Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Weekend Plus Some Valentiney Chocolate

Ah the weekend. I had such high expectations for my 3-day weekend, but of course there is no way I can get everything done that is in my imagination. I had all these high hopes for getting a million Valentine crafts done yesterday, but it just wasn't meant to be. Oh, I got some things done but not everything, and the day didn't feel leisurely to me; it felt kind of frantic.

Here's what was surprising, though. Sunday felt delightful. I postponed all my Sunday chores and had a relaxed Sunday for once. Breakfast with the babies, above, when I wasn't trying to rush around making two dinners for the week. Then later in the morning Ken walked down to Farmer's Market with us, which he usually doesn't. And instead of just buying produce and walking right back we went downtown for awhile and sat in the sun and ate apples. So nice. It just made me realize how much I need time like that and how much I don't have it. Time management is always on my mind . . . maybe I can still come up with a solution.
So about preparing for Valentine's day. Last year I had so much fun with it; I was still on maternity leave. This year I have less time, but I still love the holiday. I wanted to make something candy-like for the big children, and Ken too, and ever since I saw this post over at Angry Chicken, I couldn't stop thinking about candy molds and molding chocolate.
I tried tempering it according to the simple method given in the link that Angry Chicken mentions in her post. Basically you melt 3/4 of your chocolate, take it off the heat, then stir in the rest of your chocolate and allow it to melt in. Did it work? Mmm, I don't think so. Tempered chocolate is supposed to set up hard and shiny and not melt when you touch it and kind of have a snap to it when you bite in. I don't think these have a snap. No worries, though. I'm storing them in the fridge right now and hopefully they won't hang around much when I give them. This chocolate is one of those Girardelli chunks they sell at random weights at Trader Joe's. This is the milk chocolate; I haven't tried the dark yet, but I think it might be easier to work with.
These are packaged and ready to go for tonight. Yeah, I think we decided to do the trail of hearts tonight. The children will follow the trail and find their loot; these chocolates and some Valentine books. Then on the actual Valentines day I'll give them their valentines. I think that will work out pretty well; I'm happy with the solution.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments yesterday! I'll post the winner on Saturday!

10 comments:

amy turn sharp said...

those are beautiful!!! You lil martha you xoxo

tess said...

they look really gorgeous !!

Lina said...

Love the little baggies!

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

I love peeking through the windows in your photos - your surroundings look amazing.

Your time management must be working on some levels, because these chocolates and little valentines packs that you've put together are wonderful. What a lucky family you have. x

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Your chocolates are so cute! My kids and I did little chocolates at Christmas time. We cheated--we melted semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave! It worked great. I'm inspired to do ones for Valentines! Thanks!

Sarah said...

I love the way you packaged those chocolates!

Carrie said...

How clever the way you packaged the chocolates!

Felicia said...

What sweet packaging :)

Melissa Goodsell said...

You've got some really lovely things here on your blog. I love the chocolates.
Melx

Allison said...

I left a comment yesterday but for some reason it didn't stick.

I've enjoyed reading your blog I found it through Sarah. The chocolates are really cute and the crayons.