paraffin wax and buckeyes.......?

Question

every recipe i find call for this stuff. what is it?? and where do i find it?? i've been all over the grocery store and have never seen it. are there any ways of getting around using it, since i can't find it or will my buckeyes just not taste right?? and yes it's my first time making them. any advice would help!!! thanks!

Answer 1

The paraffin helps the chocolate set up when you use things like chocolate chips for the coating--you can often find it by the canning supplies (some people use it on top of jelly) or at a good local hardware store (it's used to wax sliding doors, etc.). Not really something you would want ot eat if you can avoid it (although it is food-safe).

BUT, if you use better chocolate that is made for candymaking, you will not need the paraffin. Look in the holiday cooking aisle for "chocolate coating" or "almond bark" chocolate--these will work without the paraffin. If you are near a candymaking or cake decorating store, go there and get chocolate that has been prepared for dipping things like buckeyes and other candies (it's called "tempered" chocolate and usually comes in one-pound bags of pieces that look something like flat chocolate kisses).

Always melt your chocolate slowly over hot, not boiling, water or in the microwave checking it often. If you overheat it, it will seize up and become unusable.

If you use good chocolate, everyone will love your buckeyes and not really know why they are so much better than everyone else's.

Good luck and happy cooking!

Answer 2

Buckeyes With Paraffin Wax

Answer 3

Paraffin wax is used in canning. It can be used to seal jams in the jar. You should be able to find with the canning supplies. Ask someone in the store.
I don't think it does any thing for the flavor. It is what makes the Buckeyes real shinny.

Answer 4

If you go to the craft store, you can buy chocolate melting disks...I use them for dipping. They melt much smoother than chips, and harden nicely when cool.