❄❄ Let It Snow ❄❄ :: Christmas 2012 Chatter Thread

spacecadet1

cornishorchid wrote: »

Hi All
Loving the chocolate slabs!
We actually run our own chocolate factory (not quite as glam as it sounds..especially when we are busy!) so thought you might all like a little advice when your making the slabs.
Firstly, dont buy expensive chocolate, as this will only contain cocoa butter and will require re-tempering when you melt it (much more trouble than its worth) and when it sets you will get a bloom (thats the white blotches you get on the top) its completely safe to eat but doesnt look too appetising.
If you wanted to flavour the chocolate use only oils, as any flavouring which water in it will seize the chocolate and will make it go rock hard and grainy.
same goes when your melting it, if you doing it in the microwave, do it in short bursts as it burns easily, and if youre doing it in a bain marie (glass bowl over a simmering pan) make sure no water touches the chocolate.

If you have any other questions, I will do my best to help you!
HTH

Does that mean cheaper choc doesn't need tempering? Is it right that to temper the choc, you can melt a certain amount in a Bain Marie then add a few more pieces of the choc & that reduces the temperature (or something!:p) rather than having to spread the melted choc over something cold? Or do you need to get a thermometer & make the choc a certain temperature? Does that even make sense? :eek:

Also, if you use cheaper choc & don't temper it, will it still crack like choc & not melt as soon as you hold it or do you need to temper it to do this?

TIA for any suggestions (hoping to make some this year too :j)

spacecadet1

Own_My_Own wrote: »

Thanks cornishorchid It rather flattering a PROPER chocolate maker thinking they look Ok.:D

As you can see in the last picture, I used Lidl chocolate. It's 36p for a 100g bar.

I try to use natural colouring and flavouring where I can.
To make orange I grate the peel of an orange and dry it in the microwave , then grind it to a powder as stated in the link.

http://eyecandy.nanakaze.net/?p=385

Some of them are a little to much for me.:rotfl:
Although I do use the dried berries from Special K.

Ooh interesting link! Have you just tried the orange one? Did it taste orangey? Not sure about some of the flavours but am making a chilli hamper so might have a go at the chilli one

Own_My_Own

spacecadet1 wrote: »

Ooh interesting link! Have you just tried the orange one? Did it taste orangey? Not sure about some of the flavours but am making a chilli hamper so might have a go at the chilli one

It goes orange and smells of orange. That's all I know, as I don't like any fruit with chocolate.
Will ask dd tomorrow how orangie it tastes.

springdreams

Own_My_Own wrote: »

Ok Chocolate slabs are in the fridge.

Here are some pics


200g melted and poured in small cake mould.


Melted white chocolate dolloped on top.


Use knifed and swirl white choc around.


Add some decoration.


Ready for the fridge.

---

My take on this -
http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/christmas-gifts-for-kids-P400066/



Cost about £1. After purchase of moulds.

Thank you so much for the photos and instructions. I will be giving these a go myself once my exams are out of the way

lemonade_money

Own my own - you truly are the Crafty Christmas Queen of this thread. Fabulous ideas and super clear instructions. Thank you!

jen49

On My Own they look fab but can I ask what size of cake moulds did you use and where did you get them?

Own_My_Own

jen49 wrote: »

On My Own they look fab but can I ask what size of cake moulds did you use and where did you get them?

Got them in the 99p store. They had some in this week, so they must be an ongoing thing.(Unless I am the only person who buys them here:rotfl:)
Thin slab is about 8cm/ 19cm.
Square slab is 15cm/15cm.

sugaJen

Those chocolate slabs look amazing!! I might have to give those a try myself

Right...My eldest DS got in touch with his Auntie this year who didnt even know he existed. Jo is gay and has a lovely partner called Pip, they have told Luke they are buying an xbox game he wants for xmas and they have asked him (hes 14) what my other children like...I guess if they buy for my others (different dads) it will be cheap and cheerful but still, I need to get something back and I dont know what? Ive only ever met them twice and we havent really talked about interests or likes and dislikes? what do I do??? From facebook I know they dont like drinking, neither smoke, Pip follows weight watchers (on and off now - ive seen pics of afternoon tea) they do check in alot at the cinema, maybe a voucher? They dont even live in the same area as us so hard to know whats going on around them.

Own_My_Own

sugaJen wrote: »

Those chocolate slabs look amazing!! I might have to give those a try myself

Right...My eldest DS got in touch with his Auntie this year who didnt even know he existed. Jo is gay and has a lovely partner called Pip, they have told Luke they are buying an xbox game he wants for xmas and they have asked him (hes 14) what my other children like...I guess if they buy for my others (different dads) it will be cheap and cheerful but still, I need to get something back and I dont know what? Ive only ever met them twice and we havent really talked about interests or likes and dislikes? what do I do??? From facebook I know they dont like drinking, neither smoke, Pip follows weight watchers (on and off now - ive seen pics of afternoon tea) they do check in alot at the cinema, maybe a voucher? They dont even live in the same area as us so hard to know whats going on around them.

Gosh, that's got me thinking:D

Own_My_Own

sugaJen wrote: »

Those chocolate slabs look amazing!! I might have to give those a try myself

Right...My eldest DS got in touch with his Auntie this year who didnt even know he existed. Jo is gay and has a lovely partner called Pip, they have told Luke they are buying an xbox game he wants for xmas and they have asked him (hes 14) what my other children like...I guess if they buy for my others (different dads) it will be cheap and cheerful but still, I need to get something back and I dont know what? Ive only ever met them twice and we havent really talked about interests or likes and dislikes? what do I do??? From facebook I know they dont like drinking, neither smoke, Pip follows weight watchers (on and off now - ive seen pics of afternoon tea) they do check in alot at the cinema, maybe a voucher? They dont even live in the same area as us so hard to know whats going on around them.

What about a pamper hamper ?

I would assume they use the same toiletries.