Pulverizing hard candy

[Jaze]

I would like to make a powder out of some hard candy to use as a garnish. Is there a particular technique from turning hard candy into a dry, granular powder? I want a consistency something like fine sugar, and suspect that a blender will turn it sticky and melty with the heat.

Any suggestions?

[Jaze]

Thanks, all - I'll swing by FedEx a little later...

I had an idea of making lemonade a bi more interesting by crushing different flavoured candies - raspberry, blackberry, watermelon - into a powder, then dipping the wet rim of the serving glasses into them. I'd also though of serving fruit hard candy lollipops with lemonade for a related effect.

[pamalamb]

My immersion blender came with a small food processor attachment, and I use that. I do think that this has dulled the blades a bit, though. I hate the plastic bag/rolling pin method, as I find that the sharp edges of the candy will rip holes in the plastic as you bang away.

[renov8r]

Some brands/textures of zipper seal bags are better for this than others.

[MMRuth]

Yes - better to use the freezer ones, which are more heavy duty.

[ipsedixit]

Don't use the ziplock bags -- they break too easily.

If you are going to pound them with a hammer, use one of those FedEX large envelopes. Much tougher, and can withstand the pounding.

[slowfoodgrrl]

If you break them a little first with a hammer or a brick, it would also work to put them in a coffee grinder with the spinning blade. I'd do this rather than put them in the processor, mostly because I am paranoid about breaking mine (even though they are supposed to be essentially bomb-proof) and it's cheaper to replace a grinder if it dies. Grinders are also easy to clean. Throw some raw rice in there and spin. Good luck.

[geg5150]

I use the ziplock and rolling pin method. Put a dishtowel over the bag in a single layer as the candy can get some sharp edges and cut through the bag. I don't know if you'll be able to get it as fine as fine sugar, and certainly not that uniform. I find that the variations in texture are actually nice. Good luck....what are you making?

[hollyeve]

I crush candy canes to use in christmas cookies every year! I use the food processor.

[Louise]

You may not be able to get it completely finely ground. Food processor might be a better bet. Also, heat will probably be less of an issue than moisture--how's the humidity where you are? Keep in mind lots of tiny little pieces have that much more surface area to absorb any degree of water around.

[MMRuth]

I'd put the candy into a zip lock back and take a hammer, or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to it. That's how I crack pepper.