Tagged with 'compound chocolate'

We all know that Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers are perfect for dipping, drizzling, & coating, but did you know they can also replace chocolate chips or chunks in your favorite baked goods?

Brittany from Sugar Cove Sweets took things up a notch with these Giant Double Chocolate Dark Raspberry Truffle Cookies, featuring our Sweet Shoppe Dark Raspberry Truffle Flavored Melting Wafers for a rich, fruity twist on a classic chocolate cookie. 

These cookies are thick, fudgy, & packed with chocolatey goodness with bits of melty Dark Raspberry Truffle Wafers in every bite. Whether you're a home baker or a professional baker, this recipe is a must try!

Giant Double Chocolate Dark Raspberry Truffle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
•  ½ tsp heaping salt
• 1½ cups Sweet Shoppe Dark Raspberry Truffle Flavored Melting Wafers

 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Chop 1 cup of Sweet Shoppe Dark Raspberry Truffle Flavored Melting Wafers & set aside.
3.  In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, & salt.
4. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix butter on high for 1 minute. Scrape sides, then mix again for 30 seconds.
5. Add brown sugar & granulated sugar to the butter & mix on medium until fluffy.
6.  Add vanilla extract, egg, & egg yolk. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
7.  Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until fully incorporated.
8. Fold in 1 cup chopped Dark Raspberry Truffle Melting Wafers.
9. Roll cookie dough into balls & dip the tops in additional chopped wafers before placing them on a baking sheet.
10. Bake on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, depending on cookie size.
11. Let cookies sit for 10-15 minutes after baking before transferring to a cooling rack.

Why Use Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers Instead of Chocolate Chips?

Unlike traditional chocolate chips, our flavored melting wafers bring extra depth to your baked goods! These Sweet Shoppe Dark Raspberry Truffle Flavored Melting Wafers add a luxurious berry-infused dark chocolate flavor, creating a gourmet cookie experience without the hassle!

Whether in cookies, brownies, or even muffins, these wafers melt beautifully & deliver consistent, bold flavors in every bite!

Try this decadent double chocolate cookie recipe & let us know how it turns out! Share your photos & baking experiences in our Stover’s Confection Connection Facebook group—we can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Candy clay is a versatile, fun, & delicious alternative to fondant. Most people know it as modeling chocolate, but since we are using melting wafers instead of couverture chocolate, we’re calling this candy clay! 

Whether you’re decorating cakes, molding figures, or creating edible sculptures, candy clay gives you the flexibility & smooth texture you need. The best part? It’s easy to make using just two ingredients: Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers & light corn syrup! Check out our recipe video here & follow the simple guide below to whip up your own batch of candy clay.

Ingredients

 • 16 oz Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers (available in various colors & flavors!)

 • 3.5 oz light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Melt your Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers

Begin by melting your Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each round to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly without burning.

2. Warm your Corn Syrup

Next, gently warm your light corn syrup in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds. Make sure not to overheat it! If you want to color your candy clay, now is the time to add liquid coloring. You can either:

 • Add oil based color to the melted wafers.

 • Mix liquid gels into the warm corn syrup before combining.

Pro Tip: If you’re using white melting wafers, feel free to add liquid colors directly to the syrup as it doesn’t need to be oil-based.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Pour the warmed corn syrup into your Sweet Shoppe melted wafers. Use a silicone spatula to fold the mixture together. Be gentle during this step; you want to mix until it resembles soft-serve ice cream but avoid overmixing. If you overwork it, the oil may begin to separate from the mixture.

4. Let it rest

Once mixed, pour the candy clay onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Cover it tightly & let it rest at room temperature until it firms up but remains pliable. Depending on the room temperature, this can take up to a few hours.

5. Knead Until Smooth

When the clay is firm but workable, knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth & pliable. If you overwork it & feel the oil separating, let it rest & cool before kneading again. Rewrap the finished candy clay in plastic wrap & let it harden completely before using it. 

6. Store Properly

To store your candy clay, wrap it in plastic wrap & then place it in a ziplock bag. Check the expiration dates of both your melting wafers & corn syrup, & use the closest date as your storage guideline.

Pro Tips:

 • Avoid Overmixing: If you overmix the melted wafers & corn syrup, the oil in the mixture may separate. Stir gently to maintain the right consistency.

 • Reheating: After the candy clay has set completely, it will be stiff. You can warm it for 5 seconds at a time in the microwave to help soften it up for use.

.

Uses for Candy Clay

Candy clay is a fantastic alternative to fondant for cake decorating. 

You can:

 • Roll & cut shapes for cupcakes & cakes.

 • Mold & sculpt figures & flowers for detailed cake toppers.

 • Use it as a covering for cakes or cookies just like fondant.

Get creative, experiment with different colors & flavors with our new Sweet Shoppe Fall Flavored Melting Wafers (Salted Caramel, Pumpkin Spice & S’mores, yum!) & have fun making your own beautiful edible decorations! Share your creations with us by tagging us @stoverandcompany or in our Facebook group: Stover’s Confection Connection.

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel for more ideas & recipes! 

At Sover & Company, we’re always eager to bring something new & exciting to your kitchen, whether you’re a hobby baker, treat maker, or a manufacturer crafting the next big thing in sweets. Our Sweet Shoppe Melting Wafers have already captured hearts nationwide, thanks to their vibrant colors & smooth, easy-to-melt consistency. We’re so happy to announce the launch of three irresistible NEW FLAVORS that are perfect for your fall-inspired treats!

A Flavorful Expansion to our Beloved Sweet Shoppe Line

Our Melting Wafers have become a staple for anyone looking to add that perfect touch to their sweet treats. Starting with the classic four core flavors—Ultra White, White, Milk, & Dark Chocolate—we expanded the line last summer with a colorful palette including Sunshine Yellow, Sunset Orange, Cardinal Red, Spring Green, Forest Green, Sky Blue, Rose Pink, & Lotus Pink.

Now, we’re taking it a step further with the addition of three mouthwatering flavors that will have you falling in love with your autumn treats all over again!

Meet our New Flavors:

Sweet Shoppe Salted Caramel Flavored Melting Wafers:

Our Salted Caramel Melting Wafers add a rich, creamy caramel flavor with a slightly salty crunch that elevates any dessert. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or creating your own unique confections, these wafers are a must-have for any caramel lover. Available Now!

Sweet Shoppe Pumpkin Spice Flavored Melting Wafers:

Experience the warm, comforting taste of fall with our new Pumpkin Spice Flavored Melting Wafers. With a delightfully rich pumpkin flavor & a hint of aromatic spices, these wafers will bring a cozy, seasonal touch to your baked goods. Available Now!

Sweet Shoppe S’mores Flavored Melting Wafers:

Capture the essence of a summer bonfire with our S’mores Flavored Melting Wafers. These wafers deliver a delightful blend of roasted marshmallow, graham cracker, & rich chocolate flavors that are sure to evoke sweet memories of campfires past. Available for Pre-order!

Order your Sweet Shoppe Salted Caramel & Pumpkin Spice Flavored Melting Wafers today & don’t forget to secure your preorder for the S’mores Flavored Wafers!

Your taste buds (& customers) will thank you!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, & what better way to celebrate the season of love than by creating delicious, chocolatey treats? 

At Stover & Company, we take pride in our Sweet Shoppe line, known for its high-quality compound coatings that are perfect for elevating your Valentine's Day  creations. Whether you prefer traditional hues like Milk & Dark or playful colors like Cardinal Red & Rose Pink our Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings have got you covered.

Our Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings come in Ultra White, White, Milk, Dark, & eight vibrant colors.  Whether you're sticking to classic reds & pinks or exploring an eclectic color palette, the possibilities are endless. 

 Let's explore some of the exciting options available:

Cardinal Red: A deep, romantic red that adds a touch of passion to your treats.
Rose Pink: A delicate pink that exudes sweetness & charm.
Lotus Pink: A vibrant pink that captures modern love.
Sunshine Yellow: Bring a burst of sunshine to your treats with this cheerful yellow.
Sunset Orange: Add warmth & energy with this rich, sunset-inspired orange.
Spring Green: Embrace the freshness of spring with this lively green shade.
Forest Green: A deep, forest-inspired green for a touch of nature in your creations.
Sky Blue: Create a dreamy atmosphere with this serene blue shade.

Why Choose Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings?

1. Quality Assurance: Stover & Company is renowned for delivering high-quality products, & our Sweet Shoppe line is no exception. Expect nothing but the best for your Valentine's Day treats.

2. Versatility: Whether you're a seasoned chocolatier or a home baker, our compound coatings are easy to work with, making them perfect for a wide range of treats such as dipped strawberries, truffles, & more.

3. Flavorful Experience: The Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings not only provide a beautiful color palette but also infuse your treats with a decadent vanilla or chocolate flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Don't Wait – Order Now!

Calling all candy enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, & confectionery professionals! Get ready for an event that will satisfy your sweet tooth & ignite your passion for all things delicious. The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is just around the corner, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of candy-making, gourmet specialties & snacks, & of course networking with industry leaders. This is an absolute must for anyone with a passion for sweet treats & a desire to stay ahead in the candy industry, PLUS it’s your chance to meet US in person! 

Discover the Show:
The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is a premier event that brings together candy shop owners, confectioners, chocolatiers, & industry professionals from all over the country. Explore the latest offerings in every c&y category, from delectable chocolates to gourmet specialties & everything in between. 

WHO: YOU’RE INVITED! 

WHAT: Philadelphia Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show

WHERE: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. 

WHEN: September 10-12, 2023

Click HERE to register.

Networking Opportunities:
One of the standout features of the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is the invaluable networking opportunities it offers. As an attendee, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, & exchange ideas with some of the most accomplished figures in the candy industry. Whether you're seeking advice on business strategies, sourcing new suppliers, or simply want to share your own expertise, this event creates the perfect atmosphere for collaboration & growth.

Seminars & Workshops:
To further enrich your candy-making knowledge & skills, this show offers an impressive lineup of seminars & workshops led by top confectionery professionals. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including the latest techniques, market insights, packaging innovations, & emerging trends. By attending these educational sessions, you'll gain invaluable insights that can help you elevate your candy business to new heights.

Meet the Stover Team:
Stover & Company will have a booth at this year’s Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show for the very first time! This is your chance to meet us in person, chat about your favorite products, & lock in special show pricing at booth #517.

As a renowned company in the bakery supply industry & rapidly growing in the confectionery industry, we pride ourselves on providing a vast selection of high-quality products & ingredients. We will be showcasing our exclusive line of domestic & imported compound coatings & couverture chocolate: Sweet Shoppe & Eleven o’one. Prepare to be tantalized by the exceptional taste & quality of our offerings.

To make your visit even sweeter, we will be offering FREE SAMPLES of our exclusive brands at booth #517. Indulge in a diverse range of flavors, textures, & innovations that will delight your taste buds & leave you craving for more. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience firsthand the superior quality & delectable flavors that our products have to offer.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Welcome to Stover & Company, your ultimate destination for all things chocolate! 

Today, we celebrate World Chocolate Day (July 7th) & invite you to indulge in the rich history, enticing trends, & irresistible offerings that make chocolate one of the world's most beloved treats.

Chocolate History:
The history of chocolate dates back over 3,000 years, to the ancient civilizations of the Mayans & Aztecs who first cultivated the cacao tree. Adored for both its mythical & spiritual qualities, chocolate was often reserved for royalty & used in religious ceremonies. Spanish conquistadors introduced chocolate to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity & evolved over time into the indulgent delight we know & love today.

Chocolate Trends:
Recently, chocolate has experienced an exciting evolution with innovative trends captivating the taste buds of chocolate lovers worldwide! In recent years, chocolatiers have wholeheartedly embraced the bean-to-bar movement, elevating it to new heights of mastery. With meticulous attention to detail, they have honed their skills in sourcing the finest cocoa beans & carefully overseeing every step of the chocolate making process. This dedication has resulted in an unparalleled level of control, allowing chocolatiers to create distinct flavor profiles that showcase the true essence of the beans & captivate chocolate connoisseurs worldwide. 

Stover & Company's Chocolate Collection:
At Stover & Company, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive selection of chocolates to cater to every chocolate lover's desires. From renowned national brands like Callebaut, Clasen, Guittard, Blommer & Cargill to our carefully curated exclusive lines - Sweet Shoppe & Eleven o 'one - we have something to satisfy every craving.

Whether you're a professional chocolatier or a passionate home baker, we have you covered. Our range includes blocks of luxurious couverture chocolate, ideal for creating decadent truffles & exquisite desserts. For those seeking convenience without compromising taste, our assortment of chocolate chips & compound coating wafers ensures you have the perfect ingredients for baking cookies, brownies, & more.

At Stover & Company, you can rely on the fact that the chocolate we carry represents exceptional quality and flavor. This enables you to elevate your culinary creations and experience the pure delight of chocolate.

To make World Chocolate Day even sweeter, Stover & Company is hosting a giveaway on social media! Head over to our Facebook & Instagram pages for a chance to win* a case of your choice from our Eleven o’one Chocolate Line!

*Full contest details can be found on the contest post. 

Happy World Chocolate Day!

Coloring compound coatings can be a fun & creative way to add visual appeal to your sweet creations. Whether you're a professional baker or an avid home treat maker, working with compound coatings, such as our Sweet Shoppe line, allows you to experiment with different colors & designs for your homemade treats. 

Achieving the desired colored chocolate results requires a certain level of knowledge & skill. Let’s explore the top mistakes that you’ll want to avoid when coloring compound coatings. 

1. DO NOT use Water-Based Food Coloring:
   
   The most common mistake when coloring compound coatings is using a water-based food coloring. Compound coatings are typically made with fat-based ingredients so water-based, or gel-based, food colorings can disrupt the texture & consistency of the coating. Be sure to purchase an oil-based or powdered food coloring specifically formulated for use with compound coatings & chocolate. Oil-based coloring agents (sometimes called Candy Colors) blend seamlessly with the fats in the compound coating, resulting in a smooth & glossy finish.
   
   Sweet Shoppe x Chocolate Chameleon Candy Colors & Colourmill are two of our favorite brands of oil-based candy colors!
   
   
2. Be Sure to Shake Coloring Well:
   
   It is particularly important to shake your oil-based candy colors well before use. These types of coloring agents often contain separate layers of pigments & oil. The pigments often settle to the bottom of the bottle over time, while the oil rises to the top. By shaking the bottle vigorously, you effectively blend the two components, creating a homogeneous color mixture that will allow you to create the vivid chocolate & candy colors that you desire.
   
   
3. DO NOT Overheat Your Compound Coating:
   
   

   Because compound coatings are made of sugar & oil, they are delicate & sensitive to heat. Overheating your compound coatings can cause them to become lumpy & thick, or even burn. It's essential that you melt the compound coating slowly & gently to distribute the heat evenly. Avoid overheating your chocolate compound by using a thermometer to monitor the temperature & never exceeding the recommended melting temperature specified by the manufacturer; we like to keep ours below 90ºF.  By maintaining proper heat control, you'll preserve the quality & texture of your compound coating, resulting in better color absorption.
   
   Check out this video or this blog post on how we recommend melting our Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings!
   
   

4. Always Test Colors:

   Before applying the candy coloring to your compound chocolate, we always recommend that you test the color on a small sample of compound. This step is especially important when working with new or unfamiliar coloring or when trying to achieve a very specific color. Apply a small amount of the coloring to a small amount of compound chocolate. Once well blended, add a small drop of colored coating onto a piece of parchment paper or a spare cookie to let it set. This allows you to evaluate the color accuracy & make any necessary adjustments before you begin a large treat order. Keep in mind that some candy colors may deepen or change slightly as the compound coating sets, so it's better to err on the side of caution & start with a lighter shade since you can always add more. Pink & purple are the most susceptible to fade with sun & UV light, so keep this in mind when deciding how deep you want your colors to be. 
   
   * PRO TIP: Colourmill’s line of candy coloring is made with a UV protectant formula to help your colors last longer! 

    

    

By avoiding these mistakes you'll be well on your way to achieving vibrant, colorful, professional-looking sweets with an enhanced presentation. 

So, grab some oil based candy colors & unleash your inner artist!

We have very knowledgeable culinary staff at Stover & Company. If you ever have any questions about coloring compound coatings, chocolate or any other product support inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@stovercompany.com. 

Calling all confectionery enthusiasts & aspiring chocolatiers! The Retail Confectioners International (RCI) Annual Convention & Expo is just around the corner & we are so excited to announce that Stover & Company will be exhibiting for the first time ever! 

RCI’s annual events are like no other in the confectionery world. These events provide a unique platform for confectioners to connect, share ideas & explore new products coming to market. This year’s RCI convention will take place in Milwaukee, WI on June 13 & 14, 2023.  

Here are three reasons why we think you should attend:

1. Networking Opportunities: 
   The RCI Convention & Expo brings confectioners, chocolatiers, suppliers & industry experts from around the globe together in one place. This event is a melting pot of creative minds & passionate professionals who share a common love for confectionery (& let’s keep it real, CHOCOLATE!) RCI’s annual convention provides unparalleled networking opportunities where you can connect with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges & joys of the confectionery industry. 
2. Idea Sharing & Problem Solving: 
   The RCI Convention & Expo is a hub of creativity & innovation. Attend educational workshops, seminars, & demonstrations led by industry leaders to expand your skill set, learn new techniques, & discover fresh approaches to candy making. Engage in panel discussions, roundtable sessions, & forums where you can share your challenges & brainstorm solutions with industry peers. Collaborative problem-solving often leads to innovative breakthroughs!
3. Meet Stover & Company in Person:
   We’re making our debut at RCI & we can't wait to showcase our entire range of couverture & compound chocolates. Not only will we be showcasing our existing Eleven o’one & Sweet Shoppe catalog, those who attend the show will be the first to see BRAND NEW products we have in development! Our team has poured their hearts into creating a sweet experience for those who attend. PLUS booth visitors will be able to take advantage of our special RCI Convention pricing with Compound Coatings starting as low as $1.88 per pound!

We invite you to join us at RCI at no cost! Use promo code 2023AC for FREE admission to RCI’s 2- day Expo when you register online at www.retailconfectioners.org/annual. Offer expires Jun 9, 2023. Not redeemable on-site. 

So, mark your calendars & make sure to attend the 2023 RCI Convention & Expo. Be sure to stop by our booth #108 for FREE SAMPLES! 

We look forward to seeing you there!  

Have you ever wondered if the chocolate you are using is real chocolate or not? This is a common question that we hear a lot. 

There are two different types of chocolate: Couverture Chocolate (aka real chocolate) & Compound Chocolate (better known as candy melts or chocolate coating).

Candy melts are a common ingredient for home bakers as most people find them pretty easy to work with since they do not require tempering. This means you can melt them right in the microwave (or in a double boiler) to effortlessly make professional quality chocolate candies right at home. 

But that doesn’t mean that candy melts always work the way we expect them to. After all, you came here looking for tips on how to thin candy melts so that must mean your compound chocolate is too thick to dip your treats. This is a common issue amongst treat makers & we have different solutions for you, but first, let’s talk about what can be causing this.