Little Lovables: apples

Friday, May 6, 2011

Sweet Treats: Chocoley Chocolate And Candied Apples

I love chocolate, but don't know a thing about using it. So, when Chocoley sent this amazing kit in exchange for a review, I was totally delighted. It came with tons of goodies I can't wait to try, but here are some of my favorites for now. They also sent me tons of information on how to actually use it. I can tell you, I typically burn chocolate while melting, but this melted so smooth and was very easy to use, and it was a rich, gourmet flavor and texture, unlike other brands of melted chocolate I have used. My readers will receive a discount and a free candy making course, so keep reading for details.

They have so many chocolate products, but I love their dark chocolate (great for snacking when no one is looking). Also, their drizzle Cocoa Lava is amazing too, and they give lots of fun ideas on how to use it.

My first ever chocolate confectioneries.... so easy and delicious.

First, I used their Caramel Cream Center (and kosher dairy) and Vanilla Cream Center (and kosher dairy) to make these candies. I just rolled them up, dipped them in melted Bada Bing Bada Boom Dark Chocolate Candy Melts (which are also celiac safe/egg free and peanut/tree nut free). After I dipped them, I laid them on wax paper to dry. Then, I melted their Drizzle and Design White Chocolate and drizzled it on. On some pieces, I dabbed a cute little sprinkle polka dot.

Then, I made these candy apples. I have never made candy apples before. It was relatively easy with their directions. I just melted the caramel (about 1/2 lb for 45 seconds) and dipped my cleaned/dried apples. After the caramel hardened, I dipped in melted chocolate and added sprinkles, walnuts and drizzled white chocolate. I so wanted to add mini marshmallows, but I was out. Wouldn't they make super cute Mother's Day gifts... or party favors?

Little Lovables readers get a 15% discount on your first order (excluding tempering machines, shipping, airbrush equipment and sale/clearance items.) Enter coupon code LITTLELOVABLES15 and it expires 5/20/2011.

Also, you can sign up for a free 7 day email chocolate candy molding course, information here.

Be sure to join the community, they have tons of videos, recipes and tutorials, like this chocolate bark and cookie dough balls.

chocoley.com
facebook.com/bestchocolate
twitter.com/chocolatesupply

*Linked up to Sweet as Sugar Cookies Saturday Sweets Linky.
*Linked to Little Brick Ranch's Foodie Friday.
*Linked to Remodelaholic's Recipe Sundays.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sweet Treats: Magic Pumpkins Holiday Desserts

I love pumpkins. I probably love decorating them more (though I prefer white cinderella ones), so stay tuned for that post, oh yeah) , but really, I love them. I tend to like them on the sweet side, but am not opposed to a hearty dinner version either. Plus, they are quite healthy for you (minus the sweets), and who can resist that? And even WITH the sweet toppings, can you resist that either?!!

*mouth waters from below image*

Maltese Bakes -Pumpkin Cake RECIPE

zoe bakes for a streusel apple pumpkin cake recipe

When I was first married (6 years this month), I got adventurous and made a pumpkin jambalaya, IN the pumpkin. Oh, it was heavenly. I made some mistakes, but nothing that still couldn't be enjoyed. And the fact that you can cut away the pumpkin as you eat, and dip it in the stew as if it were a crusty soft chunk of bread, made it all even better! I don't remember the recipe I used, but it had rice, sausage, various veggies... you can make it more stew like with beef, potatoes, celery, carrots, or jambalaya like, I've done both and both were delicious! I also read, that if you use non toxic paints, you can paint a jack-o-lantern face on it prior to baking, how fun would that be for the kids or even a Halloween party!! Here is a good recipe, but there are way more out there, just search for "dinner in a pumpkin".

You can also make mini pumpkins into desserts by baking them with butter, brown sugar and spices and topping with ice cream or whipped cream. Lots of possibilities. I used an acorn squash for this one, as shown in my pic above. Just cut that sucker in half, add some butter, cinnamon, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice, then pop it in the microwave for a few minutes and you are done. Top it with whip cream or ice cream for some extra yum factor. You can also bake it, but you have to put it in a thin layer of water... too much work!

saffron pumpkin macaroons form tartelette... I know!

And though, I am not a huge pumpkin pie fan, I do love pumpkin bread, cookies, those swirl things. Also, canned pumpkins are one of the few natural canned foods that is just as healthy as a fresh pumpkin. This pan cooked pumpkin with duck fat looks amazing! Lots of good and simple pumpkin recipes here!