Nonpariel Candy Food

NONPARIEL CANDY

Steps:

• Prepare a baking pan with sides (10" x 15"jelly roll pan). Print the circles template and tape it to the inside bottom of the pan. Tape parchment paper over the template. The template should be visible through the parchment paper.
• In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate at 50% power for one minute. Stir. If not completely melted, return the chocolate to the microwave and heat at 50% power for 15 second intervals until melted.
• Use a rubber spatula to scrape the melted chocolate into a disposable piping bag or ziplock bag.
• Cut off a small piece off the tip of the piping bag (or a bottom corner of the ziplock bag).
• Pipe circles of melted chocolate onto each circle on the template by holding the open tip of the bag still over the center of a circle and squeezing out chocolate until the circle is filled.
• The nonpareil sprinkles must be added before the chocolate begins to set, after about 12 circles. The number of candies that can be piped before sprinkling depends on how quickly you work. Sprinkle the nonpareils over the candy to cover them and place in the refrigerator or freezer for about 5 minutes to firm.
• Remove the firmed candies, pour off excess sprinkles to be reused, and repeat the process. The chocolate may need to be microwaved for 15-30 seconds at 50% power to re-melt. The process can be speeded up by using two pans and templates, then alternating pans being filled and chilled.
• Nonpareil candies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.

NONPAREILS CANDIES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring with a rubber spatula until smooth.
• Spoon the melted chocolate in nickel-size circles onto prepared baking sheet. Cool for 20 minutes; sprinkle with sugar beads. Let nonpareils harden in a cool place for 4 hours before serving.

NONPAREILS

Steps:

• To temper the chocolate, place it over simmering water, melting it to 115 to 120 degrees F on a chocolate thermometer. Turn off the heat, remove the bowl from the simmering water, and let cool, stirring until it reaches 82 to 86 degrees F. It will begin to set a little around the edges at this point. Return the bowl to the hot (now turned off) water for a few seconds at a time, until it reaches 88 to 91 degrees F. Do not let it go over 91 degrees F, or it will go out of temper.
• Fit a pastry bag with a small tip that has a 1/8-inch opening. Fill the bag with tempered chocolate and, onto a silpat, or parchment lined baking sheet, pipe small disks about 3/4-inch in diameter. Shake on the sprinkles and allow them to set up at room temperature. Store in an airtight container.