www.asweetidea.com http://www.asweetidea.com Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 How To Add Edible Transfers To Chocolate http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/08/how-to-add-edible-transfers-to-chocolate/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/08/how-to-add-edible-transfers-to-chocolate/#comments Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=14 Edible transfers are the latest way to make professional looking confections at home. An edible transfer is a sheet of plastic that has a pattern printed on it using cocoa powder and edible dyes. These patterns can be pretty sophisticated, ranging from abstract geometric shapes to photo realistic pictures. There are also patterns of repeated text, such as “Happy Birthday.” There are many different colors and patterns available, and if you don’t find one you like, they are easy to commission.
The real genius is that you add melted chocolate. Place the transfers on a flat surface, preferably on a baking sheet in case you have to move it before it’s ready for application. Then spread melted chocolate on a thin layer on top of the cocoa printing. Wait until just before the chocolate sets, where it is still flexible but won’t just drip off the sheeting. Then you apply it to your confection, and remove the plastic sheeting, leaving professional-looking decoration with very little effort. These transfers are typically used for cakes; most people just wrap it around the sides and apply a second sheet to the top, covering the seams with frosting edging, but the only limit is your imagination.Related Article : Chocolate Cake Decorating The Day of the Dead

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/08/how-to-add-edible-transfers-to-chocolate/feed/ 0 Why Chocolate Blooms And How To Fix It http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/04/why-chocolate-blooms-and-how-to-fix-it/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/04/why-chocolate-blooms-and-how-to-fix-it/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=13 Chocolate is abundant and tasty, but unfortunately the candy suffers defects called chocolate blooms, which can make it look unsightly. There is concern in the industry for ths defect, however there are ways to fix it. Manufacturers can learn how by reading this article.

Chocolate Bloom Explained

This is basically a white coating that shows up on the surface of chocolate ready for distribution. It is considered unpleasant due to the moldy effect that it has.The whole story can be found at http://the365cook.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/oh-fudge/

Types of Chocolate Bloom

There are two types of bloom that can ruin a customers day. The first is a result in changes from fat in the chocolate. The other occurs from moisture in the sugar ingredients.

Ways To Fix Blooms

Chocolate bloom decreases the shelf life of the products and companies end up taking thousands of dollars in losses. The best way to minimize this problem is to maintain an appropriate storage temperature for chocolate products. Fat is a major cause for blooming, so it is best to carefully mix the ingredients properly. Fat content an composition should also be taken into consideration.

Chocolate bloom is an unsightly result of improper mixing of ingredients. The moldy looking effects decrease the shelf life of the products, however the blooms can be kept to a minimum by using the methods in this article.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/04/why-chocolate-blooms-and-how-to-fix-it/feed/ 0 All About Chocolate Centerpieces And How To Make Them http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/02/all-about-chocolate-centerpieces-and-how-to-make-them/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/02/all-about-chocolate-centerpieces-and-how-to-make-them/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=12 Are you a chocolate lover looking for creative decorating ideas for your big day? Chocolate centerpieces are rapidly becoming popular centerpiece creations in addition to being delicious gourmet extras for any special occasion. Chocolate centerpieces are ideal for virtually any type of event or reception; wedding receptions, birthday parties, graduation celebrations and more.

There are many different centerpiece designs that can be made from chocolate. Bouquets – Flowers made from chocolate molds and adhered to lollipop sticks. Chocolate Dishes – Fill your favorite glass jar or bowl with an assortment of elegant chocolates. Cupcake Towers – Cupcake towers come in many designs sure to fit your event. Chocolate Fountains – Chocolate fountains are hugely popular for weddings and are often filled with fruits, pretzels, and marshmallows for guest to dip throughout the event. Sculptures – Chocolatiers (both professional and amateur) are often able to create beautiful sculptures out of chocolate to use as creative centerpieces.

The centerpiece is often seen as the most important decorative piece as they are what guests look at the most. A chocolate center piece has the ability to impress every guest with its elegance and class in addition to its delicious aroma and decadent taste.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/11/02/all-about-chocolate-centerpieces-and-how-to-make-them/feed/ 0 Making Chocolate at Home http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/10/08/making-chocolate-at-home/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/10/08/making-chocolate-at-home/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/?p=10 While your husband’s busy watching Direct TV football you can work on your chocolate skills; even at home you can come up with some gorgeous confections. Here are a few utensils you need to get started on a journey to successful chocolate making:

Candy Thermometer: this piece is essential as it ensures you never scorch the chocolate. Burned chocolate will solidify and get chalky and a candy thermometer is useful for other things like caramel and hard candy as well.

Marble Work Surface: if you don’t have stone countertops invest in a large marble cutting board. It will be useful for pouring out the chocolate and it stays cold so as not to melt the pieces you’re working on which is really important for a unified product.

Edible Wax: it’s a chocolate making secret that most chefs melt wax into their candy chocolate to make its shinier and more appealing. Totally edible brands are sold all over and a little bit goes a long way towards making your final product totally gorgeous and glowing.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/10/08/making-chocolate-at-home/feed/ 0 How To Make Your Own Chocolate At Home http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/19/how-to-make-your-own-chocolate-at-home/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/19/how-to-make-your-own-chocolate-at-home/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=9 Homemade chocolates are great to give away as gifts or for serving at a party. They are sure to be a hit. This project is easy and kids love to help.

Chocolate bars from a store are usually not suitable for melting for chocolate making. Home chocolate-making chips are available at most craft and party stores in bags. They come in a variety of colors for a wide range of designs.

Be sure to wash and dry the chocolate mold completely. Any moisture can ruin the chocolate. To make chocolate thinner, use oil, not water.

A double boiler can melt chocolate without burning it. Chocolate melting pots are plugged into a wall and can also be used to keep the chocolate warm. As a last resort, chocolate can be melted in a microwave. Be sure to constantly watch and stir and pot to avoid burning.

Pour sprinkles into the mold first. Only use toppings that will not melt with the heat of the chocolate, such as peanuts and candy sprinkles. A plastic bag or small spoon usually works well to pour chocolate into molds.

Finished chocolates can be wrapped in foil or clear gift bags. They also make cute lollipops. Keep chocolate in a cool, dry place so they will stay fresh.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/19/how-to-make-your-own-chocolate-at-home/feed/ 0 How To Use Chocolate Molds To Create Designs http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/18/how-to-use-chocolate-molds-to-create-designs/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/18/how-to-use-chocolate-molds-to-create-designs/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=8 Using chocolate molds is an easy way to turn your sweet creations into works of art. Molds can be found to fit any style, celebration or holiday so it is simple to customize your confections to suit any occasion.

Start by carefully melting your chocolate in a double burner, stirring constantly. Once melted, slowly pour the chocolate into dry and clean molds. Make sure the chocolate reaches every part of the mold to avoid having air bubbles. You may use a spoon or spatula to carefully press the chocolate down.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . Be careful not to overfill the molds, which will create unsightly edges. Gently tap the mold on your work surface to settle the chocolate and place in the freezer.

After freezing, your chocolate creations can be peeled from the mold with ease. Apply pressure on the sides of the mold to release the chocolate and clean up messy edges with a blunt knife. Avoid handling your confections more than is necessary to avoid leaving marks and fingerprints.

After mastering the basics, you can get as creative as you want by using chocolate molds. Experiment with hollow molds, round molds and coloring to turn your chocolate confections into unique and eye-catching artwork.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/18/how-to-use-chocolate-molds-to-create-designs/feed/ 0 How To Color Chocolate With Food Coloring http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/17/how-to-color-chocolate-with-food-coloring/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/17/how-to-color-chocolate-with-food-coloring/#comments Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=7 Always-delicious chocolate does not always have to be brown or white. You can easily transform your delectable creations into stylish and whimsical colors by using regular food dye. Coloring your chocolates will make them stand-outs for any celebration, holiday or bake sale.

White chocolate is best for dying with food coloring due to its light shade. Food coloring can also be added to dark chocolate, but more dye is needed to achieve even a slight tint.

Start by slowly melting your chocolate in a double burner. Place a stovetop-safe glass dish filled with chocolate atop a pot containing water that just reaches the base of the glass. Bring the water to a boil and constantly stir the chocolate to ensure even melting. After the chocolate has melted but before it is cool, add oil-based food coloring one drop at a time. Water-based food coloring tends to make the chocolate lumpy. Continue to stir and add color until the desired shade is reached. Adding coloring drop by drop gives the chocolate a consistent color.

You can get creative with your use of food coloring by swirling different colors to create a marble effect or by dyeing chocolates for decoration on cupcakes, cakes or cookies.

]]> http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/17/how-to-color-chocolate-with-food-coloring/feed/ 0 How To Paint With Dark Chocolate http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/13/how-to-paint-with-dark-chocolate/ http://www.asweetidea.com/2011/07/13/how-to-paint-with-dark-chocolate/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.asweetidea.com/&p=6 Painting with dark chocolate is a fun and easy way to add style to your chocolate and candy creations. All that is needed is the chocolate itself, a paint brush and some creativity!

For a simple project, select a large piece of white chocolate to use as a canvas. For the paint, begin by melting dark chocolate slowly in a double boiler. Using a double boiler and constantly stirring will stop lumps from forming. If you wish to add food coloring to your chocolate, use an oil-based dye and add it drop by drop for an even tint.The whole story can be found at http://gladragamuffin.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/quest-for-chocolate/

Remove the melted chocolate from the burner and begin to apply it to the white chocolate canvas with a paintbrush. Use light strokes and work quickly so the chocolate paint does not melt before you are done using it. Adding a few drops of vegetable oil can help smooth chocolate that has begun to set. If you wish to use more than one color to achieve a layering effect, wait until the first shade dries to apply the next. Placing the piece in the freezer can speed up the drying process.

There are no limits to the designs you can create using chocolate!

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