I'm Back

I haven't been here for a while, but I am going to try to be better with my updates.

It is Double Hostess Months in February and March with Dove Chocolate Discoveries (www.dovechocolatediscveries.com/daytonchocolatiers) and what better time with Valentines and Easter on the horizon. You should book Chocolate Tasting Party TODAY!!

This week was a fun time, I worked with my grandsons to make Cake Pops. If you haven't heard about them they are a blast to make. If you have a cake that needs to be used, but noone is eating...just crumble it up and mix wth a small amount of butter cream icing until it is moist but not to wet. Every cake is different so it is difficult to give exact measurements, however for a 1 layer it takes about 2 or 3 Tablespoons of icing. Mix it thoroughly and then using a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls. Put in freezer or fridge to set up.

When you are ready to make the balls, melt your favorite Dove Chocolate Bars, dip lollipop sticks or craft sticks in the chocolate and put them into the balls. Let set up completely. This is an important step, because you don't want them to drop into the chocolate when you are dipping.

Melt enough chocolate for dipping and carefully dip the balls into the chocolate. It is easy if you have a piece of stryofoam to hold the dipped cake balls in to setup. You can put candies into the soft chocolate for eyes and noses or just sprinkle them with candy jimmies. They can also be rolled into nuts or coconut if desired. We actually made royal frosting and made Cake Ball Critters. They are absolutely rich and delicious (of course the boys ate the ones they felt were "rejects). You can make them for any occasion, like the picture for Valentines day, but make them to fit your special celebration.

It is a great way to spend a winter afternoon and have some fun with your kids or grandkids. They are also great for bake sales and fundraisers. Just slip a plastic bag over the top and tie with pretty ribbon. You can display them right in the styrofoam so they stand up straight and tall. They are lots of recipes on the internet for these, but really just make them this easy way.