After a baking binge my kids love to have at the ingredients left over in the kitchen. When presented with a mix of rice crispy cereal, melting chocolate, graham crackers, gummy candy, coconut, marshmallows and cupcake liners they immediately went into competitive mode (think Chopped) and set up a candy making challenge. The results were...actually quite delicious and completely unique from each other. They took great pride in their concoctions naming them and displaying them on trays for judging. It was a tie--both original, and delicious! When I heard that Courtney Dial Whitmore of Pizzazerie and Push-Up Pops created a book all about candy making for kids I knew my little ones would love the inspiration!
With Courtney's Blog Tour stop here at Cakewalk I had the opportunity to ask Courtney a few questions about her new book--here's the scoop:
One of my childhood memories was Grandma’s candy dish which was always left at just the right height for little hands. Were any of the recipes in this book inspired by your childhood?
Absolutely! That is one of my favorite memories as well :) One of the recipes that was inspired by my childhood are the peppermint patties. My Mom and I used to make these for Christmas teas where we would invite all my girlfriends and their moms over. It was such a wonderful time. And it's such a delicious little mint!
You recently got married; did any of the recipes in this book get incorporated into your big day?
Yes, I got married in late June! The Candy Making book hadn't yet released at the wedding but we did incorporate Push-Up Pops from my first book. They came out late-night at the reception with cute bride + groom decorations. Everyone loved it!
My kids love to be in the kitchen and have even competed with each other to make the best candy using a few select ingredients, what do you think your little readers will like most about Candy Making for Kids?
I think readers will like that these recipes are in fact - EASY. None of the recipes use a candy thermometer so they are simple and easy to make for all ages. It also encourages lots of decorating to get those imaginations going. Decorating candy can be a form of art - it's so fun to see what they create!
Push-Up Pops have become a dessert table favorite, what candy recipe would you most like to see become a dessert table staple?
I'd love to see ANY of them become a staple. It really depends on the type of table but my favorites include the candy toffee and seashell pearls. They can both be adjusted to make different shapes for different party themes or use different colors, etc.
As a new bride and two time published author, this must be an exciting time in your life, what can your fans look forward to seeing from you in the future?
I'm definitely staying busy as a newlywed! I am finishing up my 3rd book which will release March 2012 and working on some fun partnerships with Michaels Craft Stores and Disney!
Order your copy of Candy Making for Kids today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble then email Courtney at courtney@pizzazzerie with the subject line BOOK SIGNATURE and proof of purchase (screen shot of Amazon order, picture of receipt, etc) along with the address to send the book plate, who to make the greeting out to, and she will get it on its merry way and you can have your book signed!
One of my readers will win Candy Making for Kids by Courtney Dial Whitmore--simply enter below. One winner will be chosen next Wednesday August 22! Good Luck!
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Candy Making For Kids by Courtney Dial Whitmore Photographs by Zac Williams
