Nonpariel Candy Recipes

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring with a rubber spatula until smooth.
• Spoon the melted chocolate in nickel-size circles onto prepared baking sheet. Cool for 20 minutes; sprinkle with sugar beads. Let nonpareils harden in a cool place for 4 hours before serving.

Steps:

• To temper the chocolate, place it over simmering water, melting it to 115 to 120 degrees F on a chocolate thermometer. Turn off the heat, remove the bowl from the simmering water, and let cool, stirring until it reaches 82 to 86 degrees F. It will begin to set a little around the edges at this point. Return the bowl to the hot (now turned off) water for a few seconds at a time, until it reaches 88 to 91 degrees F. Do not let it go over 91 degrees F, or it will go out of temper.
• Fit a pastry bag with a small tip that has a 1/8-inch opening. Fill the bag with tempered chocolate and, onto a silpat, or parchment lined baking sheet, pipe small disks about 3/4-inch in diameter. Shake on the sprinkles and allow them to set up at room temperature. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Place cream cheese in a bowl; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly. Stir in extract until blended. Tint mixture pink or red as desired. Gradually mix in half of the confectioners' sugar., On a work surface, knead in remaining confectioners' sugar until smooth. Divide mixture into three portions; roll each to 1/4-in. thickness. (Flour or additional confectioners' sugar is not necessary for rolling.), Cut candy with a 1-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.