Easter Chocolate Eggs Made With A Mold Food

EASTER CHOCOLATE EGGS MADE WITH A MOLD

Steps:

• Place 3/4 of the milk chocolate in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted and has a temperature of 113 degrees F (46 degrees C), about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Stir in the remaining 1/4 of the milk chocolate. Stir well until smooth and chocolate has a temperature of 86 degrees F (30 degrees C).
• Spread 1 layer of chocolate evenly in the Easter egg mold halves using a pastry brush and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and add another layer of chocolate to each egg half. Chill for 10 minutes. Brush a third time with chocolate and chill for a final 10 minutes.
• Unmold egg halves carefully and trim the edges with a sharp knife. Brush the edges with a little melted chocolate, then carefully bring two halves together to form a single egg. Set back in the mold carefully and chill until set, 10 to 15 minutes.

CANDY-FILLED CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG

Steps:

• Using a 2-pound plastic Easter egg chocolate candy mold as a guide, cut the cake to fit inside the base of the mold; set aside (discard the extra cake). Refrigerate the mold to chill, about 15 minutes.
• Put half the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining chocolate and continue to stir until smooth; this will result in a tempered chocolate that will set hard. Transfer 3/4 cup of the chocolate to a small bowl; set aside.
• Swirl half the remaining chocolate inside the mold to coat completely. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Repeat with the other half of the chocolate, swirling to create a thick layer; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Fill the egg with the candy. Top with the cake cutout and press down firmly so the cake is flush with the mold (trim away any extra cake with a serrated knife).
• Microwave the reserved chocolate to remelt if needed, then measure out 1/2 cup. Spread the chocolate over the cake with a spatula to cover completely. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.
• Invert the egg onto a serving platter or cake stand; remove the mold. Microwave the remaining chocolate to remelt if needed, then transfer to a piping bag with a small round tip. Use the chocolate to attach candies to the outside of the egg. Chill until ready to serve.
• Serve the egg with a big spoon or meat mallet and encourage guests to crack it open and watch the candy pour out.

HOMEMADE EASTER EGGS

Steps:

• Wash each half of your Easter egg mould with hot soapy water and a soft sponge, then dry carefully. Using a ball of cotton wool, buff the inside of the mould. The better the shine on the mould, the better the finish on the chocolate.
• Melt then temper the white chocolate for the brush strokes (see tip).
• Colour half the melted white chocolate with a little of the gel if you want, then brush graphic stripes of chocolate onto the moulds. Let each colour set before you add the next (setting is really speedy if you've achieved good temper). Go over some stripes twice, to make the colours pop out. Repeat the melting and tempering process with the dark chocolate, if you like.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment. Melt and temper the milk chocolate. Half-fill one mould with the chocolate, then tip it this way and that to completely cover the mould.
• Pour the excess back into the chocolate bowl, and scrape a palette knife across the mould to clean it up. Repeat with the other half of the egg. Set the moulds, flat-side down, on the lined sheet. Transfer to the fridge and leave to set for about 10 mins.
• When the chocolate is solid, flex the moulds to gently release. Take your time - you will see the air slowly creepy its way between the plastic and the shiny, hard chocolate. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Heat a baking sheet in the oven until warm. Put the gloves on (prevents fingerprints) and pick up one side of the egg. Any messy edges can be melted flat by holding them against the tray. Next, carefully rub the flat edge of the egg on the tray to melt it a little.
• Repeat with the second side. If you're struggling to pick up the egg from the tray, use your palette knife to help.
• Hold the melted edges of the egg together for a few moments until they stick. Wipe away any excess, then leave the egg to set in the fridge for a few mins. The egg is now ready to give or wrap up for Easter. Store in a cool place away from fluctuating temperatures.