Magic Shell facts for kids
Magic Shell is a super cool dessert topping that turns crunchy when you pour it on something cold, like ice cream! It's a special syrup that quickly hardens into a crispy shell. That's why it's called "Magic Shell"!
This fun topping was first invented in Australia where it was known as Ice Magic. In the United Kingdom, it was sold as Bird's Ice Magic. Today, in the United States, it's made by a company called Smucker's.
Magic Shell comes in many yummy flavors. You can find classic ones like chocolate, caramel, and chocolate fudge. There are also fun flavors like cupcake, cherry, and smores. Some unique flavors include "Turtle Delight" (which has chocolate, caramel, and pecans) and even flavors based on popular candy bars like Twix, Hershey's, and Reese's.
How Magic Shell Was Invented
The idea for this amazing topping started in Australia. There, a company called Cottees created "Ice Magic." It quickly became popular because of its unique ability to harden on cold treats.
In the UK, people enjoyed a similar product called "Bird's Ice Magic." Over time, the idea spread, and it became the "Magic Shell" we know today in the United States.
The Science Behind the Shell
Have you ever wondered how Magic Shell turns from a liquid syrup into a solid, crunchy shell? It's all thanks to some special ingredients!
The main ingredients that make the "shell" effect happen are coconut oil and sunflower oil. These oils have a lot of something called "saturated fat." This type of fat becomes solid at cooler temperatures than other oils. When you pour the syrup, which also contains sugar and chocolate, onto cold ice cream, the oils quickly cool down and harden. This creates that crispy, delicious shell!
Some people used to think that Magic Shell contained paraffin wax, which is used to make candles. But that's not true! The hardening effect comes naturally from the oils and other ingredients in the syrup.
Tips for Using Magic Shell
Magic Shell is designed to be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. If you put it in the fridge, it might get too hard and won't pour out easily.
If your Magic Shell does get too hard, don't worry! You can gently warm the bottle to make it pourable again. Just make sure to take off the lid before you put it in the microwave for a short time, or you can place the bottle in a bowl of warm water. This will help it return to the perfect pouring consistency for your ice cream.
