A few weeks ago, I posted a chocolate high heel. I love them, they were one of the first chocolate “creations” that I learned how to make, and I could totally relate: for about 15 years, you didn’t catch me in a shoe that had less than a 3-inch heel on it except at the gym. And let’s be honest, I didn’t go there much!
My aunt’s birthday was coming up and I was trying to figure out something else to do for her and she isn’t really the “high heel” kind-of girl. Then I came across this mold of a cowgirl boot and knew that this was the perfect “heel” for her!
What you'll need:
20 ounces high-quality chocolate
Candy
Plastic two-piece boot mold, I bought this one off of Amazon
Cotton gloves
Parchment or wax paper
Edible Luster Dust in Color of Choice
Fluffy brush, can be purchased in the cake decorating section of most craft stores
Instructions:
Choose Your Chocolate: Begin by selecting the type of chocolate you prefer for your shoe. Dark chocolate offers a rich and intense flavor, while milk and white chocolate provide a sweeter taste. You can also combine different types for a more diverse experience. When I do molds, I always use a combination of milk and dark chocolate.
Prepare the mold. Fit together the two pieces and using 5 or 6 binder clips, clip along the perimeter to secure the two plastic pieces together. When using the thinner plastic molds like this one, I always cut my molds to outline the shape so that the clips get a more secure grip closer to the seams. I don’t know if this is supposed to be done or not, but in my learnings, you get less of a ridge where the molds meet when you do this than when you don’t. If you don’t want to take a pair of scissors to your mold, I totally understand and I’m not sure it has to be done. It just works better for me when I do.
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency. If using the microwave, melt slowly in 15 second intervals stirring in between each one. Chocolate that has gotten too hot will "bloom" leaving white streaks once set. Once melted, pour the chocolate into the boot shaped mold. Tap the mold against the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Rotate mold to allow chocolate to evenly coat, paying attention to the top opening of the boot to make sure you get an even layer there. Tap again against the counter to remove any additional air bubbles that might have developed as you rotated the mold and turn upside down over melted chocolate bowl to allow excess to drip from opening. Refrigerate until set.
To make the boot more stable, apply a second layer of chocolate once the first layer has completely hardened. This not only enhances the structural integrity but also adds an extra layer of indulgence. Allow each layer to set before adding the next.
Once second layer has solidified, remove the binder clips and gently pry the mold apart. One section should come off easily; while still in the other section, take a sharp knife and trim away any chocolate that has breached the seam. Carefully pry away the second section. Place on a piece of parchment paper.
Using a fluffy brush, dip into the luster dust and tap excess onto parchment paper. Then, with gloved hands so as not to leave fingerprints on the chocolate, "paint" the boot. Repeat as necessary until color saturation is reached. Luster Dust comes in a variety of colors and blends well so don't be afraid to mix and match! I painted this boot in bronze but you can see where I went back over the “seaming” details on the boot with a black luster just to highlight a bit more.
Now comes the fun part – filling with recipient’s favorite candy. The open cavity in these boots is quite large compared to some of the other molds I use, so it holds quite a bit of single serve pieces of candy. This was a birthday gift for my aunt; I always remember going to my grandparents and Grandpa having a bag of miniature Hershey bars so the Mr. Goodbars are a nod to his memory.
To gift, I wrap in clear cellophane and tie with a couple of curling ribbons. This allows the boot to still be seen but keeps the germs and fingerprints at bay!
Give this a shot the next time you can’t find the perfect gift for someone – I promise they will love both the gift and the fact that you took the time and effort to make them something with your own hands!
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