Chocolate Leaves

Chocolate Leaves
With the holidays just around the corner our minds will turn to cooking, eating and making pretty dishes. Chocolate leaves can make any table setting really stand out and they are really simple to make but you will need to have everything ready and work fast. The best leaves to use are mint, lemon or rose but I've used small tree leaves as well. Just make sure you are using leaves from a plant that isn't toxic. Gather your leaves, wash them gently and allow to dry completely. When ready to make your leaves, in the microwave melt 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp. shortening. Stir until smooth. With a small art type paintbrush, apply a thin even coat of chocolate to the underside of each leaf. Place your leaves chocolate side up on waxed paper and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until completely set. Brush on a 2nd layer of chocolate and chill until set. When ready, gently peel the green leaves away from the chocolate. Carefully place your leaves into a covered container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
From friend Blog!!!

For more color, use colored white chocolate which can be found at most craft stores that carry candy making supplies. You can even do combinations of red, green and orange to represent Fall. Or when applying the 2nd coat to your brown leaves, you might want to brush on a slight coat of another color such as green or red. Be creative!"