Introduction to Mexican Candy and Its History
Mexican candy has a unique flavor and texture that is distinct from other sweet treats originating from other countries. This delicious candy is often made from natural ingredients such as sugar, fruits and nuts. It also contains spices like cinnamon and chili for added kick.
The history of Mexican candy dates back centuries to the time of the Aztecs, Mayans, and other Mesoamerican cultures. This culture used simple ingredients such as honey, vanilla and cacao to make traditional treats such as churros and dulce de leche. After the Spanish Conquest, these recipes were combined with other European influences to create modern Mexican candies.
Today, Mexican candy is popular both north and south of the border. It is often used for special occasions, such as baptisms, communions, quinceañeras, and weddings, as well as for everyday indulgences.
Mexican candy is typically sold in small pieces. Common types of Mexican candy include lollipops, caramels, fudges, and hard-shelled candy such as jamoncillo, pulparindo, and tamarindo. Mexican candy can be found in supermarkets, grocery stores, Mexican markets, and even online.
Mexican candy shots are one of the most popular Mexican treats. They are often served during celebrations and gatherings, and they make a great gift or party favor. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make delicious Mexican candy shots. Read on to learn more!
Overview of the Ingredients in Candy Shots
Mexican candy shots are a traditional Mexican confectionery. They are an incredibly versatile and delicious treat perfect for any occasion from birthdays to festive celebrations. It is also one of the classic desserts served during quinceañeras, weddings, baptisms, and other special events.
To make candy shots, there are a few ingredients you will need: corn syrup, sugar, food coloring, flavoring, and water. Corn syrup acts as a binding agent while the sugar helps to sweeten and give structure. The food coloring and flavoring bring the vibrant colors and flavors which make Mexican candy shots so unique. Finally, water is added to create a dough-like texture that can be formed into sticks or tubes.
The result is a colorful and flavorful piece of Mexican candy shot that is sure to delight people of all ages. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that is sure to impress your guests.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Make Mexican Candy Shots
If you’ve been looking for a unique treat to impress your friends with, Mexican candy shots are the perfect option. Everyone knows that Mexican cuisine is full of flavor and these little candy treats are no exception. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect Mexican candy shots for your gathering.
Ingredients
The ingredients list for Mexican candy shots can vary depending on your preference, but typically you’ll need the following:
- Tamalina powder (or other powdered cornstarch)
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon powder
- Your choice of Mexican candy, such as marzipan or Mazapan de Tampico
- Food coloring, optional
- Your favorite fruit or flavoring for the middle of the Mexican candy shot, optional
Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered cornstarch, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon powder.
Step 2: Once the mixture is completely mixed, add your choice of Mexican candy and 1-2 drops of food coloring (optional). Mix until the pieces are evenly distributed.
Step 3: To assemble the Mexican candy shots, take 1 heaping tablespoonful of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Make a small indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb and then press 1 piece of your chosen fruit or flavoring (optional) into the indentation.
Step 4: Place the candy shots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 375°F for approximately 10-15 minutes, until they are light golden brown. Allow the candy shots to cool completely before serving.
Variations
You can switch up the flavors of the Mexican candy shots by switching up the candy used. Some traditional candy variations include Mazapan de Tampico, Martiza de Tepito, and Polvorones. You can also try different fruit and flavorings such as mango, coconut, or lime.
Examples of Different Variations of Mexican Candy Shots
If you’re looking for ways to get creative with your candy shots, you’ve come to the right place. Mexican candies offer so many different varieties that you can mix and match to find the perfect combination. Here are some of our favorite Mexican candy shot variations that we’ve seen.
Classic Mexican Churros
A classic churro is made with cinnamon-sugar and filled with Mexican sweet cream or chocolate. You can give your candy shot a Mexican twist by swapping out the cream or chocolate for a Mexican tequila or rum liqueur. Serve it frozen and topped with melted Mexican caramel.
Tres Leches Cake
This milky Spanish dessert is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to add a unique flavor to your candy shots. Start with a sugary base and add Mexican condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. Top it off with freshly whipped cream and a few pieces of crushed meringue cookies.
Coconut-Pineapple
For a tropical-themed candy shot, fill a margarita glass with equal parts coconut rum and pineapple juice. Add a scoop of Mexican coconut cream and top it off with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and sweetness.
Almond-Caramel
This candy shot pairs Mexican almond liqueur with Mexican dulce de leche or cajeta (caramel sauce). You can make this shot even sweeter by adding a small scoop of Mexican vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate-Orange
For a classic flavor combination, pair Mexican tequila with orange liqueur and a dollop of Mexican chocolate syrup. Serve this one chilled and topped with a mini orange wedge for extra zing.
These are just a few of the many delicious Mexican candy shot variations you can create. The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different combinations. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, spicy, or sour, there’s bound to be a Mexican candy shot recipe that will hit the spot!
Recommended Toppings and Other Ways to Customize Your Mexican Candy Shots
Creating unique candy shots you can call your own is one of the best parts of making Mexican candy shots. Whether you want to stick with traditional flavors or experiment with new combinations, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends. Here are a few recommended toppings and other ways to customize your Mexican candy shots.
Toppings
A variety of toppings can help bring out the flavor of your Mexican candy shots. Consider sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, crumbled cookies, or even a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top! You can also add a few drops of food coloring for a fun twist.
Crusts
Adding a crunchy crust to your Mexican candy shots can make them all the more enjoyable. Try a graham cracker crust, a pretzel crust, or even a cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra layer of flavor. Crusts are especially great for turning candy shots into something closer to a pie.
Fillings
If you’re looking to make things a little more creative, try adding a filling into your Mexican candy shots. Caramel, peanut butter, chocolate, cheese, or jam are all great additions that can provide a unique surprise to each bite. You can also combine multiple fillings for a truly decadent treat.
Frosting
As a finishing touch, try adding a swirl of frosting or glaze to your Mexican candy shots. This can help keep them moist and give them a nice finishing touch. Chocolate and caramel are especially delicious when added as a formal topping. No matter what type of frosting you use, it’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Flavor Combinations
Traditional Mexican flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate are always tasty additions to Mexican candy shots. But why stop there? Get creative and explore different flavor combinations, including chili pepper, lime, cilantro, and tamarind. As long as you have an understanding of how these flavors work together, you can create an endless variety of Mexican candy shots.
Tips on Presentation and Storage Instructions for Mexican Candy Shots
Making Mexican candy shots presents a great opportunity to create a visually stunning and delicious dessert. To ensure your Mexican candy shots are ready to serve, here are some tips on presentation and storage instructions.
Presenting your Mexican Candy Shots
Putting together the ingredients of your Mexican candy shots in an attractive way will add to the impact of your dish. Consider the following when presenting your candy shots:
- Choose a suitable plate or bowl for your candy shots – consider the colors, sizes, and shapes of the container.
- Make sure your candy shot servings are evenly shaped and portioned.
- Think about the colors of your ingredients and how they will contrast with each other on the plate or bowl.
- Decorate your candy shots with fresh fruits, colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, etc.
Storing Mexican Candy Shots
Since Mexican candy shots contain dairy products, it’s important to store them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated at all times, especially if you’re not serving them immediately. Here are a few tips when storing Mexican candy shots:
- Store Mexican candy shots in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Make sure the containers are bacteria-free before using them.
- Ensure that the individual portions in the containers are properly sealed to avoid spillage.
- Consume your Mexican candy shots within 2-3 days of preparation.
Common Mistakes when Making Mexican Candy Shots
Making Mexican candy shots at home can be a fun and creative experience, but there are several mistakes that could easily be made without being aware of them. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when creating their own Mexican candy shots.
Using Too Much Liquid
When making Mexican candy shots, it’s important to use the right amount of liquid or else the consistency can be off and the shots may not have the desired flavor. Too much liquid can cause the candy shots to become runny and not form properly.
Not Packaging Properly
When creating Mexican candy shots, it’s important to ensure that they are sealed properly in order to maintain their quality and taste. If not properly sealed, Mexican candy shots can lose their flavor and deteriorate faster than usual.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients
Using low-quality ingredients when making Mexican candy shots is a common mistake since it’s difficult to distinguish quality in some instances. Low-quality ingredients can ruin the overall flavor of the shots and can even affect the structure. Make sure to use the best ingredients when creating Mexican candy shots for the best results.
Failing to Refrigerate
Since Mexican candy shots involve the use of dairy-based ingredients such as condensed milk and cream cheese, it’s important to refrigerate them in order to prevent spoilage. Not chilling the shots properly can lead to a shorter shelf-life and spoilage.
Avoiding these common mistakes when making Mexican candy shots can help ensure you create a delicious treat that tastes great and lasts a long time. With proper storage, Mexican candy shots can last up to a week.
Exploring Traditional Mexican Flavor Pairings for Candy Shots
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making Mexican candy shots is exploring the endless flavor combinations. Mexican-style candies and ingredients can be paired together in a variety of ways allowing the user to customize their candy shots to their personal tastes. Traditional flavor pairings include combining sweet with salty, spicy with creamy, and sour with crunchy.
Sweet and salty can be achieved by combining sweet dulce de leche with salted peanuts, honey with chamoy, or sweetened condensed milk with tamarind and chili powder. Spicy and creamy can be achieved by blending chipotle chili powder with cream cheese, jalapeno with white chocolate, or cayenne pepper and lime with coconut flakes. Sour and crunchy can be achieved by mixing tart guava paste with cereal, sour mango candy with corn chips, or pickled green apples with sesame seeds.
Other popular Mexican candy shot flavor combinations include chile and chocolate, smoked chile and pineapple jam, coffee and caramel, cinnamon and puffed rice, and peanut butter and jelly. The possibilities are endless thanks to the world of Mexican candies!
Summary of the Benefits of Making Mexican Candy Shots
Making Mexican candy shots at home allows you to custom tailor them to your own personal tastes. You can adjust the sweet-to-sour ratio, spice level, and even the colors and shapes of your candies. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with friends and family that lets everyone explore their creativity.
Not to mention, there are plenty of delicious flavor and texture combinations to be found in Mexican candy shots. Whether you prefer spicy combinations, or something sweet and creamy, you are sure to find a combination that appeals to your taste buds. You can even use your favorite Mexican ingredients, like chili powder, to create unique flavor profiles.
Finally, making Mexican candy shots is a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. It’s an activity they can do that is fun, creative, and not overly complicated. Plus, you can involve them in selecting the flavors and ingredients for the candy shots, giving them ownership over how the final result turns out.
Finding Authentic Mexican Candy Ingredients
When making Mexican candy shots, one of the most important factors to consider is sourcing your ingredients. Many traditional Mexican candies require specialized ingredients that may not be available at your regular grocery store. Fortunately, there are now many online stores that specialize in authentic Mexican candy ingredients to make your candy shots as authentic as possible.
When looking for authentic Mexican candy ingredients online, You should look for shops that are associated with reputable Mexican candy brands, like Brahama, De La Rosa, and Eloté. These brands have been making Mexican candy for generations and are a great source of authentic ingredients. Additionally there are many small independent stores from Mexico that have online stores in the US which are an excellent source of traditional Mexican candy ingredients.
Another good place to source ingredients is local markets where you can find a wide range of Mexican candies. However, you should be aware that some local markets may not have the same selection of products as specialized stores, and the quality of the ingredients may not always be the same.
Finally, when looking for authentic Mexican candy ingredients, you should also be aware of potential problems with customs or shipping. Depending on where you are located, it may be difficult to source certain ingredients, and you may need to pay additional fees to get them shipped into your country.
Conclusion and Final Words
Making Mexican candy shots is a great way to bring a taste of Mexico right into your own home. They are easy to make, require few ingredients, and the flavor combinations are nearly endless. With a little practice, you can be serving up delicious and unique Mexican candy shots to impress friends, family, or even yourself.
Creating Mexican candy shots is not just about following a recipe and going through the steps. It’s about being creative and having fun with it. Think about how you can customize the flavors to suit your personal tastes or try something completely new. Exploring traditional Mexican flavors can give you some great ideas to start with.
No matter what combination you experiment with, remember that Mexican candy shots are all about enjoying a little bit of Mexico with each bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a special treat, this is one recipe that is sure to please everyone.
References
The following sources were used in this guide:
- The Kitchn – How to Make Mexican Candy Shots
- Tastes of Lizzy T – Homemade Mexican Candy Dulce de Leche
- The Spruce Eats – Mexican Desserts and Drinks
FAQs About Mexican Candy Shots Recipe
- Q: What is a Mexican candy shot?
A: Mexican candy shots, also known as taquitos dulces, are a traditional treat made with a mix of sugar, cinnamon and lots of condensed milk. - Q: What ingredients do I need to make Mexican candy shots?
A: Making Mexican candy shots typically involves flour, baking powder, butter, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. - Q: Are there any variations of Mexican candy shots?
A: There are several different variations of Mexican candy shots, including adding finely chopped nuts, almonds or raisins. You can also flavor them with grated coconut, nutmeg, ginger, orange or lemon zest, etc. - Q: What toppings go well with Mexican candy shots?
A: Popular toppings include butterscotch ice cream sauce, marshmallow fluff, toffee bits, caramelized coconuts, and shredded coconut. - Q: How should I store Mexican candy shots?
A: Mexican candy shots can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. - Q: Where can I get authentic Mexican candy ingredients?
A: Authentic Mexican candy ingredients can be found at local Latin American Supermarkets, Food Co-ops, Bulk Grocers, and Hispanic Grocers. - Q: What are some common mistakes that people make when making Mexican candy shots?
A: Common mistakes include not leaving enough time for the dough to rest before cooking, rolling the dough too thin, and using too much butter.