Edible Artist Pallete Mishloach Manos

Posted on February 4, 2013 by estheroadmin

This artistically designed “Palette” is bursting with color, and sure to delight both young and old. Though somewhat time consuming to prepare (although I do provide suggestions for short cuts), it is not as hard as looks!

Supplies

Plastic artist palette (available at craft stores)
Chocolate disc mold (size according to palette)
Paint brush
Assorted color foil wrappers
Simchas Purim label (available at omg design.com)
6 plain cupcakes (*SHORTCUT-purchase them from your local bakery)
Wilton fondant – 6 colors*
2 ½ inch. round cookie cutter
6 pack plastic muffin holder
1 Fiji Artesian water bottle-500 ML
16×20 cellophane bag
3 different color raffia- 1 yard each
Low temperature glue gun

Directions for chocolate palette:

Make chocolates molds and wrap in foil. (*SHORTCUT-Purchase truffles at your local candy store)
Glue foil wrapped chocolate in place using a glue gun.
Add finishing touches by placing label in the center of the palette and gluing paintbrush in place .

Directions for decorating cupcakes:

Roll out fondant-cut circles with the cookie cutter (each color makes approx 8 circles)
Cover the cupcakes ( no additional icing necessary).
Place decorated cupcakes in muffin holder.
Using a glue gun to secure water bottle on far left corner of the cover.
Position palette so that it is leaning against the water bottle and glue in place. Hold in place till dry.
Carefully place in cellophane bag.
Gather and staple cellophane at either side and in the center.
Form bows out of raffia and glue over staples

*Wilton fondant is sold in many vibrant colors. It is sold 4 colors per box.

(This article by esthero originally appeared in Mishpacha Magazine Family First February 2011 www.mishpacha.com)

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Edible Snowmen

Posted on January 30, 2013 by estheroadmin

Though we have not had any significant snow yet, this snow themed project will bring that wintery, snowy feeling to your home. This activity is perfect for all ages, and the best part… there’s no shoveling required!

Supplies:

Mini Francoz powder donuts
Chocolate Sandwich cookies
Mini chocolate sandwich cookies
Orange jelly sticks
Sour belts
Melted chocolate
Skewers
Edible sugar eyes (baking supplies store)or mini chocolate chips

Directions

1)Place 2 donuts on a skewer.

2)Use a drop of melted chocolate to stick the large and mini sandwich cookie together to form a hat.

3)To attach the hat, gently push the end of the skewer through the tiny hole in the center of the cookies.

4)Using a toothpick, place a little bit of the melted chocolate under the bottom donut to prevent the snowman from slipping down. Allow to dry.

5)For the nose, place jelly stick in the top donut hole.

6)For the scarf, cut a sour belt into long thin strips-just enough so that you can tie the scarf.

7)”Glue” the eyes on with the melted chocolate.

Grape “Pineapple” Centerpiece

Posted on January 21, 2013 by estheroadmin

With Tu B’shvat just around the corner, here’s a fun idea the whole family can help prepare in honor of Tu B’shvat. With minimal preparation, you can create an original and eye catching centerpiece.

Supplies

One large bag of Grapes
Toothpicks
6 inch green styrofoam ball
Bunch of Leaves – joined together at the bottom with hard plastic/wire (see picture) available at craft stores
A wide mouthed vase or candlestick to be used as a base to hold “pineapple”
Fake green grass or moss (optional)

Instructions:

Chisel down the sides of the styrofoam ball to create an oval shape ( shape of a pineapple).
Stick the pointy end of the “leaf bunch” into the top of the styrofoam.
Break toothpicks in half.
Starting from the top, working your way around in a circle, fill the styrofoam with grapes attached with toothpicks.
For a finished look, put fake grass or moss under the “pineapple”.
Place “pineapple” on top of vase/candlestick.

Pudding “Coke”

Posted on December 28, 2012 by estheroadmin

This adorable snack is loads of fun to create. It is both delightful to look at and delicious to eat. There’s no secret recipe for this “coke”, so get the kids in the kitchen and let the fun begin.

Coke Glasses

Supplies:

Chocolate pudding
Glasses or hard plastic cups (coke glasses available at Dollar Tree -2 for a dollar)
Straw
Whipping Topping
Pastry bag or Freezer Ziploc
Star tip

Directions:

Make chocolate pudding following directions on package.
Pour the pudding into the cups and allow to set while preparing whipping cream.
Prepare pastry bag with tip.
Swirl whipping cream starting from the outer rim using circular motion forming peak at the center.
Place straw in “Coke”.

Recipe for Whipping Cream

Ingredients:

8 ounces whip topping
4 TBSP confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Beat whip cream till stiff.
Add confectioners sugar and vanilla extract. Beat for 30 seconds till combined.

Hanukkah Candy Menorah

Posted on December 3, 2012 by estheroadmin

I found these sleek looking shot glasses in a number of discount stores. Lined up neatly, they can create a simple, yet striking (and certainly sweet) centerpieces for your Hanukkah party.When purchasing the shot glasses, stick with something simple. The simpler the glass, the more dramatic the projects will look.

Candy Menorah

The pearl candies used in this Menorah come in a large variety of colors. Color coordinate your “Menorah” to match your partys’ color scheme.

Supplies

Pearl candies (available in candy or baking supply stores)
9 Orange fruit slices (available in candy stores)
9 shot glasses
Glass tea light holder
Kitchen shears
Toothpicks
Narrow tray (optional)

Directions

1.Layer candy pearls in shot glasses.

2.Using kitchen shears, cut a flame shape out of the fruit slices.

3.Place flames on toothpicks and insert into the candy pearls.

4.Line up all the shot glasses in a neat row (place on tray if desired)For the “Shamash”, raise the center glass by placing it on a glass tea light holder (turned upside down).