What is the structure of confectionery?

The structure of confectionery products varies depending on the type of confectionery involved. Confectionery products generally fall into two main categories: sugar-based and chocolate-based.

Sugar-based confectionery

Sugar-based confectionery products are made primarily from sugar, with other ingredients such as flavorings, colors, and textures added to create different types of products. Some common examples of sugar-based confectionery products include:

* Hard candy: Hard candy is made from sugar that is cooked until it reaches a high temperature and then poured into molds and cooled. It typically contains flavorings and colors, and may also contain nuts or other ingredients.

* Soft candy: Soft candy is made from sugar that is cooked until it reaches a lower temperature than hard candy, and then mixed with other ingredients such as corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings. Soft candy can be chewy, gummy, or taffy-like in texture.

* Fondant: Fondant is a type of sugar-based icing that is made from sugar, water, and corn syrup that is cooked until it reaches a thick consistency. It can be used to decorate cakes and pastries, or to make candies such as fondant fancies.

* Gum paste: Gum paste is a type of sugar-based modeling material that is made from powdered sugar, water, and gelatin. It can be used to create realistic-looking decorations for cakes and pastries.

* Marzipan: Marzipan is a type of almond-based confectionery product that is made from almonds, sugar, and water. It can be used to make candies, cakes, and pastries, and can also be used for modeling.

Chocolate-based confectionery

Chocolate-based confectionery products are made primarily from chocolate, which is a mixture of cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. Some common examples of chocolate-based confectionery products include:

* Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is made from chocolate that contains milk, sugar, and other ingredients. It is typically smooth and creamy in texture.

* Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is made from chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids than milk chocolate, and typically has a more bitter taste.

* White chocolate: White chocolate is made from chocolate that does not contain cocoa solids, and is typically made with milk, sugar, and cocoa butter. It has a sweet, creamy flavor.

* Chocolate truffles: Chocolate truffles are made from ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream that is formed into balls and coated in chocolate.

* Chocolate bars: Chocolate bars are made from chocolate that is poured into molds and cooled, and may contain additional ingredients such as nuts, fruits, or caramel.