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Showing posts with the label CHOCOLATE

Cupcakes Inspired by a Classic Easter Story -- "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes"

- April 17, 2011

Have you read "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" by DuBose Heyward? This charming Easter story was originally published in 1939 and has since become a classic with generations of children. It tells the tale of a mother rabbit (a single-parent raising twenty-one children) who dreams of becoming the next Easter Bunny. The book is beautifully illustrated and tells an empowering and inspiring tale of kindness and courage winning over brute strength and convention. Even when the odds are stacked against her, the humble mother bunny persists and sets an incredible example for her children and the readers. I first heard the story when I was in elementary school and it's been one of my most favorite children's books ever since. When my eldest daughter was in Kindergarten, I was delighted when I learned that part of her teacher's Easter celebration included a reading of "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" . So, wh

Speckled Robin's Egg Truffles -- Recipe & Tutorial Featured at the Spring Fling!

- April 15, 2011

Have you checked out the Spring Fling going on over at Mine For the Making ? Each day Kara has shared her creative space with a different guest blogger and each and every project and recipe have been spectacular! A few days ago I was fortunate to have the opportunity to share a new and original recipe with the Mine for the Making audience. If you'd like to see how to make these delicious and delightful chocolate truffles, just make like a robin and flap your wings over to the Spring Fling at Mine for the Making !.

Just Hatched -- Make Your Own Chocolate Easter Eggs DIY

- April 13, 2011

When I was a child, my favorite thing about Easter was when my mom took me to a tiny little chocolate shop called "Hansel & Gretel". There, I would marvel at all the beautiful handmade chocolate bunnies and exquisitely decorated eggs. Every piece was a work of art (and I was certain that the Easter Bunny himself was busy working in the back). There's certainly no shortage of commercially available Easter candy, but to me, some of the "magic" of Easter is lost in mass production. So, I've made it a tradition, every spring, to make a little "magic" of my own -- recreating some of the Old World style chocolates of my childhood. This year I continued my tradition of making large chocolate eggs filled with whimsical little treats. I also absconded with my friend Holly's vintage chocolate bunny mold, and whipped up a warren-ful of happy little hares! Thanks Holly ! Making your own chocolate egg treasure boxes

St. Patrick's Day Recipe -- Shamrocks on a Stick

- March 04, 2011

Here's an easy little tutorial for making *Shamrocks on a Stick* out of ready-made marshmallow coconut cookies and green candy coating. SHAMROCKS ON A STICK INGREDIENTS/MATERIALS Arco Iris Cookies (these can be found in the Mexican food section of many grocery stores. I bought mine in the Mexican snack foods section at our local Target store) Green Candy Coating Lollipop Sticks White Sprinkles (Nonpareils) (The Wilton brand can be found in the cake decorating aisle at most major craft stores) Cellophane treat bags and ribbon Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment, wax paper or a silicone mat. Insert a lollipop stick into each cookie. 2. Melt candy coating according to package instructions. I melt mine in the microwave in 1 minute increments on the lowest setting. To thin the coating, I added a few small drops of canola oil. Pour nonpareils on to a small shallow saucer and set aside. 3. Holdi

Recipe: S'more Truffles on a Stick

- February 21, 2011

Earlier this month we served up the cupcakes at my daughter's Toy Story themed birthday party in little dump trucks filled with crushed graham cracker "sand". I overestimated the amount of crushed grahams that I'd need, and as a result, ended the day with a huge bag of the stuff. So, I decided to take the "Oreo Truffle" concept to the next level and created the "S'more Truffle" on a stick! Here's how: S'more Truffles on a Stick (makes approx 30) 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 TB butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs 30 mini marshmallows 30 lollipop sticks or bamboo skewers 10 oz. melted chocolate (candy coating or bark) 1/4 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs Step 1: In the bowl of a standing mixer (food processor or bowl with hand-mixer will work too), mix cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed). Step 2: On

Chocolate & Pretzel Dipped Peanut Butter Balls on a Stick -- Now THAT'S a mouthful!

- January 21, 2011

This most recent "ON-A-STICK" creation was directly inspired by the mouth-watering Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles from Lisa at The Pursuit of Happiness . I made some the other day and was so enamored with the flavor combination of peanut butter, chocolate and salty pretzels, that I couldn't help but create my own version to serve "ON-A-STICK" style. I came up with an extremely creamy and smooth peanut butter center that puts Reese's to shame, and did a twist by putting the pretzels on the outside "STICK" around, after the recipe, for links to more Delicious Stuff "ON-A-STICK" Tutorials! CHOCOLATE & PRETZEL DIPPED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS ON A STICK (makes 2 dozen) Ingredients 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup butter 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar (powdered), sifted parchment or baking mat lined baking sheet 10 oz. melted chocolate (candy melts, tempered chocolate, or bark) 1 cup crushed pretze