surface comes in direct contact with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 5 hours or until firm.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Scoop the truffles with a small melon baller or tablespoon, and drop onto the parchment paper in balls (balls will not be perfectly round). Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Rolling the truffles
  1. Spread out the confectioners’ sugar on a small plate.
  2. Remove the truffles from the freezer and use a dipping fork or fondue fork to dip each truffle in the tempered chocolate (or use your fingers), then drop the truffle in the sugar and roll to coat. Put the sugar-coated truffles on the baking sheet to set.
Notes
[i]How to store:[/i] Truffles can be stored in an airtight container, between layers of wax or parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

 

Milk Chocolate and Almond Truffles
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 15 truffles
Ingredients
  • For the truffle center
  • 8 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 3⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1⁄4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon Amaretto liqueur
  • For the truffle coating
  • 1⁄4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • Tempered Milk Chocolate (see page 173)
Instructions
Make the truffle centers
  1. Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Place a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over the bowl and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the cream just to a boil. Add the almonds, cover the saucepan, and turn the heat down to simmer. Simmer the almonds in the covered saucepan for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and pour the cream through the sieve directly over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes. Gently stir the mixture from the center outward until it is smooth and shiny. Add the almond extract or liqueur and stir to combine. Cover the entire bowl in plastic wrap, making sure the chocolate surface comes in direct contact with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 5 hours or until firm.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Scoop the truffles with a small melon baller or tablespoon, and drop onto parchment paper in balls (balls will not be perfectly round). Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Rolling the truffles
  1. Place the almonds on a large plate.
  2. Remove the truffles from the freezer and use a dipping fork or fondue fork to dip each truffle in the tempered chocolate (or use your fingers), then drop the truffle in the almonds and turn to coat with almond pieces. Put the almond-coated truffles on the baking sheet to set.
Notes
[i]How to store:[/i] Truffles can be stored in an airtight container, between layers of wax or parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

 

Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 15 truffles
Ingredients
  • For the truffle center
  • 11⁄2 cups frozen raspberries
  • 9 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 3⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • For the truffle coating
  • 1⁄4 cup red sanding sugar
  • Tempered Dark Chocolate (see page 173)
Instructions
Make the truffle centers
  1. Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Place a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over the bowl and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the cream, honey, and raspberry puree. Heat the mixture just to a boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and pour the cream mixture through the sieve directly over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes. Gently stir the mixture from the center outward until it is smooth and shiny. Add the butter and stir until combined. Cover the entire bowl in plastic wrap, making sure the chocolate surface comes in direct contact with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 5 hours or until firm.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  5. Scoop the truffles with a small melon baller or tablespoon, and drop onto the parchment paper in balls (balls will not be perfectly round). Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Rolling the truffles
  1. Spread out the sanding sugar on a small plate.
  2. Remove the truffles from the freezer and use a dipping fork or fondue fork to dip each truffle in the tempered chocolate (or use your fingers), then drop the truffle in the sugar and roll to coat. Put the sugar-coated truffles on the baking sheet to set.
Notes
[i]How to store:[/i] Truffles can be stored in an airtight container, between layers of wax or parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

In the Oven: Caramel Candy Popcorn Balls

by

Do you have a special administrative professional in your life? If so, these popcorn balls are the perfect way to show your appreciation on Administrative Professionals Day. If not, well, treat yourself! Posting date is April 23.

Caramel Candy Popcorn Balls
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 12 to 16 (2- to 3-inch / 5- to 7.5-cm) popcorn balls
Ingredients
  • 18 cups (about 250 g, depending on the brand) lightly salted popped popcorn (about 2 to 3 microwave-popcorn bags’ worth)
  • 2 cups (440 g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 ounces (1⁄2 stick/55 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus more for the bowl
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 11⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup (210 g) M&M’s, or any other mix-in (like salty peanuts, tofee bits, or coarsely chopped salted, toasted almonds)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Divide the popcorn between the sheets and spread it in an even layer. Place the sheets in the oven for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to flip the popcorn. Return the sheets to the oven and continue baking until the popcorn is very dry and crunchy, about 5 more minutes; bake longer if you can, but do not let it brown or burn. Remove the sheets from the oven and place them on a cooling rack.
  3. Lightly grease a large (preferably shallow, wide, and metal) bowl – the largest bowl you have – with butter or nonstick spray.
  4. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine both sugars, the corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter. Cook the mixture over medium heat, gently stirring together with the handle of a wooden spoon until the sugar is almost dissolved. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the bulb of the thermometer is immersed in the syrup. Stop stirring and increase the heat to high. Boil the mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage (238°F to 240°F / 114°C to 116°C), about 5 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, transfer the popcorn to the large prepared bowl. Lightly grease or spray a heatproof rubber spatula and the existing parchment paper on the sheet pans (you do not need to change it).
  6. Once the sugar mixture has reached the soft-ball stage, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam for a few seconds; when it subsides, stir gently to combine.
  7. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and, working very quickly with the prepared spatula, coat the popcorn with the caramel. Add the M&M’s and quickly distribute throughout the mixture (you can fully integrate the mix-ins while shaping the popcorn balls). Working quickly, use your hands to form the popcorn into 2- to 3-inch (5- to 7.5-cm) balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets to set.
Notes
[i]How to Store:[/i] The popcorn balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.