By Elaine Giammetta

Laughing Moon Chocolates

If you are fan and follow us on Twitter or Facebook, you know that we LOVE chocolate. The sweet decadence of milk or dark chocolate slowly melting in your mouth, releasing messages of ecstasy to the brain…….Let’s face it, it’s hard to find something that can beat that experience.

I am enthralled with Chocolate Makers, whether they’re masters or just incredibly gifted individuals. Regardless of whether they are turning out a quality truffle, ganache, or some other decadent goodie, I add their name to my list of must tries. Then when I travel to that part of the country, I pull out my list to see who’s in the area. Vermont has several well known chocolate makers, both large and small. Since I was going through Stowe I decided I’d give Leigh, at Laughing Moon Chocolates, a call to see what she was up to in the candy kitchen and my timing was perfect. She would be making traditional candy canes and invited me to participate. I couldn’t believe my ears; I was going to help make the most recognized candy of Christmas! Could it get any better?

I arrived early in the morning to find the copper kettle, complete with candy thermometer, already boiling away. The sight, definitely reminiscent of a witch’s cauldron, it was huge! Once the candy reaches the appropriate temperature the hard work truly begins. I had no idea how arduous it is to make something as simple as a candy cane. These were slated to be traditional peppermint, so a portion of the ‘batter’ had to be put aside, and would have peppermint flavoring and coloring added to it later, to become the red stripes.

What I learned first is that this isn’t something that a person should do alone....AND it can be extremely dangerous. Who would have thought making candy could be dangerous, (Willy Wonka made it look so easy) outside the calories that is. The extreme temperatures can severely burn you if you haven’t taken the necessary precautions. First thick cotton gloves are donned and then a pair of heavy rubber gloves over them. Even so, they had to take turns because the heat could be felt through their gloves. NO, I did not help with this part of the process. I remained safely behind the lens of my camera.

The mixture is poured into what look like large baking sheets and then manipulated in an effort to cool down the mixture. As it cools and the air mingles with the mmixture, you can see the color changes and it becomes lighter and lighter. It is moved back and forth between two pans until the temperature is cool enough to handle. The mass must then be stretched, like taffy and they use a hook that is mounted on the wall. Talk about a cardio workout, I was tired just watching them go back and forth. Once the mass reached the desired temp and texture, Leigh created what looks like a loaf and placed it under heat lamps. Now mind you, this is still hot, not steaming, but very, very hot to the touch.

The part of the batch that had been put aside, had the flavoring added to it while Leigh was creating the loaf. Now, she was ready to apply the red colored mixture to it to create the stripes. I have to say that as I watched the ‘stripes’ being applied I was thinking, this doesn’t look like any candy cane I’d ever seen. But the art of candy making requires patience and a good eye, as I was to learn very quickly.

Leigh began to pull a rope of the dough, I’m sure that’s not the technical term; however, between the color and appearance, it’s a great descriptor. As she pulled the rope, she twisted it and rolled it, like we did as kids with Playdough®, creating what looked like logs. Then snip with her scissors and I was staring at a Peppermint Stick! This was so cool! Here’s where it gets tricky, someone has to keep rolling them  until they are formed into that familiar shepherd’s hook shape. The caveat is if you don’t do it just right, the results are lopsided sticks and if they cool off before you form the curve, you’re out of luck. I was laughing, thinking that this had to be the easy part and they were pulling my leg. Uh-huh. I donned some gloves and gave it a go, and I hate to admit it, but my first few were so off I couldn’t believe it. Hey, I’m a gourmet cook right, I should be able to roll a few sticks of peppermint candy. What I hadn’t realized is that even though it looks easy, the batter is still very hot. The heat comes right through the gloves, making the rolling process, delicate to say the least.

The batch of candy would make over 100 canes and you have to work fast before the loaf cools off! Now I see why Santa has so many elves. That many hands make it a light work thing. I finally got the hang of it and like a true student, was beaming when I made my perfect candy cane. What I enjoyed most about my candy making visit were the two children who came into the shop with their mom. Leigh invited them to join us and it was fun for everyone. I never though I’d come home from Vermont with such a prize.

Laughing Moon Chocolates store is like entering an old time candy store. I love the big candy cases, dark woods and creaky floors. Old time Vermont at its best. Leigh offers candy making classes in her shop, so be sure to check her website for more information.

One more very important thing: Good Giving! If you are new to GGM, you’ll learn that we have a very large heart for charitable organizations and those that support them. I first learned of Laughing Moon’s "Water for Chocolate" initiative from someone on the web. Children all across the world deserve potable drinking water. If you love chocolate, this is a wonderful way to support both your sweet tooth habit and give a child access to pure, clean water. Your box of chocolates, whether for yourself or for someone else, turns into two gifts. Thank you Leigh, for your heart of gold and your candy making expertise.

Laughing Moon Chocolates

78 South Main Street, Stowe Village, VT 05672

802.253.9591 www.laughingmoonchocolates.com