Holiday Fondant Candy
Holiday Fondant Candy Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make
Introduction
Holiday Fondant Candy is a delightful and festive treat that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, nuts, and dates with a creamy fondant filling. It is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering.
History
Fondant candy has been a popular confection for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations. The word "fondant" comes from the French word "fondre," which means "to melt." Traditionally, fondant was made by boiling sugar and water to create a smooth, creamy paste that could be molded into various shapes and designs. Over time, fondant candy has evolved to include a wide variety of flavors and fillings, making it a versatile and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup butter
- 2.5 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cup sifted powdered sugar
- 0.67 cup nonfat dry milk
- 1 cup fondant
- 24 maraschino cherries
- 1 package semi-sweet chocolate pieces
- 0.5 cup fondant
- 18 nuts
- 0.5 cup fondant
- 24 large dates
How to prepare
- Melt butter in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and mix in water and vanilla.
- Then mix in a mixture of the sugar and milk.
- Mix until smooth and creamy after each addition.
Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Drain 24 maraschino cherries.
- Cover each cherry with 2 tsp of fondant.
- In a double boiler, partially melt 1 package of semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Remove from heat and stir until completely melted.
- Drop each covered cherry, one at a time, into the melted chocolate.
- Remove with 2 forks and place on waxed paper to cool.
Nut Bars
- Shape the fondant into 18 bars, each measuring 1 inch in length.
- Press a nut on top of each bar.
- Chill the bars.
Stuffed Dates
- Split and remove pits from 24 large dates.
- Fill the centers of the dates with 0.5 cup of fondant, using 1 tsp for each date.
- Chill the stuffed dates. Enjoy.
Variations
- Try using different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for the nut bars.
- Experiment with different flavors of fondant, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate-covered cherries for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Notes
- Recipe makes about 1.5 cup fondant.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate for the chocolate-covered cherries to prevent burning.
- Chill the fondant bars and stuffed dates before serving to allow them to set and firm up.
- Store the fondant candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Fondant Candy is perfect for serving as a dessert at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself.
Cooking Techniques
Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the fondant reaches the correct temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Work quickly when dipping the cherries and dates in the melted chocolate to prevent it from hardening too quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have powdered sugar on hand, you can use granulated sugar blended in a food processor until fine.
- Substitute almond or coconut milk for the nonfat dry milk for a dairy-free version of the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
Holiday Fondant Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the fondant candy on a decorative platter or in a candy dish for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Holiday Fondant Candy pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover fondant candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow the candy to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Holiday Fondant Candy contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Holiday Fondant Candy contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Holiday Fondant Candy contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Holiday Fondant Candy contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Holiday Fondant Candy is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Holiday Fondant Candy contains dairy (butter) and nuts. It may also contain traces of soy from the chocolate.
Summary
Holiday Fondant Candy is a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.
Summary
Holiday Fondant Candy is a delicious and decadent treat that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this sweet and indulgent candy as a festive addition to your holiday dessert table.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Holiday Fondant Candy. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl and my mother was teaching me how to cook. I remember it like it was yesterday - the way the kitchen smelled of sugar and vanilla, the way the sunlight streamed through the window and illuminated the recipe card in front of me.
My mother had gotten the recipe from a dear friend of hers, who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations, and now it was being passed down to me.
I remember reading through the ingredients - sugar, corn syrup, water, and vanilla extract. It seemed so simple, yet so magical. How could these humble ingredients come together to create something so delicious and beautiful?
My mother guided me through the process, showing me how to mix the sugar and corn syrup together in a saucepan, how to carefully add the water and stir until it reached the perfect consistency. And then came the most exciting part - adding the vanilla extract and watching as the mixture transformed into a smooth, shiny fondant.
As I watched in awe, my mother explained to me the importance of patience and precision when making candy. She showed me how to test the fondant to make sure it reached the right temperature, how to pour it onto a marble slab and let it cool just enough before kneading it into a smooth, pliable dough.
Once the fondant was ready, my mother taught me how to shape it into little balls and decorate them with festive sprinkles and colored sugar. It was like sculpting with edible clay, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I worked.
When the candies were finally finished, my mother and I placed them in a decorative tin and admired our handiwork. They looked like little jewels, sparkling and tempting. I couldn't wait to share them with our family and friends during the holiday season.
That first batch of Holiday Fondant Candy was a hit, and it quickly became a staple in our household during the holidays. Every year, I would make a fresh batch, sometimes adding different flavors or decorations to keep things interesting. And every year, my family would eagerly await the arrival of these sweet treats, savoring each bite and asking for more.
As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make the Holiday Fondant Candy, passing down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren. It became a beloved tradition, a way to connect with my past and honor the memories of my mother and her friend.
Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of sugar and vanilla, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought joy and sweetness to countless holiday gatherings, connecting me to my loved ones and preserving a piece of my family's history.
And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly sample the candies, their eyes wide with wonder and delight, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished tradition for generations to come. I smile to myself, knowing that the magic of Holiday Fondant Candy will live on, just as it has in my heart all these years.
Categories
| Butter Recipes | Candy Recipes | Chocolate Chip Recipes | Dates Recipes | Maraschino Cherry Recipes | Powdered Milk Recipes | Powdered Sugar Recipes | Semi-sweet Chocolate Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes | World Recipes |