household wax
Also known as: paraffin wax, food-grade paraffin
Food-grade paraffin wax, a flavorless, odorless solid wax once commonly stirred into melted chocolate for candy dipping -- it raises the chocolate's melting point and gives the finished coating a firmer snap and glossier shine, and lets dipped candy sit at room temperature without melting as readily as chocolate alone would. Common in older American candy recipes, less so today now that tempered chocolate and chocolate-and-shortening blends have mostly replaced it.
Buying guidance
Sold in the canning/preserving aisle of a grocery store or with candy-making supplies, usually as small blocks or bars -- make sure the label specifically says food-grade or household wax meant for candy and canning, not a wax meant for other household uses.
Substitutions
- Shortening (such as Crisco) stirred into melted chocolate -- the common modern substitute; gives a similarly firm, glossy set without using a petroleum-derived wax.
- Properly tempered chocolate alone -- more technique-dependent (requires controlled melting and cooling), but skips any additive entirely.
- Coconut oil, a small amount stirred in -- softens the set less firmly than wax or shortening, but adds shine.
Tips & common mistakes
Using too much makes the coating taste waxy and greasy rather than just adding a pleasant snap -- a small amount (a tablespoon or so per batch of melted chocolate) goes a long way.
Storage
Keeps indefinitely at room temperature, the same as any candle or canning wax -- it doesn't spoil.