Candy Melts, also known as Compound or Summer Coating, are not real chocolate. They are made of sugar, milk solids, vegetable oils, flavorings and colors, plus cocoa powder, if chocolate.
This how to baking technique is used with the Spring Tulip Cake Pops Tutorial
HOW TO TIPS: MELT/REHEAT CANDY MELTS
1. Place one 14-ounce package Pink Wilton Candy Melts in a microwave proof bowl.
2. Microwave at 40% power or defrost setting for 1 minute. Stir thoroughly. Continue to microwave and stir at 30-second intervals until smooth and completely melted.
3. Make sure the melted Candy Melts flows easily like honey from a spoon when dipped in it and lifted out.
If the candy coating is too thick, you will have a difficult time dipping the cake pops. If it is too thin, you may see deeply colored cake ball dough through the coating.
NOTE: Or, you can melt Candy Melts in a double boiler: Fill lower pan with water to below level of top pan. Heat water to a simmer, then remove from heat. Put Candy Melts in top pan and set in position on lower pan. Stir constantly, without beating, until smooth and completely melted.
3. If at any time the Candy Melts need reheating, microwave and stir at 40% power for 10 seconds intervals or less.
NOTE: If the JUST melted candy coating is too thick and gummy, add tiny amounts (1/8 teaspoon) at a time of Paramount Crystals or use shortening(about 1 teaspoon per pound of candy melts). (Paramount crystals are available online or in a cake decorating or crafts store)
Stir the paramount crystals/shortening into the warm candy melts until it is completely incorporated.
OTHER OPTIONS (info from Bake, Decorate Celebrate)
Microwave Method – Disposable Plastic Bag:
If you're using a disposable bag, microwave as described above, squeezing bag between heating intervals to blend Candy Melts together. When completely melted, snip off end of bag and squeeze melted candy into molds. Throw away bag when empty.
Micowave Method – Plastic Bottle:
Fill microwave-proof plastic bottle half full with Candy Melts and microwave at 40% power or defrost setting for a minute, knead gently to mix and continue melting at 15-second intervals until candy is completely melted and smooth. When melted, twist lid on bottle and squeeze candy right into molds.
Option 4: Double Boiler: Easy Melting
Double Boiler:
Fill lower pan with water to below level of top pan. Heat water to a simmer, then remove from heat. Put Candy Melts® in top pan and set in position on lower pan. Stir constantly, without beating, until smooth and completely melted.
Slow Cooker:
For Large Quantities Ideal for melting large amounts of candy (3 1/2 to 5 lbs.). Note: Do not melt less than 31/2 lbs. Place 1 package of Candy Melts into a slow cooker and set on low. Never use a higher setting. Stir occasionally as it melts. When almost completely melted (about 20 minutes), add another package. Stir occasionally again until almost completely melted, then add another package of Candy Melts. Repeat procedure until you've melted as much candy as you need. You can melt up to 5 lbs. of Candy Melts in your slow cooker (total melting time for 5 lbs. is about 45 minutes).
Warming Tray:
For Melting More Than One Color Place different colors of Candy Melts in oven-safe glass bowls or custard cups. Position bowls on tray on a low to medium setting, stir while melting. Left on the low setting, the tray will keep your assorted Candy Melts colors at the ideal melted texture while you are molding.
