Homemade Vanilla Candy Coating Food

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• For the bourbon balls: Pulse the vanilla wafer cookies and pecan halves in a food processor until the mixture turns to fine crumbs. Add the cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, corn syrup, vanilla and salt, then pulse until the mixture is thoroughly combined and holds together when squeezed.
• Scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls (each about 1 tablespoon; about 25 total) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each ball between the palms of your hands so they're smooth and compact. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill and firm up slightly, about 10 minutes.
• For the coating: Meanwhile, put the chocolate and oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until completely melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Working one a time, use 2 forks to gently lower each bourbon ball into the chocolate mixture, turning to make sure the entire ball is coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then return to the baking sheet. Top with a pecan half. Return to the refrigerator until the chocolate is just set, about 5 minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Steps:

• Beat the confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of the butter, vanilla extract and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined and smooth. Roll the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and place them on a small baking sheet or tray. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the chocolate and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 20 second intervals, stirring between each with a rubber spatula, until melted and smooth.
• Holding with two forks, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate to evenly coat. Tap off excess chocolate. Place the balls back on the baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm and set, about 1 hour. Serve chilled. Refrigerate extra balls in an airtight container.

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.

HOMEMADE VANILLA

Steps:

• Submerge vanilla beans in vodka and store in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking occasionally.

DIY CHOCOLATE SHELL COATING

Steps:

• Melt the chocolate, shortening, vanilla and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into a small bowl. Pour over ice cream and let harden, or use as a coating for snacks like fruit or pretzels.

THE BEST DIPPING/COATING CHOCOLATE EVER!

Steps:

• Chop the paraffin into small pieces.
• Melt the paraffin in the microwave, or on top of a double-boiler. (This takes quite a while, so be patient.).
• When the paraffin is melted, add the chocolate.
• Stir all together.
• If using the microwave, continue heating for 1-minute intervals, using 50% power, until everything is well-blended. Be sure to stir your mixture between 1-minute heatings. If using a double-boiler, stir the chocolate/paraffin mixture constantly until fully mixed.
• Dip marshmallows, nuts, dried fruit, cookies, pretzels, or whatever you like.
• Fresh fruits should be at the peak of ripeness. After rinsing your fresh fruit, you need to be sure it's patted completely dry. (Chocolate will not cling to wet fruit.).
• After dipping, place on a waxed-paper lined cookie-sheet and allow to harden. 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on ambient temperature.