Whether you’re having a good day, a bad day, or a vacation, there’s one delicious treat to sweeten your day: candy.
We all have our personal favorites and we get used to their taste and texture. But the new candy trend isn’t just based on our favorite flavors, it’s reshaping the texture so it literally melts in your mouth.
Linda Douglas, maker of Sweet Magic freeze-dried candies, is one of those hoping to capitalize on this delicious trend.
“I have a production area in my house dedicated to freeze drying,” says Douglas. “He’s vetted by Porcupine Health, just like any homemade food maker.”
The equipment used for freeze drying is expensive. Therefore, she carefully checked the entire process before investing.
“I worked on freeze drying for a long time because I wanted to preserve food,” she said. “When I saw this, I realized that you can make candy. So when I got this, I started making candy.
The taste of sweets does not change during processing. If anything, this is improved by reducing the water content.
“I put candies on a tray and put them in the car,” says Douglas. “There are some settings you need to change. After a few hours, the candy is ready. Each candy requires a different amount of time.
“I have 20 different flavors of salt water freeze-dried toffee,” she says. “I’ve got Jolly Ranchers, Werthers, Milk Duds, Riesens, marshmallows – different kinds of marshmallows – peach rings, gummy worms, all kinds of fudge, M&M’s. Yes, lots of candy.
There are many people who make these mouthwatering treats and they share information about their sweet creations.
“Facebook has a freeze-dried candy chain,” Douglas said. “So we basically know which candy works and which doesn’t.
“You can use freeze drying to preserve all kinds of foods,” she said. “You can cook meat, fruits, vegetables, just about anything.
“I didn’t start until November,” she said. “I got the car in August, started making candy in November, and then started going to events.”
She participated in the craft fair at the Porcupine Mall and recently set up a booth at Northern College’s Southern Porcupine Winter Fiesta. She plans to attend other trade events as well.
Except for special events, people can send her an order and pick it up. It accepts payment in cash or EFT.
“I can pick up at the curb,” Douglas explained. “They can write to me and I will tell them when they come to me.
“If they have an order, be sure to use text messages so that I get it right away. I’m working on a Facebook business page.”
While freeze-dried candies are fun for people of all ages, she especially enjoys watching kids experiment with these new treats.
“I price candy so that kids can buy bags with their pocket money,” she said.
For more information on Sweet Magic Freeze-Dried Lozenges, please contact 705-288-9181 or email [email protected]. You can also find them on Facebook.
Post time: Aug-18-2023
