Friday, May 13, 2011

Seashell Cupcakes & Candy Mold Tutorial

 
Last week I made these cupcakes for a lady who was having a seashell themed bridal shower. These were pretty easy to make, but they look really impressive. Painting the candy is a bit tedious and time-consuming but I felt it to be quite relaxing. I purchased my supplies from my local cake decorating shop. They have a large variety of molds and chocolate. I skipped Michael's for this project, but they may have some supplies too.
How to Make and Paint Candy From Molds
Supplies:
1 lb. good quality tempered chocolate {I used Merckens}
Plastic Candy Molds
Luster Dust
Paint Brushes
Gloves


There are two ways to melt your chocolate. You can use a double boiler or you can use the microwave. I chose the microwave method because I think it's easier. Also if you use the double boiler method and get water or steam in your chocolate can streak or harden. So, grab a large glass microwave safe bowl or measuring cup. For 1 pound of chocolate you only need to melt it for 1-minute on full power. I did it at half power and stirred at 30 second intervals. Even if the chocolate isn't completely melted stir it, it will melt as you stir it together.  Total melting time should not exceed 2-3 minutes.

Chocolate will melt at about 100 degrees. If you heat it over 125 degrees, it will return to a solid mass. Also if it cools too much it will have whitish streaks when molded. If this happens just re-melt the chocolate and mold again.

Chocolate molds should be clean and dry. Never put water, oil, cooking spray, or cornstarch in the molds when using them for chocolates. Never put them in the dishwasher, just use dish soap and hot water to clean them.

When molding, it's better to UNDER FILL molds. Over-filling causes feet to form on the chocolate. Simply use a spoon to carefully fill the mold. Always work in a cool room. Ideal temperature is 62-65 degrees. The cooler the room, the more shine they will have.
This is what they will look like before you tap them.
 Now, gently tap them on the counter and they look like this:
Once you have filled your molds, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or freeze for 5-7 minutes. After they're chilled they should have a "frosty" appearance. If they still look shiny, they should be chilled a few minutes longer.

To unmold, simple turn over and tap them out over a cookie sheet. You may have to bend them a little like you would an ice cube tray then just tap your finger over the chocolate to release it.
Working in your cool room, wearing latex like gloves, dip your brush into your luster dust. You DO NOT need water. You just paint or dust your candies. You can use a single color or apply coats in different colors. You should end up with something like this:




 
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19 comments:

Jan at Jewelry4Change said...

These chocolate pieces are absolutely gorgeous. We had a seashell themed bridal shower for my daughter last year. I bought ordered seashell chocolates online to top my cupcakes... yours are even prettier.
Thanks for sharing the instructions. :)

Carmella said...

I just came over from At the Picket Fence and I am so happy to say that I am your newest follower! Your cupcakes are so great! I look forward to seeing more of them :)

creativecarmella@blogspot.com

Sue said...

Your seashells are absolutely gorgeous!

Cindy said...

Love that Luster Dust! It is perfect for sea shells! Great blog.

Beth said...

What adorable cupcakes! The tutorial was great.

Heather @girlichef said...

How pretty! I admire your patience...I don't think I have enough to make beauties like this :D

Branson said...

You are so talented! Love it!

NANCY said...

Wow. I can't get over how great those seashells look! Absolutely awesome!

Nancy

I'm your newest follower. If you'd like to follow back, you can find me at http://thatsoundslikecrazy.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

These are awesome!!

I'm your new follower from Relax and Surf! I'd love it if you'd follow back. (:

Nikki Layne
http://mommiesalwayswrite.blogspot.com
Twitter: MommiesWrite

Jacque said...

Those cupcakes are gorgeous! I can't imagine how long that took to paint the seashell pieces. Great job for sure! I'm blog hoppin from Relax and Surf Sunday :)

Sarah said...

What GORGEOUS candy! Didn't even know it was that easy! So amazing - and the fact that you painted them is even better! Bookmarked - definitely going to have to try this! SO awesome! XO

Jenn@Sweet T Makes Three said...

Beautiful! Looks like something that would be on the Food Network. Fantastic job!

Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} said...

Wow, what a great idea!
Thank you so much for sharing this @ {nifty thrifty sunday} last week as well!
Hugs,
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}

summerland cottage said...

LoVe them !!!
Thank you for sharing the fun !

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Lilianna - these are simply gorgeous. I love the pearl shimmer. Again, thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase Party - I greatly appreciate it. I have featured these too! Have a wonderful week.
~ Stephanie Lynn

Voe said...

These are so pretty! I like how you have done the icing. You have a gorgeous blog!

All the best,
Voe.
_______________________________
http://pearlwhisk.blogspot.com

Kalexda said...

What brand molds did you use? They are beautiful

CatCat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Daphna said...

Can you tell me what color of luster dust you used?