For Valentine’s Day, many floral shops bring out their selections of flowers, and chocolatiers offer their finest chocolates. Some smart shop owners have decided to combine the two, and offer chocolates that are made to look like long stemmed roses. But with these simple instructions, you can make your own at home. Here are the simple steps.
First, you will need silk roses from the local craft store. The blossom must be the type that will pop off easily because these will come in direct contact with the chocolate, and you do not want fibers left behind. It’s alright to use cheap flowers, because you are only purchasing them for the stems. There are some flowers available which have little drops of clear plastic on the leaves. This is meant to look like dew, and it makes a nice realistic addition to this Valentine’s Day craft. You will need twelve total, and also some faux baby’s breath. After you purchase the flowers, you will need to wash the stems carefully. Remove the tops of the flowers and set them aside. Avoid soaps because this part will come in contact with the chocolate.
Next, you will need a double boiler. This allows you to melt the chocolate. A double boiler is similar to a pan lid, but without the handle. It fits inside of another pan. The bottom pan has water which boils and heats the pan above. You must use a double boiler because it provides a good tight seal and it keeps the chocolate from scorching. Put it on the lowest temperature possible to melt the chocolate, and then add chocolate chips. Stir these slowly and constantly until they melt. Even after they are melted, make sure to continue stirring the chocolate so that it does not burn.
Take the stems and twirl them in the chocolate so that they get a little chocolate on them. This should extend about 3/4 of an inch down the stem. Remove it and continue twirling it lightly until it has cooled. At this time, place it on some wax paper. Do the next stem the same way, and so on until you have finished all twelve. Once you have done this with all twelve, you can begin dipping them again. You will want to repeat the same process, adding layer after layer of chocolate, until it becomes as full as and shaped like a rosebud.
At this time, you will need to cover them. This can be the most difficult part, not because it is so hard, but because the supplies can be difficult to find. Attempt to locate red aluminum foil. This may be available at candy-making stores or specialty kitchen supply stores, or from the internet. However, if you cannot locate it, do not be afraid to leave them unwrapped.
Once you have wrapped them or decided to leave them unwrapped, simply arrange them in a vase with the faux baby’s breath. Then place it in the refrigerator. It is best to wait as long as possible before making them because this chocolate is not tempered. Tempering is considered necessary if your chocolate is going to be subjected to high temperatures or not consumed for a long time. The reason why is because the cocoa butter and sugar can separate from the other ingredients and leave a grey dust covering your chocolate. Although it looks unappetizing, there is no harm or difference in taste to the chocolate. But with a chocolate rose bouquet, given on Valentine’s Day, presentation is everything. Tempering can be difficult for a newcomer to candy making, which is why these instructions have not included directions on how to accomplish it. Your creation should be fine in the refrigerator for a little bit, but waiting is best.
These steps can have you making your own specialty chocolates at home. You will save a lot of money over buying them in a store, and you will be able to tell your Valentine that you made them all on your own. They will realize what a treat it is that someone took that much time to make chocolate roses just for them.
