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Once upon a time, ice cream scoops were just ice cream scoops. Sure, the old-fashioned scoops still get the job done as well as ever – especially if they are long enough to give you leverage when the ice cream is hard. And the traditional spring action, quick-release ice cream scoops are hard to beat if they are sturdy and well-made. (Avoid plastic mechanical scoops, and make sure to stay away from cheap brands – you get what you pay for.) They may not be the best scoop to use with a hard ice cream, but the scoops of ice cream they form are very neat and the pop out with just a squeeze of the hand.
But technology has caught up with ice cream scoops, and today you can buy anti-freeze scoops, microwaveable scoops, and aqua scoops that you fill with warm water – all scoops that will let rock-hard ice cream slip easily from your scoop into the bowl. These days it ends up simply being a matter of preference which scoop you choose.
But when do you want an ice cream spade instead of a round scoop? An ice cream spade works best in hard ice cream cutting through easily and scooping plenty. The spade allows you to apply force and leverage to hard ice cream, although the fancier anti-freeze, microwave, or warm water scoops don’t do too bad a job. Round scoops are perfect for softer ice creams and making nice round balls for ice cream cones.
So what choices do you have when it comes to ice cream scoops?
1. Anti-Freeze Ice Cream Spade. Ice cream stores tend to use this kind of spade, as it make their job much easier. As the name suggests, it contains an anti-freezing agent so the ice cream doesn’t stick to the spade. It’s big and tough for digging through hard blocks of ice cream.
2. Quick Release Ice Cream Scoop (Large). This is a very good quality, spring action type ice cream scoop. It is made of heavy duty 18/10 stainless steel and is equipped with a heavy duty spring. Divides the ice cream into 16 scoops per quart. Also handy for producing consistent sized meatballs and mashed potatoes.
3. Deluxe Quick Release Ice Cream Scoop (Medium). This is of the same construction as the large is a quality, heavy duty ice cream scoop. Intended to give a precise 50 scoops per quart. It is also perfect for making drop cookies.
4. Aqua Ice Cream Scoop. Hot water is the secret to this scoop. Remove the plug, fill with warm water, and scoop. The design creates heat in the head where it is needed the most. This is a top-of-the-line product.
5. Jumbo Easy Grip Ice Cream Scoops. This style of scoop has a long handle with a deep curve and tip designed for easier scooping. The long handle gives this style of scoop the needed leverage to cut into hard ice cream. Perfect when you want extra large scoops, and the long handle also gives it a nice heft and balance.
6. Microwave Ice Cream Scoop. Just put the scoop in the microwave to heat for 30-40 seconds. Hard ice cream will then be no problem at all, as the scoop passes through it effortlessly.
Today’s ice cream scoops may come in many more varieties than they used to, but whether you’re using ice cream makers at home or ice cream that you bought from a shop, ultimately it is all about getting the ice cream from the container to your bowl/cone and into your mouth!
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Tags: ice cream makers
Posted in Desserts · June 4th, 2010 · Comments (0)
MERCKENS CHOCOLATE® COMPOUND COATING CHOCOLATE – Technically, this could be called “Compound Coating” since it is really a special chocolate candy which has been “fixed” to permit you to coat or fill molds without all of the bother required of REAL chocolate. It is available in round wafers for simple handling. This coating chocolate is safe, healthy, cheaper and tastes absolutely amazing! —————- find Merkens easier to work with too. Heating-cooling-heating-cooling, again and again, won’t hurt it nearly as often as lesser brands.
REAL CHOCOLATE – If you want more of a challenge
Because of the great expense of real chocolate and also the tiresome chore of having to condition it, I only recommend compound coatings. To use real chocolate, you must first “temper” it. This is a process whereby, you “fix” the chocolate to ensure that it can be utilized for coating. Otherwise, the real chocolate is not going to harden properly for coating chocolates. This is a very long-drawn-out process and a technique in itself. real chocolate has the exact same delicious taste as the coatings.
PARAFFIN
Previously Compound Coating was available to the homemaker, one could only make chocolate-coated candies aided by the use of candle wax; paraffin. Adding wax allowed “real-pure” chocolate to set up as coating. You still couldn’t put it in candy molds, but you could use wax to dip candies. This was a really dangerous thing to do, health-wise and who wants to eat “candles.” Most people do not realize the dangers of eating wax. It has been alleged that paraffin doesn’t even show on an x-ray. Who’s to know the hazards in future years! So why use paraffin any more at all? Coating chocolate will taste better than real chocolate with wax in it.
NOTE: Neither are you able to substitute chocolate chips for compound coating.
COLOR & FLAVOR
Coating “chocolate” is available in a wide range of colors and even several flavors. The WHITE-vanilla- flavored coating comes in 8 different colors. The chocolate-flavored coating can be purchased in milk chocolate and dark (stronger cocoa flavor) chocolate. There also are peanut butter and butterscotch chocolate coatings. Flavored coatings are available in strawberry, mint, orange and lemon.
Candy Making Supply Firms will also carry white or milk chocolate-flavored dietetic coatings. Though, this product seriously isn’t recommended for diabetics without advice of a doctor. Excess consumption may have a laxative effect. Many foods can be added or mixed using the chocolate for a better taste. Raisins or nuts are two natural ideas.
NOTE: The dietetic coatings are not , however, safe for all those people who find themselves allergic to chocolate! The white coatings contain no chocolate and may be safe. But for chocolate, those with chocolate allergies should use Carob. It is offered in health food stores.
As you practice and experiment with the assorted chocolates you’ll discover an increasing number of candy making ideas. It is our hope that the knowledge provided herein, has helped, though if you need additional details please visit our large online Candy Making Supply store.
Tags: candy making, candy making supplies, candy making supply, Merckens, Merckens chocolate
Posted in Desserts · April 14th, 2010 · Comments (0)