Buttercream Candies Food

BUTTERCREAMS

Steps:

• Combine butter and cream cheese in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth. Add vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Beat at low speed, gradually adding powdered sugar, until well mixed. (If mixture is too soft, cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to form balls.)
• Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of mixture into 1-inch balls. Place onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely; refrigerate 2 hours or overnight until firm.
• Melt chocolate chips and shortening in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, 3-4 minutes or until smooth. Dip buttercreams into chocolate mixture using fork to turn and remove; let excess chocolate drip off. Place onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Garnish with chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles and decorator sprinkles, as desired. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set. Store refrigerated.

BUTTERCREAM CANDIES

Steps:

• Filling:.
• Combine butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and beat at medium speed until smooth.
• Add vanilla and continue beating until mixed well.
• Reduce Speed to low and gradually add all of the powdered sugar and blend well.
• Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place onto waxed or parchment paper - lined cookie sheets. Cover Loosely and refrigerate until firm. (2 hours or overnight)**** If dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about an hour or until it's firm enough to roll into balls.
• For Coating: In a 1 quart saucepan or double broiler, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
• Poke a toothpick into each buttercream and dip buttercreams into chocolate mixture, let excess drip off, and placed onto parchment/waxed paper - lined cookie sheets and refrirgerate until coating sets. (at least 1/2 hour)Remove toothicks and serve.
• Store refrigerated. Cook time is chill time.

BUTTER CREAM MINTS

Steps:

• Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until it is soft and fluffy. Add the sugar and the mint extract and beat at low speed until the mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Cut 2 large sheets of plastic wrap and place on your work surface. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and place each on the plastic sheets. Roll the mixture into the plastic wrap, forming it into logs about 1/2-inch in diameter. Wrap the plastic wrap securely around the logs and chill for 4 hours.
• Pinch off about a rounded teaspoon of the butter cream and shape into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on parchment or waxed paper and flatten with the tines of a fork. Refrigerate in layers of parchment paper in an airtight container until ready to serve. Mints will keep for up to 1 week.

FRENCH BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Place the whole eggs and yolks in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until the eggs are pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes. (The eggs will hold an indent made with your finger for a few seconds.)
• Meanwhile, pour the sugar and 1/3 cup water in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and bring to the soft-ball stage, without stirring, 240 degrees F.
• Begin whipping the eggs again on medium-high speed and slowly drizzle in the hot syrup, aiming the syrup between the side of the bowl and the beaters. Continue to whip until both the bottom of the bowl and the mixture are cool, 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be thick, but will not form a peak at this point. Beat in the salt.
• While still beating on medium-high, add the butter, a few pieces at a time. As the butter is added, the buttercream may appear to thin out some, but it will thicken into firm peaks once all of the butter is added. Beat in the vanilla extract.
• Use right away or refrigerate in an airtight container overnight. The buttercream may need to be beaten again to smooth out before using.

BUTTERCREAM FONDANT FOR CHOCOLATE CANDIES

Steps:

• 1. Combine butter, sugar, milk, cream and cream of tartar in a large, heavy saucepan.
• 2. Stir until sugar is all moistened.
• 3. Place on high heat and stir to make sure everything is combined.
• 4. Bring to a boil and DO NOT STIR after it begins to boil.
• 5. Gently lower thermometer into boiling syrup.
• 6. Periodically use a brush of water to go around the sides of pan to guide sugar crystals into syrup.
• 7. Continue to cook without stirring to 236°F.
• 8. Wipe off a large, cold marble slab with water (do not dry) and pour fondant on as soon as it hits 236°F.
• 9. Let it cool a few minutes, make sure heat is no longer coming off.
• 10. When the dents made by pressing your finger into it remain without filling immediately, it is ready to work.
• 11. Work lukewarm with large paddle or spatula into a ball, then spread thin and repeat. Incorporate marshmallow cream at this time.
• 12. When fondant starts to hold its shape, start kneading with your hands. It will become crumbly but keep working until it is smooth.
• 13. Once it is smooth, cover with plastic wrap and put into an airtight bowl in the fridge. It is best if kept for 1-2 weeks before flavoring.