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

Own_My_Own

cornishorchid wrote: »

Well some does and some doesn't, but if you want the 'crack' you will need to temper it.
Yes you're right with regards to tempering, make sure you hold some of the bar back which you are melting to temper it with.
they say you don't need to thermometer now, just melt the choc and then take off the heat and add the extra chocolate (usually around 10%-15%) and mix until melted..this should temper it, but chocolate is very fickle and will just decide to not temper when it doesn't feel like it!!!

fab idea Own My Own about using Orange zest too, and love the freeze dried berries...they are sooo expensive if you just buy them on their own! we make a rocky road 'bark' which is honeycomb, marshmallows and fudge..thats my fave!

I have mini marshmallows and fudge here to decorate other slabs. I just have never thought of naming them.(Will have to start me thinks:D) I like putting crushed Kendal mint cake in dark chocolate. And I put dried cranberries in white chocolate with pink coloured choc swirls. For my aunt I do a boozy fruit and nut. I decorate it with nuts and chopped glazed cherries. I will call this my Christmas Pudding Slab.

EDIT
For anyone who has never made them in the microwave. Melt the choc in short 20 sec blasts and then stir well before putting it back in. Make sure you scrap round the edge of the bowl. Stop melting before all the chunks have gone, and stir well again. The chunks will melt out of the microwave in the heat of the chocolate. I find 4 or 5 20sec blasts is enough for 200g (According to strength of you microwave).

jakesbakescakes

own my own - your choccy slabs look amazing and i'm sure you'll have sooo much fun thinking up names for them all. You have reminded me that earlier this year i bought a 'button' mould from [EMAIL="eb@y"]eb@y[/EMAIL] so that i could melt choc and make literal 'chocolate buttons' for little extra gifts. Oooo you've inspired me.... i can't wait to have a go now

Vintage_queen_72

Good morning all . Well it's a fairly dismal day here in Devon no snow just lots of rain . Feeling a little blue as my new employers did not pay me yesterday but are bringing me a cheque in for my wages into work on Monday which means still another 4 days for it to clear so can not start my main bulk of Xmas shopping as planned today Just wish they had warned me of this they are very well off and probably wouldn't even imagine someone was desperate for their wages . OH is also waiting on payment from a few it jobs as he s self employed so guess today will just be at home no shopping for us . On a brighter note we will have a nice roast and watch some films I expect . Thanks for all the lovely ideas and tips that have been coming am def going to do some chic slabs they look great :j

Vintage_queen_72

Choc slabs even although they do look very chic !

autumngirl

Vintage_queen_72 wrote: »

Choc slabs even although they do look very chic !

Haha! Like the posh chocolate slabs they do in Hotel Chicolat!

They do all look lovely and I'm v tempted to make some myself. Also love the idea of your actual button shaped chocolate buttons, jakesbakescakes - so cute!

Roast dinner and films sounds perfect on a day like this, Vintage queen 72. Sorry you didn't get paid when expected but at least you have longer to plan those all important purchases as this Christmas shopping malarkey is a very serious business!

Own_My_Own

jakesbakescakes wrote: »

own my own - your choccy slabs look amazing and i'm sure you'll have sooo much fun thinking up names for them all. You have reminded me that earlier this year i bought a 'button' mould from [EMAIL="eb@y"]eb@y[/EMAIL] so that i could melt choc and make literal 'chocolate buttons' for little extra gifts. Oooo you've inspired me.... i can't wait to have a go now

:j:j Brilliant idea jakesbakescakes Just ordered one.:j You are an inspiration .:T

Vintage_queen_72

Thanks autumngirl . Thts true more planning and list time lol my OH laughs at me scribbling away in my notebook

Own_My_Own

Vintage_queen_72 wrote: »

Thanks autumngirl . Thts true more planning and list time lol my OH laughs at me scribbling away in my notebook

Vintage queen 72. The best things in life, come to those who wait.
(Even if it's not by choice:D)

I love lists. Even though I have a christmas list app, I still love the feeling of actually writing it, and seeing it down on paper. (Am I showing my age now :eek:).

littlemoon_3

hello hope you don't mind me jumping in, have been reading this for a while but never posted. was wondering if you lovely people could help me. i need a gift for my sil and bil can be joint or separate. Also need a present for my 14 year old cousin?

Was thinking of maybe a movie night hamper. But what if i get dvds the already have? What should i put in them.

thank you.:xmastree:

Own_My_Own

littlemoon wrote: »

hello hope you don't mind me jumping in, have been reading this for a while but never posted. was wondering if you lovely people could help me. i need a gift for my sil and bil can be joint or separate. Also need a present for my 14 year old cousin?

Was thinking of maybe a movie night hamper. But what if i get dvds the already have? What should i put in them.

thank you.:xmastree:

Hello littlemoon Welcome to our crazy world.:santa2:

How much do you want to spend ?

And what sex is your cousin ?