Shotwell's Candy Kitchen

Smooth handmade caramel with no sugar crystallization after small batch cooking

Why Candy Crystallizes (and How Confectioners Prevent It)

by Jerrod Smith March 19, 2026 3 min read

Sugar crystallization can turn smooth candy grainy. Here’s how confectioners prevent crystal formation during small‑batch caramel and toffee production.
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Handmade toffee cooked to hard crack stage at 300 to 305 degrees Fahrenheit

What Makes Toffee Different from Caramel?

by Jerrod Smith March 19, 2026 3 min read

Toffee is cooked to a higher temperature than caramel, creating a brittle texture and longer shelf life. Here’s what determines the snap.
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Handmade caramel cooking in copper pot to soft ball stage at 240 to 245 degrees Fahrenheit

Why Handmade Caramels Are Softer Than Store‑Bought Candy

by Jerrod Smith March 19, 2026 3 min read

Small‑batch caramel is known for its softer texture — but the difference comes down to cooking temperature, moisture content, and fat ratio.
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Memphis Made: The Story Behind Shotwell Candy Co.

Memphis Made: The Story Behind Shotwell Candy Co.

by Jerrod Smith March 14, 2026 3 min read

In 2012, a Memphis corporate attorney started making caramel in his kitchen after his family went to sleep. He’d work until two in the morning — cooking, cutting, wrapping by hand — and ship orders with help from friends bribed with food. That’s still the company we are today.

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What Makes Handmade Caramels Worth It (And How to Tell the Difference)

What Makes Handmade Caramels Worth It (And How to Tell the Difference)

by Jerrod Smith March 14, 2026 4 min read

Most caramel is made fast, with shortcuts and artificial flavors designed for shelf life, not taste. Real handmade caramel is something else entirely — softer, richer, and made from ingredients you can actually pronounce. Here’s what separates the good stuff from everything else.

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Why Salted Caramel Became the World's Favorite Candy (And Where to Find the Best)

Why Salted Caramel Became the World's Favorite Candy (And Where to Find the Best)

by Jerrod Smith March 14, 2026 4 min read

Salted caramel went from obscure French confection to the flavor that’s in everything — and it earned its place. There’s real science behind why salt and caramel work so well together, and understanding it will also help you find the best version of the thing. Here’s the full story.

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