Friday, August 16, 2013

A Tall Tale of Espionage and Intrigue!



Hello I would like to tell you a tale of woe of internet fraud and frustration! Yes my The Confectionery Hub page was taken from right under my nose! And I would like to tell you how!

It all started on a cold and and wintery Saturday morning I boiled the kettle as usual and made my cup of coffee, I took it to the table sat down and opened my ipad ready to write my usual Saturday morning guessing competition, but something happened......

It didn't work, I tried again, no status.......


but people were expecting me, relying on me to post my status, what had happened?

Lets go back two days.....

I had, had enough, I had to say something, I was angry and felt betrayed.

I had spent three times the amount on a website that neither worked nor was finished,

it had taken seven months for nothing. In my frustration I went to an internet security guy, whom told me the bad news; the guy who had been working on it had been stringing me along for seven months and had done little work.

How did I fall into this trap?  I had reached out to this guy, he was an artist and a graphic designer and was living from day to day. I felt for him and still do. I offered him the work because he seemed honest and had just had a run of bad luck.

So whats to do? I waited till my anger had subsided and went about changing all my passwords. The graphic designer usually slept till 12.00pm as he said he worked through the night. On this day he woke up early and text me:

'Hey how are you? The password seems to be changed on volusion' (the server and ecommerce we were using)

'Oh really?' I lied

He was onto me......I had to work quickly.......

I had to remember 10 passwords and change them......next one done. Nother message on my phone

'Tracey this password doesn't work either' was that an accusing tone I could here or was I being paranoid?

Oh my gosh I had to work fast......its was like he was following me......

I moved through this list of passwords changing them each time to  another message from the Graphic Designer,

'What was going on?' he wanted to know.

I got the last password changed, my hands were shaking, I was shaking but, I had got away with it.

I answered him and sent him a letter saying that he was know longer needed. It was an awful feeling, like I had failed......and then I heard nothing for two days everything seemed to go back to normal, I worked and I posted my status. I was also getting excited because with the help of Volusion I had managed to get my site up and it was working! I was about to launch my site to my 2300 likes and

suddenly my Facebook site was no longer mine.




The one thing I forgot to change he used against me. 

 You see what happens when you have a page on facebook like The Confectionery Hub, you assign people to administration roles ( you usualy have a graphic designer on there to do any development worked needed and this is what I did). There was three of us on Administration for The Confectionery Hub. There was myself also and someone you can never go without: the IT uni student.

The graphic designer had taken both of us of admin. So I know longer could access my site. I was also extremely worried about what he was going to say or do to my sight, gratefully he did nothing, it could have been a lot worse. The week I had know site was spent trying to talk to Facebook as they work from California I dealt with time differences (answered emails at 3.00am) and communication issues because they only talk to you via email, no phone. They wanted documentation like my abn and all sorts of other stuff. In the end we all decided it was easier to start a new site and migrate all you beautiful people across.

So this is my tale of woe, according to my internet security guy I got off lightly, he has seen people loose there business because of what some graphic designers have done. Don't get me wrong I have met a great graphic designer Ian  now and I have also learn't some valuable lessons!!

Hope you have enjoyed reading my blog today, sorry if you were looking for a choccie fix, normal viewing will resume next sweetie blog!




Monday, August 5, 2013

Review of nougat, Frys, Junior Mints and Nerdalicious by Lauren Milner

Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub

This review is by Lauren Milner


Wonka's Nerdalicious

Wonka’s Nerdalicious takes its name as it is filled with sour nerds. There are two glossy purple strips of rope filled with a soft green gooey centre with the odd crunch as you bite into one of the many different coloured nerds. It is sweet from the rope and gooey centre but incredibly sour at the same time, your first bite definitely sees you pulling a face. If you like any of the sour straps you will be sure to like Nerdalicious. I would recommend this to anyone with a sweet tooth, perfect for kids and adults alike, eaten in the morning to provide you with energy for your day! The best part about this lolly is the sour hit the nerds serve. I would rate Nerdalicious a 8/10.


Frys Chocolate Cream

Fry’s Chocolate Cream is a chocolate bar with a creamy centre. It looks like an everyday dark chocolate bar but with a translucent white cream filling. The chocolate has a good crunch when biting into it and the cream is soft and silky. The dark chocolate is strong-rich but well balance by the sugary cream, although ultimately leaving the dark chocolate to linger in your mouth. If you are a fan of dark chocolate then you will enjoy Fry’s. I would recommend this to people over 25 as in my opinion dark chocolate is usually an acquired taste and best enjoyed anytime of the day with a cuppa. The best thing about Fry’s is the rich dark chocolate which is similar in texture to tempered chocolate. I give Fry’s a 7/10.

Junior Mints @ The Confectionery Hub

Junior Mints are small 5c sized mints covered in chocolate. They look like little round buttons and are covered in a dark chocolate with a translucent white peppermint filling. They are soft to bite into and the peppermint melts in your mouth. There is a hint of dark chocolate however the peppermint is definitely the hero. If you like after dinner mints then Junior Mints will not be disappointed and could even be substituted for your everyday mints. ANyone of any age will like these, even my three year old son! The melt in your mouth peppermint is what makes these mints so enjoyable. I rate Junior Mints 10/10




Pantheon Pistachio Nougat

Pantheon Pistachio Nougat is just that, a nougat with pistachio nuts. It is white and looks 




rough in texture with the small pistachio nuts scattered through it. It is silky soft to eat with the odd pistachio crunch. It has an intense sugary taste and is only for those with a sweet tooth! If you like nougat then you will also like Pantheon although I found it to be sweeter than most other nougats I have tried and it didn’t seem to have as many nuts as some others do. I would recommend this for anyone with a sweet tooth and for morning or afternoon tea. The best part about The Pantheon Nougat was that it was not over run with nuts 7/10 

Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub     




Review of Conversation Hearts and Strawberry Marshmallow Hearts by Yvette Ritchie



Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub



Hi there today we have a review by Yvette Ritchie owner of Sugar Love Lolly Buffets, with an eye for style and candy, her reviews are very insightful!

Hearts Strawberry Marshmallows:
Bite sized, squishy pink & white marshmallows that have a chewy consistency with a subtle strawberry flavour. Not too sweet.



Not as soft as some marshmallows these would appeal to girls between 6-15 as they are quite cute and pretty. For all ages they also look good in those beautiful apothecary jars used in lolly buffets.  They would look great floating on the top of a cup of hot chocolate. 7/10


Conversation Hearts

An old-fashioned favourite, these hearts are bite-sized, colourful lollies with a "chalky" texture (WARNING: Do not bite them....you may break a tooth!). 
The flavours are subtle and include aniseed, mint, chocolate and musk, all in the one bag. 
On the down side, there was no eligible "conversations" on them (all part of the fun), but they would still look cute & colourful at your next party. 


The cute heart shape makes them appealing to young girls and these would be best for the 10-15 age gap. I wouldn't go much lower in age because of the hardness of them. Rating 6/10

Thanks & kind regards,
 
 
Yvette Ritchie
Owner
Sugar Love Lolly Buffets

0419 141 147

When was the last time you tried Nougat, in our next review find out what yummy nougat is all about!


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Review of Walnut Whips and more by Sally Ryan


                                                         Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub




Hi! How are you going? Today one of our friends from The Confectionery Hub Facebook page have some reviews for you! Enjoy!


The Walnut Whip.

An old English childhood favourite. This is a cute treat has the best of all worlds. A perfectly shaped cone of milk chocolate houses a soft gooey meringue, and topped by a tasty walnut.

Walnut Whip with a cup of tea
Once you break through the creamy milk chocolate the sweet fluffy meringue takes you to heaven. The walnut on top can either be the first to go or the amazing finish to the perfect sweet.

Jolly Rancher Fruit chews

1. Why do you think it has this name.

My guess it got its name from an American land owner who was very happy following a sugar rush. But I am told by reliable internet sources that the name was meant to suggest western hospitality.

2. Describe the confectionary
A smooth individually wrapped treat 

3. Colour
Blue, green, pink or red

4. Texture
A soft gooey treat perfect for chewing.                                                               



5. Flavour 
Fruit flavours in blue raspberry, Green Apple, Watermelon or cherry.

6. Recommendation
A perfect treat for those who like a chewy lolly with strong fruity flavours. The flip top packet is the perfect size for your pocket or to hide in the handbag.

7. what age group would like this confectionery?
All ages would like this but I would not recommend to those with loose false teeth.

8. What time of day would you enjoy this? 
Great for an afternoon pick-me –up

9. The best part of this lolly is when the 
Intense fruit flavour hits you in that first bite.

10. out of 10?

7 out of 10



  • Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (bold fruit flavours)

    1. Why do you think it has this name?

    My guess it got its name from an American land owner who was very happy following a sugar rush. But I am told by reliable internet sources that the name was meant to suggest western hospitality!
    2. Describe the confectionery.

    A smooth transparent lolly that is packaged in a pop-out pack.
    3. Colour

    Blue, green, pink or red
    4. Texture
         
    A soft boiled lolly type feel
    5. Flavour
    WOW intense Fruit flavours in blue raspberry, Apple, Watermelon or cherry with hint of sour.

    6. Recommendation.
    A must for those who are chasing an extreme fruit flavour. Not for those who are into subtle flavours.

    7. what age group would like this confectionery?
    All ages would like this but I would not recommend to those who are about to have a nap.

    8. What time of day would you enjoy this? 

    Great for an afternoon pick-me –up..
    9 The best part of this lolly is when the
    Intense fruit flavour hits you in that first bite.
    10.5 out of 10?

    • Butterfinger by Nestle 

      1. Why do you think it has this name?

      The finger shaped peanut butter flavour may be a giveaway. 

      2. Describe the confectionery
      A chocolate coated bar with peanut butter

      3. Colour                                                                                                      
          
      Milk chocolate outside and golden inside.                                  
      4. Texture.

      The centre is a crisp and crunchy wrapped in a smooth layer of creamy milk chocolate
      5. Flavour
      A gentle peanut butter toffee flavour that is perfectly matched with chocolate.

      6. Recommendation
      A must for any peanut fan.

      7. what age group would like this confectionery?
      All ages
      8. What time of day would you enjoy this? 

      A bit of afternoon delight.. Would go well with a coffee.

      9. The best part of this lolly is when the
      Crunch when you take the first bite..
      10. 7 out of 10?




      Thank you Sally for your fantastic reviews, very helpful, especially to those new to the American Candy Market or those wanting to reminise.

      Hope to have you visit The Lolly Lady Blog again!



             All these sweets can be found at The Confectionery Hub





Thursday, August 1, 2013

Easy Recipes for Gourmet Jelly Beans and Jelly Belly





Hi I hope you have been enjoying reading the reviews on my blog. I haven't been writing myself lately as I have spent a lot of time setting up my website......but that story is for another day!! A blog all in its self.





Today I was putting a Gourmet Jelly Bean post on my Facebook page and I was interested to find there was a lot of easy recipes for Gourmet Jelly Beans, so I have compiled them here.


Five fun facts about Jelly Beans

  • It takes seven to 21 days to make a single jelly bean.
  • In the early 1900s, the term "jelly-bean" was a slang term for a stylish man with no other positive qualities (like a "dandy" or a "drugstore cowboy").
  • Jelly beans were President Reagan’s favorite candy and Jelly Belly created the blueberry-flavored jelly bean especially for his inauguration.
  • Jelly beans were the first candy to be sold by weight, rather than by the piece.
  • During Easter season, an average of 16 billion jelly beans are manufactured -- enough to circle the Earth more than three times.
http://www.sheknows.



Jelly bean martini
Sparkling jelly bean martini recipe

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce jelly bean-infused vodka
  • 3 ounces Champagne
  • 1 lemon wedge
Directions:

  1. Put vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to chill.
  2. Add Champagne and squeeze lemon wedge into shaker.
  3. Stir gently and strain into glass.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT NESTS WITH JELLY BEAN EGG

About This Recipe

YIELD:makes 6 2-inch pieces
ACTIVE TIME:10 minutes
TOTAL TIME:10 minutes


Ingredients
  • 4 ounces finely chopped milk chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate, or white chocolate
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened dessicated coconut
  • Dash green food coloring, optional (see note)
  • 18-24 small jellybeans

Procedures

  1. 1
    Line baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. In heatproof bowl over pan of barely simmering water, melt half of chocolate, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in remaining chocolate until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  2. 2
    Stir in coconut until completely combined. Drop rounded tablespoons of mixture onto prepared pan, keeping shape as round as possible, and spacing 2 inches apart. Using back of 1/2 teaspoon, gently press into center of each mound to create a slight crater. Gently press 3 or 4 jellybeans into center and chill until set, about 15 minutes.


    Jelly Bean Fudge
    Jelly Bean Fudge is a smooth white chocolate fudge crammed with fruity jelly beans. This is the perfect treat to celebrate Easter--or to use up Easter leftovers! I like to tangy jelly beans to add a little extra flavor and to keep the fudge from getting too sweet, but you can use any beans you have on hand.

    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Ingredients:

    • 1 stick (4 oz) butter
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 3/4 cup sour cream
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
    • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract or other flavoring
    • 2 cups jelly beans

    Preparation:


    1. Prepare a 9x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Coarsely chop the jelly beans with a large knife--this is a little difficult, so don't worry if they don't all get chopped up evenly.
    2. Place the butter, sour cream, salt, and sugar in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar and butter melt.
    3. Continue to cook the fudge, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, cook it for five minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. If you are using a candy thermometer instead of timing it, it should be at 235 degrees.
    4. After five minutes, remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate chips and the marshmallow cream. Stir vigorously until the chips and cream are melted and incorporated. If necessary, return the fudge to the heat for brief periods to melt the chips.
    5. Add the vanilla and stir well, then add most of the jelly beans, reserving 1/4 cup. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of jelly beans over the top, pressing them into the fudge so they adhere.
    6. Allow the Jelly Bean Fudge to set at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. To serve, cut it into small 1-inch pieces. Store Jelly Bean Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
    Hope you enjoyed this post!! 




    Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub.









Loving Earth Chocolate Review by Gabby Moore



Organic Lovingearth Chocolate bars: You can indulge without any guilt!



This chocolate is for the serious chocolate lovers.

It’s decadent, addictive, nutritious and basically pure heaven! It contains no cane sugar or dairy. It is  instead sweetened with agave nectar or organic coconut nectar which is low GI and mineral rich .

The cacao is uncooked and unprocessed - the beans are unroasted so all their phytonutrients remain intact. This chocolate is in its purest, richest form!  According to  Lovingearth their chocolate has been independently tested by Southern Cross University and found to contain up to twice the amount of antioxidants of conventionally processed chocolate.






You can now indulge without ANY guilt!  I highly recommend the following:

Organic Raw Dark Chocolate (73%)  @www.theconfectioneryhub.com.au

This chocolate is smooth and silky with a beautiful pure, raw, strong chocolate taste. This is not a highly sweet chocolate which means you get the full unadulterated flavour of the raw cacao bean. This is truly a divine treat!!


Crunchy Mint Raw Dark Chocolate - 72%@www.theconfectioneryhub.com.au
-         This is divine chocolate and my very favourite! If you love the combined taste of peppermint and chocolate this is a MUST for you. This chocolate has an amazing and refreshing minty taste (from the pure peppermint oil) and when combined with the smooth, silky cacao  it is simply incredible tasting chocolate! 
Organic Lucuma and Maca Raw Chocolate@www.theconfectioneryhub.com.au

This bar is not as high in it’s cacao content as the others (60%) so it’s a little “lighter” and less intense in it’s flavour.  It contains Maca and Lucuma – both highly nutritious plants native to the Andean region in South America.  A delicious treat for when you want a lighter, milder chocolate hit!



Thank you for the review Gabby, sounds so yummy I could eat one right now!



Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub


Monday, July 29, 2013

Review of Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar by Matt Clarke 15 years



Matt's reviews are short and sweet bites:

Interviewing the Confectionery

Good morning/afternoon we are here today with

The Hershey Chocolate Bar @  www.theconfectioneryhub.com.au





1. Why do you think it had this name?

Because it’s made by Hershey and it’s a chocolate bar.

2. Describe the confectionery

Is a large chocolate bar flat and milky with undertones of dark chocolate.

3. Color-

chocolate brown

4.Texture –

 medium and milky

5.Taste –

More of a rich chocolate bordering on dark.

6.Give a recommendation

As a snack, after dinner or at the movies.

7.What age group would like this confectionery?

 All ages J  


8. The best part about this chocolate is when

You bite into it

10. 7.5/10 rating

Sponsored by The Confectionery Hub. www.theconfectioneryhub.com.au