Coconut Almond Fondant Candy Food

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 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.

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.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CANDIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, coconut, almonds and milk. Shape into 1-in. balls. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. , In a microwave, melt semisweet chips and shortening on high for about 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth., Dip balls in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Coat or garnish with ingredients of your choice. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.