Who wouldn't want to combine two of life's
best offerings on that one special day: true love and chocolate?
Chocolate has always played a strong supporting role at weddings, and
with the rise of "theme" weddings, has really come into
its own (especially around February).
Not only will your guests savor your sweet choice,
you'll enjoy the almost-limitless options for integrating chocolate
into the reception.
Chocolate isn't merely a pleasure to the palette,
it charms the eye. Extend the theme by outfitting your brides in
"espresso" brown. Put yourself in a gorgeous ivory gown,
and accent with peonies in the softest of pinks.
Show-Stopping Chocolate Wedding Favors
Chocolate Fountains
Perhaps
the most dramatic chocolate wedding "favor" of all is
the
chocolate fountain. Holding court at the end of the table, this
aromatic structure invites your guests to grab a fork and dip an
array of chocolate-friendly treats, fondue style.
Up until recently, chocolate fountains were rented,
not purchased, since the largest kinds sell for over $5,000. They're
available in most metropolitan areas. Prices vary, but expect to
pay at least $400 for this indulgence. If your fees are on the high
end, the rental company should send an assistant or two to monitor
the fountain and ensure it flows freely throughout the reception.
These days,
high-quality smaller chocolate fountains (five pound capacity
and up) are moving into the home market, and are definitely worth
a look -- especially as you could sell yours after the wedding and
recoup much of your cost.
Although when most people envision a chocolate fountain they think
of flowing milk or dark chocolate, the fact is that chocolate fountains
can serve up other treats. White chocolate, for example, or even
caramel or warm cheese.
What to provide for dipping treats? Your caterer
may take care of it, but if not, here are some hints:
Food Ideas for
Dipping in Chocolate
Fountains
Make Your Own Chocolate Wedding Favors From Molds
Chocolate molds can be found in a dizzying array of shapes
and themes. Thanks to the microwave, tempering chocolate isn't half
as hard as it used to be, and many brides find it surprisingly easy
to make pretty, customized creations for their favor bags. Whether
you're looking for Celtic knots, a certain sports team, Scotty dogs,
Valentine cameos, your alma mater, or the letters that make up your
name, someone has made the mold. You
can even order chocolate molds with a personalized message. The
ambitious can order custom molds made to spec from $250 and up.
One idea: play with colors for drama. For example,
pair a white mint chocolate bride with a dark chocolate groom.
Dipped Oreo® Cookie "Wedding Cake" Favors
There's something about the usual wedding favor cookie
that fails to jump off the plate, aeshetically speaking. But chocolate-dipped
sandwich cookies are the exception.
To make your own sandwich cookie "wedding
cake" favors, you need sandwich cookies, frosting (make your
own, or buy the premade tubs for a useful cement-like consistency),
dipping chocolate and decorations. Remember, you need paste food
coloring to tint chocolate. Don't try the liquid stuff.
Once all is assembled, just glue two cookies together
with frosting. Round out the edges with frosting as well, so you
don't get that sandwich look on the sides.
Dip cookies in warm chocolate (dark, white or
tinted). Place on waxed paper. Press decorations onto top cookie
while still warm. If you don't press in time, use a dab of melted
chocolate to "glue" the pieces together.
Some decoration suggestions:
- non-pareils or Jimmies
- Small chocolate figurines from molds, in colors
that match or contrast with your cookies
- Small sugar roses or bells (buy to make this easy)
Do you have a bit of pastry chef in you? Add simple piping around
the edges of your cookies. Or top with a monogram for uber-elegance.
See these examples
for a peek at how beautiful "wedding cake" favors can
be.
Don't forget to set off your creations with an
elegant
box; they're worth it.
Ye ol' Chocolate Kiss
Sweetheart Roses Bouquet
This cute and comfortable favorite can be made quickly
once you assemble the materials. Find full directions here.
Tip: you don't have to hot-glue the "roses" together if you
wrap the cellophane tightly; that way, the chocolate can be safely
eaten (which is good, because any kids and several men at your reception
would eat it anyway).
"Manly-Man" Chocolate Liqueur
Favors
For a favor with a slightly more masculine edge than usual, buy
chocolates
filled with vodka, brandy, various popular liqueurs, or even
sake (these may require an online
order). Place in cool bags of your choice and tie with metallic
ribbons.
"Tie the Knot" Wedding Pretzel
Favors
You'll
love these easy wedding favors: chocolate-covered pretzels adorned
with with tiny sugar flowers. Decide whether you want a contrasting
look (one white pretzel, one dark) or whether you prefer two white
pretzels tinted with your wedding colors.
Gather the dipping chocolate, paste food coloring
(if desired), small sugar flowers and pretzels. Gently warm the
chocolate and thoroughly stir in non-liquid food coloring. Dip the
pretzels and place on waxed paper to rest. While still warm, press
a small sugar flower in the center of each. When dry, wrap a pair
of pretzels in cellophane and tie with a delicate ribbon. Attach
a tag: Thank you for joining us as we tie the knot! Mr. &
Mrs. Doe, Date.
Chocolate-Dipped
Berry Favors (Without the Chocolate Fountain)
Chocolate-dipped cherries and chocolate-covered strawberries are incredibly luxurious-looking.
If you're a diva in the kitchen, show off your decorative techniques.
At the very least, double-dip in contrasting chocolates for instant
drama. (Let cool completely between contrasting dips.)
Four-Chocolates-in-a-Box Favor with Cute
Saying
This old friend is still a great way to make a statement on a budget.
Buy Hershey Hugs, Hershey Kisses, Dove Promises, and Nestle's Treasures,
box them attractively, and attach an appropriate tag:
Simple but Sumptuous: Heart-Shaped Brownie
Favors
All you need is a tested brownie recipe and a heart-shaped
cookie cutter. Fancy up the brownie with caramel toppings and the
like if you wish; use quality bittersweet chocolate in the baking.
The humble brownie was never really humble: wrap her up
with a pretty ribbon and she'll shine.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Favors: Standard
or Stick
You can buy chocolate-dipped pretzels in bulk, of course.
But they have a way of looking dusty and worse for wear by the time
they show up in those bins, not to mention they're not very personal.
Dipping pretzels in chocolate requires no special
skill and looks fantastic. Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods sell for
at least $2 apiece commercially (closer to $3.50 on average), so
you know your guests will feel special.
All you need is to gently melt chocolate*
in a microwave and lay the chocolate bowl on top of another one
filled with warm water. Reheat as needed. Dip pretzels, shake off
excess, and rest on waxed paper. The rest is up to you!
A few tips: Leave a portion of the pretzel chocolate-free
when dipping; it's cleaner and looks just as nice. Keep in mind
that pretzels come in a number of attractive shapes: the traditional
double-twist, stick shaped, and even addictive little rectangles.
Don't go too light on the chocolate, or the pretzel can taste dry.
Here are some ideas for making them special:
(*note: I like the chocolate
chips from Aldi for melting projects. They're affordable and of
extremely high quality. Mix with a few teaspoons of Crisco for workability.
Take the chocolate out of the microwave before it seems 'completely'
melted, and stir. Often this will be enough to melt it without the
risk of overheating.)
Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Apples
These incredibly indulgent treats are never left at the table. Of
course, you can buy them ... but the nice ones can run at least
$15 per apple, not including shipping. Isn't it worth a little test
run to get the hang of making them yourself? That way you limit
your expenses to ingredients, wooden sticks and boxes: perhaps an
80% savings!
Homemade caramel is a delight, but to make this
even easier, melt Kraft caramels for dipping.
Dip again in chocolate, then decorate: try bright stripes of white
chocolate, crushed nuts, any candy that reflects your wedding theme
or colors, or all of the above!
Like the feel, but not feeling crafty? Get the
gist across by handing your guests "caramel apple kits"
— pretty favor boxes stuffed with an apple, a stick, and some
pre-wrapped caramels.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
This
"food of the gods" comes with a matching price tag
(expect to pay at least $8/lb. once you add shipping), but some
things in life are worth it. Your guests will cheer when you present
them with small bags or boxes of chocolate-covered espresso beans,
finished with a metallic gold ribbon. Any leftovers (as if!) will
be surreptitiously gobbled by bridesmaids.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I filled a tall coffee cup with chocolate and I was able to coat several pretzel rods at a time.
January 7th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
The easiest to melt is chocolate flavored candy coating. Wilton brand is on most craft stores such as michaels, but the best is Mercken’s chocolate, this is reasonably priced and easy to use, but has the highest quality of the candy coatings. It can be bought online at Kitchen Krafts or any local candy supply stores may sell it. If you buy real chocolate it requires a very time consuming tempering process and a candy thermometer
April 14th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
What kind of chocolate do I use for molds? I am helping someone make chocolate favors for a wedding.
September 10th, 2005 at 1:22 pm
just wanted to say that rice krispies and biscotti are also good to dip in chocolate.