5 Different Ways To Use Melted Chocolate
1: Chocolate Covered Fruit
There's nothing better than chocolate and fruit, I love it. I made this platter using chocolate wafers made specifically for fruit. Its called Dolci Frutta, it comes in a cardboard, microwaveable, container, that has a chocolate covered strawberry and cherry on the label. It comes in dark chocolate, and white chocolate. The microwaveable container makes it really easy to melt the chocolate, but only if you're using the whole container. If you don't need to use the whole container use a small glass bowl, or glass cup to melt it in, and store the remainder at room temperature. Make sure you have enough room for your hand when you have to get down to the bottom to get the last of the chocolate. I melt it for 30 seconds at a time, and mix it every time until its smooth. Make sure the fruit is dry or the chocolate wont stick. Use a spoon to drizzle white chocolate on top of the dark, and vice versa. If you do not have access to Dolci Frutta you can use Wilton Chocolate Wafers, or any other candy coating. But beware the chocolate wont set right away and it might look like old chocolate. Also it is really important not to let any water mix with the chocolate or it wont melt right. So make sure you dry off your fruit, and any utensils and bowls you use. I used fresh pineapple for this picture, it's so much better than the canned stuff. It is a lot sweeter and less acidic. But the can stuff works fine if you don't have access to fresh pineapple. I also dip frozen grapes, frozen cherries (wiped off so there's no water or ice), orange, apple, banana, and pear slices. Also try not to refrigerate it unless it starts to melt because it will sweat in the fridge. It all tasted amazing so be creative :)
2. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
These are the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and can be made special for any occasion. I made these for my Holiday Treat Party this past year, so they're made using Christmas colors, and candy canes, but you can make them with pretty much everything. Sprinkles, colored sugars, chopped nuts, mints, cookie crumbs, melted caramels, even chili powder if you're feeling adventurous :) I'm a bargain shopper, and since I'm always throwing parties I like to make the most by spending the least. I used pretzel rods I bought at the Dollar Tree, and broke them into three pieces. You can use the whole rod if you want to or just half. If you're breaking them in half, dip the broken side so they look nicer. Whatever size you make them, make sure to dip them far enough to get most of it covered. Nobody wants a chocolate covered pretzel that's only dipped at the tip. Since these have toppings on them the way the chocolate looks doesn't matter, so you can use any type of melted chocolate you have on hand. Even chocolate chips. Wilton has awesome dipped pretzel molds for all occasions. I have witch nails for Halloween and princess themed molds that are super cute. The molds are pretty inexpensive I think I got both of mine on clearance for less than $2, and they're worth it when you see how cute they look when they're done. I wish I had pictures of the ones Daniel made for our Halloween party using the witch finger molds. He made the nails white, and green chocolate, and the fingers were milk chocolate they so look so cool and creepy at the same time. These are a perfect and easy pot luck treat. The possibilities are endless!
3. Chocolate Dipped Spoons
These are perfect for winter drinks, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Use these spoons to mix your drinks and the flavors melt into your drinks. They're so delicious. You can use any type of chocolate you have, since their topped with other flavors. I made these for my Holiday Treat Party as well so they have Christmas colors and flavors. But again you can use any flavors you want. These are white chocolate, dark chocolate, and caramel, which was just melted caramel candies. Even though they were right next to the drink stuff people still thought they were lollipops so don't be surprised to see people putting them in their mouth instead of their cups. :)
4. Cake Pops
Cake covered in chocolate on a stick whats not to love. The easiest way to make cakepops is with a cake pop maker. They're pretty inexpensive and can make more than just cake pops, so its a worthwhile investment. If you don't have one you can make them the "old school" way by mixing 3/4 of a can of ready made frosting with a prepared boxed mix cake, crumbled into a sand like texture. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before you crumble it and add frosting. Use a spoon to mix together frosting and cake crumbles then roll into a ball. Put them in refrigerator or freezer to chill. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick in chocolate then stick in into chilled frosting cake ball. Hold onto the stick and dip the ball into chocolate, and shake off excess. You can use a piece of styrofoam or an inverted colander to stand them up to dry. Drizzle with chocolate or decorate any way you want while chocolate is still wet. You can make every combination under sun, it all tastes good dipped in chocolate. You can also fill the balls with chocolate or any other filling you like.
Again get creative, there's really no way to mess these up.
6. Dipped and/or Drizzled Chocolate Cupcakes
Last but not least is the chocolate dipped and/or drizzled chocolate cupcakes. I love doing this with my cupcakes and I don't really know why every cupcake isn't drizzled with chocolate. This particular cupcake is a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream cupcake I made and dipped in chocolate then drizzled it on top. The chocolate dipping made the cupcake more like a peanut butter cup and added texture. Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before dipping. You can use a candy bottle, or a plastic bag with a snipped corner (only cut a little bit) to drizzle the chocolate on top. You can use any type of chocolate for the drizzling, but not for the dipping. Use a chocolate that will harden and not look like old chocolate. Its such a simple trick but it makes such a difference. Everyone will be impressed your cupcakes! :)
Everyone likes chocolate so I hope you make one of these treats for your next party! Enjoy!! :)
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