How It's Made- Ice Cream Cones

Find out how those tasty waffle ice cream cones are made.

The Top Three Ice Cream Makers

Long gone are the days where ice cream was made with hands, and now modern technology has made the process easier with the invention of ice cream makers. These machines not only produces lip-licking frozen delights, but also makes sure they taste just as good, if not better than those handmade ones. Here are three of the industry's best machines.

The name Cuisinart is synonymous with excellent kitchen equipment for generations, and their dessert maker range is also highly applauded. The Cuisinart Classic Dessert Maker does not only make one type of frozen confectionary, but also frozen yoghurts and sorbets. Model ICE-25 exudes brings the user to the good old days with its classic design, but it boosts a technology that allows for an automatic and simple usage. With just a touch of a button after pouring the ingredients, the machine will start mixing them and users can expect the finished product in just 20 minutes. For easy cleaning, the machine's mixing paddle and freezer bowl are both easily removable.

Sunbeam also makes exceptional ice cream makers in the market. They boast of their GL8200 Gelateria as possessing an internal compressor that freezes until -30 degree Celsius, to ensure perfect frozen confections. The machine has the capacity of making up to a liter of gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt. With an LED timer display included, users not need to worry about their desserts' consistency, because now you can choose the timer setting to the desired consistency. Like most machines that aim to boost efficiency, the GL8200, that sports a classic white-colored exterior, has a removable cylinder for easier cleaning and serving.

Although American brands are more known among consumers, when it comes to dessert makers, one European brand name stands out among the rest. Italian company Lello Musso manufactures the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart that can freeze 3 quarts per hour. Its fully automated operation allows for efficient and quick making of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, gelato and frozen drinks. The machine has a timer control that suits the freezing and making time for each different frozen confection, so that users can enjoy the best and most delicious frozen delights. The 4080 has stainless steel housing, bowl and paddle for easy cleaning, encased in an attractive Italian design.

No longer do you need to tire your hands to manually churn the ingredients, with these three of the best ice cream makers in the market, you can now easily make your own delicious homemade frozen dessert.

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Harlem Shake ( Ice Cream Verison )

Ice Cream Yum!

DOVE Chocolate Bar Ad: More to Love

Now there's more to love with our NEW DOVE Chocolate Bar!

Simpsons Butterfinger Commercials

MmMmMmMm Butterfinger! We Have 'em!

How to Host a Candy Themed Party

The word "candy" is powerful enough to excite kids like Santa on Christmas morning and take adults back to their carefree childhood memories. Even the most health conscious people have a weakness in their hearts for some type of candy. Some may love chocolate, while for others, gummy bears are the sweets they can't resist. With sweets being the ultimate comfort food for people of all ages, it's no wonder that candy themed parties for both children and adults have become increasingly popular these last few years.

Candy themed parties can be easily hosted at home by incorporating a wide variety of candy-themed activities, games and refreshments. For children, how you plan a candy themed shindig is mostly based on the ages of the kids attending. For small children, parties should be simpler in decor and the amount of skill required for games and activities. Parents of kids of any age can start out by setting the tone for their gathering by sending out candy themed or candy decorated invitations. The next step is to use candy themed supplies like balloons, decorations, plates and cups. Once these basics are set up, it is time for the fun part of the planning.

A major part of any successful kids' parties are the games and activities that will keep children entertained. Candy and dessert themed crafts are a great way to differentiate from traditional staples like pin-the-tail on-the-donkey and Simon Says. Kids as young as 3 years old can partake in a wide variety of fun stuff that will let them personalize their own edible creations. With Sugar Cookie Decorating, children can break out the frosting and candies and pretend to be a great pastry chef as they design their own cookie.

Chocolate Sculptures is another popular activity that kids as young as 3 can enjoy even though it sounds more complex than it really is. Children just pick a sculpture that catches their fancy and then create their own masterpiece with candy, sprinkles and frosting.

For kids who prefer a giant wad of chewing gum to chocolate, Gumball Machine Decorating lets them give a machine a makeover with markers and edible decorations, plus a complimentary bag of gumballs to get that machine truly rolling.

For children who are a bit older at 5 and over, the crafts get a little more intensive, with activities like Candy Jewelry and Sugar Art. Little girls with a sweet tooth who are also aspiring fashionistas will adore making Candy Jewelry, as it combines the best of both worlds. Kids get to create their own bracelet or necklace made entirely of edible beads and charms for a piece that not only looks greats but tastes great too.

Another fun choice for kids over 5 years old is Sugar Art. Children get to pick their own vessel then fill it with over 10 choices of colored sugar, creating pretty and edible layers as they go.

Kids over 7 years old have even more craft options to choose from, as they can decorate Picture Frames, Masks, Crowns or Door Hangers with various forms of candy to make their own unique design. They can also recreate cool images with the sweet stuff by making their own Candy Mosaic.

Once the crafts are done, it is time for Candy-themed games for some good old-fashioned birthday party fun. For kids ages 3 and up, Licorice Limbo and Candy Bingo are sweet updates on classic party games that are even more fun with a sugar rush.

Children ages 5 and over have even more choices of games that make use of physical, mental, and Kobayashi-esque eating skills. On the physical side is the Jawbreaker Relay, where teams relay race with a 1-pound jawbreaker. Meanwhile, Candymonium is a combined treasure hunt and candy relay race all in one.

On the mental side is the Estimation Bowl, where children must guess the amount of candy the bowl contains.

Finally, though not exactly physical or mental, the Licorice Race is also popular, as teams race to eat an extra long piece of licorice. Could the future Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Champ be in training at your shindig?

Kids over 8 years old also have some great age-appropriate games to play at candy themed parties. Musical Dares is an updated twist on musical chairs but with a dare to eat a gross candy if left chairless. There are also the games Name that Candy, a Warhead Contest and an Atomic Fireball Contest.

Once the crafts are completed and the games have been played, it is time to bring on the sweet treats. Sure, there is the traditional birthday cake and ice cream, but parents who want their child's birthday party to be the one the kids will talk about all year long can take things up a notch with something really special. Carnival style cotton candy or vintage popcorn machines are always popular options to add some nostalgia to any party. Or, for a more Willy Wonka themed take, a Chocolate Waterfall provides a multi-tiered magical chocolate river of dark, milk or Belgian varieties for guests to dip pretzels or marshmallow skewers in.

Parents who want a more traditional dessert element for their candy themed party have some excellent choices with a Dessert Buffet of rice krispy treats, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and fudge, or an Ice Cream Sundae Bar, where guests can create their own sundaes. They can also opt to have a Candy Bar on the Go where guests can mix and match their favorites for a party favor that everyone will love.

Candy themed parties are simple to plan and even easier to host, as no matter what a person's age is, the appeal of the sweet stuff is universal. All is takes is a little Willy Wonka-like imagination to put together a candy themed party that will be a hit with guests young and old.

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A Brief History Of Lollipops

It's unclear exactly which company, or even which country invented the first lollipops, but it's certain that different variations of this popular treat existed in many places. Evidence has proved that even as early as ancient Egypt, people crystallized nuts and fruits in honey and placed them on sticks for easy access. In Europe during the Middle Ages, sugar was imported and therefore an expensive luxury item that few could afford, so candy was made into a hard block and given only to the nobility on ornate handles. It became a more prevalent item that many can afford at around the 17th century during the time of Charles Dickens, and that's where many concluded the name derived from. The Racine Confectionery Machine Company invented the first automated lollipop production machine in 1908, and the idea hit off immediately.

One of the most popular lollipops around are the Dum Dum Lollipops. It was named by a man named I.C. Bahr and part of the famous Spangler Candy Company. The lollipops are famous for its 9 or 10 regular flavors and 1 or 2 "special" flavors that are cycled in and out. Kids also love to pick out a "mystery flavor" which are mixed in with other labeled ones in a bag and test their luck. These lollipops can be found everywhere among people of all ages, but they are especially popular among small children and often given as encouragements at school or home.

Another popular brand of lollipops are the Jolly Rancher Lollipops. The Jolly Rancher Company was created by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen in Colorado in 1949, and the company originally concentrated on making hard candy. However, their candy was so loved by everyone that they decided to combine that and the idea of lollipops together. Therefore, the Jolly Rancher Lollipops were created and introduced 50 years later in 1999, and they have been a successful part of the business ever since. The shape of these are square shaped, unlike most other round or oval shaped lollipops, and they come in flavors of Apple, Grape, Cherry, and Watermelon. These lollipops seem to be more popular among older high school crowds because of its intense fruit flavors.
It certainly looks like everyone loves a good lollipop, especially with all the brands and flavors out in the market. The idea is such a hit because of the cheap prices and fun way people created to eat them. However, if you're one of the few that doesn't love to unwrap one in your free time, definitely get your hands on Hershey's Factory Favorites - Bite Size Assortment. With the huge selection that the Hershey's Company puts out, you're bound to get attached to one of them.

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Valentine's Dessert Ideas for the Family

Nothing says "Valentine's Day" like the color red. Here are some quick and simple desserts that even the busiest mom can whip up in no time. Plus, these are very kid-friendly, so get them in the kitchen to help!

Strawberry Angel Food Cake - This is an extra easy dessert to make, and it will be a crowd pleaser. Plus, there is no baking required! Simply buy an angel food cake, an 8oz container of cool whip and a pint of strawberries. "Frost" the cake with the cool whip. Halve the berries vertically and place cut side down on the cake till all sides are covered. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Heart Cookie Sandwiches - If your family prefers cookies to cake, this is a very cute and easy dessert. Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe and cut out cookies using a heart shaped cookie cutter (if pressed for time, you can use store-bought cookie dough). Once baked and cooled, make sandwiches by spreading strawberry or raspberry jelly on bottom side of one cookie and topping with another cookie (cookie bottoms will be touching; tops will be facing outwards). Once all cookie sandwiches are put together, dust with confectioners' sugar.

Strawberry-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Soda - Everyone loves ice cream, and it makes a great dessert. The chocolate chips add a great twist in honor Valentine's Day! In a tall glass, combine two scoops of your favorite strawberry ice cream, a handful of mini-chocolate chips, and seltzer water. Each family member can make their own! If anyone prefers a milkshake, simply add the ice cream, chocolate chips and a dash of milk to your blender, and voila, a whole new dessert! Don't forget to add a dollop of whip cream to the top.

Mini Cherry Cheese Cake - These are a cute and kid friendly alternative to a traditional cheese cake. Plus, by using a store bought mix you will save time. These can be made the day before if you will be pressed for time on the holiday. Line a standard-size muffin / cupcake pan with paper or foil liners. Using a cheese cake mix, make the cheese cake according to box directions. Instead of using a 8" round pan, divide the mixture among the "cupcake" liners. Once the cheesecakes are set, top with cherry pie filling. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Tortilla Chips - If your family loves Mexican food, try this dessert variation on a traditional Mexican appetizer. Make a fruit salsa by combining 16oz strawberries, quartered; 8 oz diced pineapple; 2 apples, diced; 2 tbs white sugar; 1 tbs brown sugar; and 3 tbs strawberry jam. Make cinnamon tortillas by cutting your favorite brand of tortillas into wedges. Spray each side with cooking spray and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in preheated oven, bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. Once tortillas are cooled, place in an airtight container until ready to serve with chilled salsa.

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Valentine Candy Hearts - Sweeten Up Your Special Someone!

There's nothing quite like Valentine's Day, that time of year when the winter doldrums are broken up a bit by a special occasion in which you can show your love or appreciation of the people who mean the most to you in your life.

Yes, that's right; Valentine's Day isn't only for lovers! I am sure most of you reading this received some kind of commemoration from a parent or grandparent, or even a friend, on this holiday that is also known for romance. A lot of the time, the best way to show someone that they are special to you is to buy them a sweet treat.

Here's a list of some of the most popular Valentine's Day candies, suitable to any relationship!

Candy Hearts: A Valentine's classic. Made from powdery sugar, these candies are all sweet and best of all, you can choose hearts that come with their own personalized messages!

Romantic Message Heart Lollipops: New this year they include a fabulous assortment of pastel colors and phrases! The assortment includes 6 colors: pastel yellow, lavender, pink, pastel green, peach, and pastel blue. "Messages include "KISS ME", "XO XO", "LOVE", and "HUG ME" with a stain ribbon tied around it. They make the perfect candy heart gift or romantic candy decoration.

Chocolate Marshmallow Hearts: The sweet taste of chocolate combined with the sugar of marshmallows is irresistible, and a heart shaped chocolate stuffed with marshmallow filling is a sweet way to show you care.

Puppy Love Dog Bone Candy Bowl: Huh? Ok, each dog-bone-shaped hard candy sports phrases such as "I Ruff You", "Welcome Home", "Take Me Out", "I Dig U", and more. And they're packed in cute red dog bowls with "To: From:" tags. The perfect gift if you're in the proverbial dog house with someone you love. How can they resist?

Cinnamon Hearts: These little delicacies have been pretty popular for the last couple of decades, but their potency has seemed to increase as well; as a result, you had better make sure that your special someone has a preference for some real spice!

Specialty chocolates: Of course, if you are really looking to set your gift apart from other treats flying around on Valentine's Day, the best thing to focus on is the packaging. There are the classic heart shaped boxes wrapped in velvet, containing your Valentine's perfect treats, be they caramel stuffed chocolates, specialty truffles, or "naughty" liquor filled treats.

In fact, you might want to break out of the mold here a little bit and go ahead and get something a little risqué for someone REALLY special, perhaps to set the mood later in the evening; individually wrapped chocolate liqueurs are great for setting the tone!

Romance, candy, and hearts are at the very base of what today's Valentine's Day is all about. Whether you want to send a message to a good friend, a parent, a child, or your romantic interest, there are different candy types that will perfectly convey your wishes.

If you happen to have a creative bent, you might want to think about the different ways in which you could combine different candy ideas in order to make the perfect Valentine's package; white, pink, red, and even purple candies can combine to make a great Valentine's candy bouquet!

Whatever your choice and whoever you are giving your Valentine's candy to, we hope that this February 14 is a special one for you!

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Butterfinger Unwrapped

Go behind-the-scenes as Food Network's Unwrapped series gives you a sneak peek into the making of Butterfinger...But please "Don't Lay a Finger on My Butterfinger!"