Every year in June, my family goes to the beach for a week. We all stay under one roof in the same beach house. It’s loud. It’s a little overwhelming. And it’s so much fun. One of my favorite parts is walking along the edge of the water and hunting for the perfect seashells or sea glass to add to my collection at home. Each year when one of my nieces hasn’t been able to make it, we pick up shells and put them in a vintage glass jar as a reminder that just because they weren’t there in person, we were still thinking about them.
I’m in the process of gearing up for my first chocolate pop-up in several years in Richmond, Virginia and I’m focusing on last minute gift ideas. Today’s blog is the PERFECT last minute gift idea for the beach lover in your life or for that Secret Santa gift exchange that you can’t figure out!
What you'll need:
10 ounces high-quality chocolate
Seashell chocolate molds – there are several out there but I love silicone molds for this because it gives you such great detailing on the finished shell
Small Glass Jar
Christmas ornament
Twine
Instructions:
Begin by selecting the type of chocolate you want to use for your seashells. 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. You can see that I did some mixes of white and milk chocolate and some milk chocolate only to add some variations to the finished product.
Set out the molds so that you can fill a few at a time and make sure they are clean and dry.
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, spoon the chocolate into the molds. Tap the mold against the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Allow to set until firm. It’s important to tap these molds a few times just because of the intricate details that are part of the silicone design.
For a two tone look, drop a small portion of white chocolate into the mold and tap against the counter so that it flows into the detailed portions of the molds. Allow to harden completely. Then fill to the top of the mold with milk chocolate and allow to firmly set.
Once chocolate has hardened, loosen the sides of the silicone from the chocolate and begin to gently work the mold loose. It will come loose easily, you just want to be careful to not break the little details off so being gentle is the key! Place the seashells one by one into a pint size canning jar. Top with a lid (I love these decorative wooden ones by Ball but a simple metal one will also do the trick since you are going to be wrapping it with twine).
Wrap a length of twine through an ornament and then wrap around the edge of the jar lid, tying it off in a cute bow. You can also use a more colorful ribbon if twine isn’t your thing.
This gift, seriously, comes together in less than two hours. It’s quick and easy and a great last minute thought if you are struggling to come up with ideas like I usually do this time of year!
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