Device for making molded confectionery products

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for making confectionery products and an apparatus for use in the method. The apparatus includes a hopper for mixing the ingredients of a confectionery mix with water to provide a confectionery-based slurry, a device to deliver the confectionery-based slurry from the hopper to a scrape evaporator, and a scrape evaporator. The scrape evaporator includes at least a substantially cylindrical upper cooking section having a first surface at a first temperature for receiving the slurry from the hopper and first scrapers. The first scrapers remove the slurry from the first surface and urge the slurry towards a substantially cylindrical lower cooking section having a second surface at a second temperature and second scrapers. The second scrapers remove the slurry from the second surface and urge the slurry to a lower section of the scrape evaporator wherein the lower section has a tapered configuration and a helical rotary device to urge the slurry out of an exit of the scrape evaporator. The apparatus also includes a device for controlling the temperature of the upper cooking section, and the lower cooking section. The scrapers are secured to a central shaft that extends along the height of the scrape evaporator.