by Angela on April 19, 2010
A gourmet chocolate hamper is a dream come true for any chocolate lover. Many chocolatiers can create lovely gourmet hampers but it may be even more fun to create your own. Here’s how.
1. Start with a theme. Depending on the recipient and the occasion, try to determine a theme for your gourmet chocolate hamper. For example, a 50th anniversary celebration should have chocolates wrapped in gold. A wedding proposal should include lots of chocolate kisses. Consider the recipient’s job and interests. You should be able to find a theme to start with.
2. Find a lovely basket. If your budget allows, see if you can find a hamper or basket made out of chocolate. They are available, but they may be a bit pricey. If you cannot manage one, find a hamper, basket or box that suits the recipient’s interests. For example, sports fan would love a gourmet chocolate hamper tucked inside an athletic tote. A gardener would love one packed into a wheelbarrow or sunbonnet.
3. Include chocolates that fit the theme. There are gourmet chocolates shaped like golf balls, computer mice, even dollar bills. Many people find a main item and surround it with smaller, less expensive treats.
4. Be sure to include non-chocolate items: There are many T-shirts and plaques with cute chocolate-related sayings. Why not include a DVD of a chocolate-themed movie, like Willy Wonka or Chocolat? If it’s an anniversary gift, include a framed photograph of the couple.
5. Organize the gourmet chocolate hamper for the best possible presentation: Line the hamper appropriately: Perhaps you can use chocolate brown scarf or microfiber throw to carry through the chocolate theme. Put your main item in the center and surround it with the smaller items. If you can, wrap it with colored cellophane and a top it with an ornate bow. If you’re all thumbs, get a friend to help you.
6. Plan the presentation. If the hamper is to be given at a party, make sure it is prominently displayed for plenty of wow! factor. If it’s a surprise gift, make it the end of a scavenger hunt; use those items that did not fit the basket as smaller treats along the way. (Just make sure the weather is right and you don’t make it too complicated: You don’t want your gourmet chocolate to melt before it is received.
7. If your gourmet hamper includes a particularly important gift, like an engagement ring or cruise ship tickets, make sure the recipient notices them promptly. There are far too many stories of expensive diamonds being inadvertently discarded because they were hidden too well inside a chocolate heart or stuffed animal.
8. Also, use caution when considering adult chocolate gifts. While many people enjoy chocolate liquors, others simply do not. This is especially true for chocolate body paint or lingerie — only give it if you are certain the relationship has proceeded to that level. (This is especially true of the hamper will be given with the in-laws (or future in-laws) are present.
Gourmet chocolate hampers are fun to create and to give because they are personal. Put a little thought behind it and watch the eyes light up. We guarantee the rewards will be worth the effort.
by Angela on April 13, 2010
If you need to send an extra special gift, consider chocolate gift baskets. They are the ideal gift for almost any gift-giving event. Here’s how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
1. Start early in your search for chocolate gift baskets. While most any chocolate gift will do, it will be more fun if you give yourself time to put a little extra thought into it. This will give you a chance to find out everything you need to know, such as whether the expected baby is a boy or a girl or how many years the person has been with the company. By starting early, you will also give yourself ample time for your gift to be shipped, if necessary.
2. Consider the occasion. A once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding, milestone anniversary, a baby or a retirement deserves extra special chocolate gift baskets. On the other hand, a “just thinking of you” gift would not have to be as elaborate (you can even insert a couple of candy bars in a leftover Easter basket for a low-cost option).
3. Consider your budget. While it’s the thought that counts, be honest with yourself and your budget. While everyone would be thrilled with high-priced, gourmet chocolate, you won’t be so thrilled when you get your credit-card statement. If you honestly can’t afford an extravagant gift, rest assured you can get excellent chocolate for a reasonable price.
4. Consider the recipient’s interests. For example, if he or she is into technology, look for chocolate candies shaped like cell phones or computers. Similarly, if he or she is into gardening, place some chocolate chips in an envelope shaped like a seed packet. Place the packet into a clean pail with a spade and other gardening tools. Just make sure the basket and each item in it are new and clean. Who wants to receive a gift that has obviously been given before?
If the person is a real chocolate connoisseur, find out whether he or she has a favorite brand or flavor. There’s nothing worse than finding out that the recipient dislikes filled chocolate candies when you’ve just sent a huge box of them or that they loathe white chocolate when that’s what you’ve sent.
5. Look online for chocolate gifts. There are many companies that create beautiful chocolate gift baskets. Look for websites that give clear information about what is included in each one. Remember to include shipping charges and sales taxes when comparing prices. Read online reviews carefully: While the pictures may look beautiful, you may find that the chocolate is substandard or that the gift baskets they send habitually arrive damaged.
6. Look for a clear return policy. Despite all your best efforts, sometimes a gift just doesn’t work. The best time to find the return policy is before you order, not after you receive it.
Chocolate gift baskets are fun, unique ways to show someone you care. Give a tasty basket on the next special occasion and you may be invited to taste test the results.
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by Angela on April 6, 2010
Chocolate covered strawberries are a wonderfully decadent way to get your five fruits per day. They have a gourmet taste but are really easy to make. Here’s how:
Gather 1 quart of fresh strawberries. Check each one to make sure they are not bruised nor have dark spots. Leave the stems intact for easier eating. Use toothpicks in those strawberries that no longer have stems.
Wash the strawberries carefully in cold water and rest them on a paper towel to dry. Make sure they are thoroughly dry or else the chocolate won’t adhere to them.
Line a cookie sheet with waxed or parchment paper.
Melt 12 oz of chocolate in the top portion of a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make one by resting a small saucepan inside a larger one that is half-filled with water. Chocolate covered strawberries taste good whether you use dark, milk or white chocolate. You can use chocolate chips or bark. You can even melt down your chocolate Easter bunny. Stir the chocolate constantly as it melts to avoid burning it.
When the chocolate is completely melted it will be creamy and smooth, perfect for chocolate covered strawberries. Carefully dip the strawberries in it, twirling around each one to ensure coverage. (Be careful as the double boiler will be hot.)
Place the dipped strawberries on the cookie sheet. When the pan is full, place it in the refrigerator or another cool place to harden. Only place them in the freezer if you intend to eat them frozen on a hot day. Frozen chocolate covered strawberries become mushy as they thaw and don’t look particularly attractive.
One variation you may want to try is the tuxedo strawberry. Use the same steps above to dip the strawberries in white chocolate. Allow them to harden then carefully dip the sides of the strawberry in dark chocolate, leaving a white chocolate stripe down the center. While these harden, put some of the melted dark chocolate in a plastic bag. Pierce a tiny hole in a corner of the bag. When the strawberries are hardened, apply three dots of chocolate on to the white chocolate portion for tuxedo buttons.
Another variation is to use white chocolate with food coloring added. If you use the same piping method described for adding buttons to the tuxedo strawberries, you can draw shapes and patterns on each strawberry. This is especially fun at Easter when you can make chocolate covered strawberry Easter Eggs or carrots (depending on the shape and length of the strawberry).
When the strawberries are done, take a few minutes to carefully present them. Use your best crystal or china plate and arrange them carefully in a circle pattern with the points facing outward. (Be sure to allow enough room for fingers to reach the stems.)
Candied strawberries like these also make a wonderful gift. Place them in a small gift box and be sure to separate them with candy papers.
Chocolate covered strawberries are fun to make and fun to eat. It’s up to you whether you want to taste test them first.
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