What's the glitz & glam birthday party all about?

The other Saturday we had 4 wonderful teenage girls with us in the chocolate kitchen. It was Sophie's 14th birthday party.  

I remember it was always tricky to have a 'super cool' party when you are a teenager. You are too young to do many things but not too young for an afternoon of making beautiful metallic chocolates.  

The girls arrived not knowing what they were going to be making.  When I announced they were going to make milk chocolate truffles they couldn't contain their excitement.  

The girls 1st job was to learn how to taste the milk, white and dark chocolate.  They all decided to use the milk chocolate to make their chocolates.

They weighed out their ingredients, thoroughly enjoyed the glucose as they had never seen it before.  It's clear and sticky but has lots of stretch!  We put the glucose and water in a pan, and brought to the boil before adding to the chocolate to make the ganache.

All the girls had a go at piping the ganache into truffle shells. These were put aside to set.  The next stage was to learn how to temper chocolate.  The chocolate was melted in the microwave with being stirred every 30 seconds.  The girls took part in the lip test to check the chocolate was at the correct working temperature, this was great fun they ended up having chocolate lipstick! 

All learnt how to temper chocolate on a marble block.  Then it was time to get messy with chocolate for hand rolling truffles, they loved the feel of the chocolate on their hands. 

To create a glamourous finish, we coated the truffles in metallic powders.  The girls also adored decorating their faces with powder too!!  

The truffles were wrapped in clear bags and tied with ribbon, these are great as double up as party bags ! 


Sue, Sophie's Mum said 
'the girls talked of nothing else all weekend after the party. On Monday when they returned to school they told their teachers & friends what an amazing experience their had learning to make chocolates, it was the best party they have ever been to !'