Pastry Chef Attempts to Make Gourmet Pop Rocks | Gourmet Makes | Bon Appétit
Published -
- July 17, 2019
- 4:00 pm
Witness the crackling confection taking the world by storm!
They’re carbonation made solid. That’s right folks, they’re a modern marvel made to modify your mouth, a sensational symphony of splendid snaps and sparkles soothing your senses and sent straight to your stomach. And now for the first time ever, we present gourmet Pop Rocks, the product of a perfect marriage of scientific ingenuity and culinary craft, made by the clever and creative Claire Saffitz!
What natural flavorings did Claire add to her Pop Rocks candy?
In a recent episode of Bon Appétit’s popular YouTube series “Gourmet Makes,” pastry chef Claire Saffitz attempted to tackle the challenge of making gourmet Pop Rocks. Pop Rocks, the iconic candy that pops and sizzles in your mouth, have been a staple in American candy aisles since they were first introduced in the 1970s. However, despite their popularity and unique texture, Pop Rocks have always been considered a cheap and gimmicky candy. Claire aimed to change that perception by creating a gourmet version that showcased the candy’s potential.
The process of making Pop Rocks involves the rapid pressurization and depressurization of a mixture of sugar and flavoring, creating tiny bubbles that explode in your mouth. Claire started by attempting to recreate the “popping” sensation using citric acid and baking soda. After several failed attempts, she discovered that the key ingredient was isomalt, a sugar substitute that can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
With the help of a pressure cooker and some experimentation, Claire was able to create the signature popping sensation. She then worked on improving the taste and texture of the candy, adding natural flavorings such as strawberry, lemon, and mint. She even created a chocolate-flavored version, which she deemed a success.
Claire’s gourmet Pop Rocks were a hit among the Bon Appétit team and viewers alike, proving that the candy could be elevated beyond its original cheap and gimmicky reputation. Her attention to detail and dedication to the process of creating the perfect Pop Rock set a new standard for the candy, showing that even the simplest treats can be improved upon with the right ingredients and technique.
This episode of “Gourmet Makes” serves as a reminder that there is always room for innovation in the culinary world, even with something as seemingly basic as candy. Claire Saffitz’s dedication to experimenting with new ingredients and techniques is a testament to the creativity and dedication required to elevate everyday treats into something truly special.
