Here is exactly how to make a chocolate Easter basket. I found the instructions online for FREE @ http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/White-Chocolate-Easter-Basket. If you run into an issue, I'll be glad to offer advice. I hope you create a basket that matches Patsy's...
Steps one and two are done together because you are creating the base. We did this part Tuesday night at Patsy's house.
Step One is to create your basket base. This is really simple. You will need a 6 inch pan according to the class I took, but the website says you can also use a 1 1/2 quart bowl to create your base. Regardless of which you use, you simply melt 20 oz of candy coating, mix in 2/3 cup of corn syrup over low heat and pour it in to create the base.
Step Two must be done quickly so the base doesn't completely set up before you do it. Using the same melted candy coating that you will pour as your base, coat 13 three inch pretzel sticks or 13 sucker sticks to serve as supports for the basket sides. Let them cool and then, insert them around the edges of the pan/bowl you poured your basket base mixture into. Stick in the freezer for about 30 minutes until it is firm. When you remove it, your base should look like the picture above. Mine staretd off beautiful and smooth. I had such high hopes....
Step Three was also done at home and is fairly simple. Using the same chocolate clay mixture of melted chocolate and corn syrup, you will create eight 1 inch balls of clay. I used different colors for my basket; Patsy used green and Donna chose yellow. Get creative!
Alternate directions every time your begin a new rope.
Continue to layer until you reach the top. Leave a little room for the top braided rope.
Braid two (according to the instructor) or three (website) ropes of clay together to create a finished braid. Add to top of basket around all support sticks. The website says to add a small dot of melted clay on each stick to act as a glue. Great idea...
Voila! You have a finished basket.... Patsy's is the beautiful green one... while this is mine... Donna's went home to try again another day since our instructor was of no assistance at all. The website even explains how to do a handle because all baskets need a handle but we didn't have that option in our money-wasting class. I hope you will give this a try. I think it is a really wonderful idea. I'm am not sure though why I paid money to someone who did nothing and provided no supplies or help. You do not have to though! Go have fun with it!
This is fantastic. I would love to include it in my creative mom's week. If you want to send me a little bit about yourself and maybe a picture then I could add it plus a link to your post in my week. my address is smallfryandco@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI will do that today! Thank you so much!!
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