Coconut Almond Fondant Candy Food

COCONUT CANDY

Steps:

• Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a large saucepan.
• Cook, stirring constantly, just until sugar is dissolved.
• Cook without stirring to 236 degrees (soft ball); remove from heat.
• Stir in coconut and flavoring; cool.
• Variation 1: Chocolate Coconut Almond Drops (otherwise known as Almond Joys)- Shape cooled coconut mixture into 1-inch balls, flattening bottoms.
• Top each with a toasted almond.
• Chill at least 1 hour.
• Dip in melted chocolate.
• Variation 2: Acorns- Shape in balls, tapering one end to cone shape.
• Chill 1 hour.
• Dip large end into melted chocolate.

FONDANT CANDY

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a saucepan and boil, rather slowly, to 236F on a candy thermometer or until mixture reaches soft-ball stage.
• Remove from heat to stop boiling; brush down sugar crystals with a dampened pastry brush (this is the important first step to prevent candy from being hard, grainy or sugary).
• Pour the hot candy at once onto a platter which has been lightly dampened with cold water (to help prevent sticking) and allow it to cool to lukewarm (about 110F) without disturbing.
• It will take about an hour at room temperature for fondant to cool sufficiently.
• Beat hard until fondant loses it's transparency and becomes white and opaque.
• Stop beating and knead with the hands until there are no lumps.
• When fondant is smooth, place in a tightly covered jar and it will keep for a long time.
• Fondant becomes more creamy as it stands, if covered tightly. If not covered, it dries out.
• Let stand at least 24 hours before using, for best flavor.

COCONUT (ALMOND) JOYS

Steps:

• Combine melted butter, sugar and coconut and mix well.
• Shape rounded teaspoonfuls into balls and place on cookie or baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Flatten each ball slightly by making an indentation in the center with thumb or finger.
• Fill centers with melted chocolate.
• Place an almond half or sliver on top, if desired.
• Chill until firm and store in refrigerator.

COCONUT ALMOND CANDIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the coconut, milk, confectioners' sugar and butter until blended (mixture will be sticky); set aside., In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, candy coating and shortening; stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon chocolate mixture into 42 paper-lined miniature muffin cups. , Shape 1/2 teaspoonfuls of coconut mixture into balls; gently press into chocolate. Top each with an almond. Spoon 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture over each. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.

COCONUT ALMOND CANDY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix coconut, potatoes, vanilla and, if desired, salt. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate, covered, until firm enough to shape, about 1 hour. , With hands dusted with confectioners' sugar, shape mixture into twenty-four 1-in. ovals. Flatten slightly, then wrap each around an almond. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; freeze until firm, at least 30 minutes. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Using a fork, dip candies in chocolate mixture; allow excess to drip off. Return to baking sheets; refrigerate until set. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

COCONUT-AND-ALMOND CANDY

Steps:

• 1. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with foil and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
• 2. Combine condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl.
• 3. Add confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time and stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated.
• 4. Add coconut and stir until combined.
• 5. Pour the mixture into the baking pan and press it into an even layer. Then press the almonds into the mixture in even rows. Chill candy in refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
• 6. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the candy into small rectangles.
• 7. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
• 8. Melt and temper the chocolate, or simply melt the coating chocolate.
• 9. Dip the bars into the chocolate, covering completely, and place them on the prepared sheet.
• 10. Refrigerate candy for 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set.

ALICE'S FONDANT FILLING FOR CHOCOLATES

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in heavy saucepan. Boil until it reaches a soft ball stage. Pour into buttered dish to cool.
• After mixture is cooled, pour on clean surface and beat with wooden paddles until light and airy. Just as mixture "turns" mix in flavoring until thoroughly blended inches.
• Refrigerate to cool completely. Form into balls. Dip in desired chocolate.
• Variations:.
• Peppermint (peppermint extract to taste).
• Maple Walnut (maple flavoring to taste and finely chopped walnuts).
• Orange (orange extract to taste--a few drops to 1/2 teaspoon).
• Cherry (Maraschino cherries drained and quartered--pat dry).
• Cherry-almond (as above but add almond extract to taste).
• Almond (almond extract with a sliced almond on top of finished chocolate).
• Coconut (fine coconut plus vanilla).
• Rum (rum extract plus 1-2 teaspoons butter).

COCONUT ALMOND FONDANT CANDY

Steps:

• Mix butter and sugar.
• Add milk and vanilla.
• Mix in nuts and coconut.
• Shape into 1 inch balls and dip in melted chocolate chips.