7 tips for making Easter eggs at home

With the arrival of Easter, it is common to look for gifts that can surprise and please friends and family. And one of the most traditional items of that time is the chocolate egg. However, industrialized options can often be expensive, and not have the same quality and flavor as home-made ones.

So it might be interesting to learn how to do it at home. In addition to being a fun and creative activity, making your own egg allows you to customize the gift according to the tastes and preferences of those who will receive it, and it can still be an opportunity to gather the family around a delicious activity.

Next, check out some tips from Elaine Pigini, chef and gastronomy teacher, to prepare Easter eggs at home in an easy and practical way!

1. Use the right chocolate

For each recipe there is an ideal type of chocolate, so be very careful when choosing. Gourmet chocolate, for example, is ideal for making bars, Easter eggs and even creamy fillings. The fractionated, in turn, is indicated for toppings, chocolate baths, bonbon shells and Truffles.

2. Choose melting technique

The correct melting and tempering (thermal shock) are responsible for the result of the product, in which the brightness and resistance of the chocolate will stand out. Therefore, correctly follow the chosen process and respect the temperature.

double boiler

Cut the chocolate into small pieces, place it in a clean, dry, odorless container and set aside. Separately, take a pan with water to the fire, letting it heat until it bubbles at the bottom of the pan and has 50ºC. Turn off the heat and place the container with the chocolate on top (a container larger than the pan, so that the chocolate do not come into contact with water vapor). Stir with a spatula until the chocolate is melted, use a thermometer to check the temperature, thus avoiding damage to the chocolate.

microwave

Cut the chocolate into equal pieces, place in a dry, odorless refractory container and microwave for 1 minute at medium power. Remove then, mix the chocolate and take 30 seconds at medium power and so until the chocolate melts completely. If melting less than 300 g, start the process with 30 seconds at medium power.

melting machine

Follow the instruction manual, respecting the temperature of 50ºC.

3. Tempering is essential

double boiler

Place the container with the chocolate melted to cool over a container of ice water (no ice cubes). Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely cooled and reaches the desired temperature, use a thermometer to ensure this.

Marble

Pour the melted chocolate onto a dry, clean, unscented marble stone. Make movements with the help of a spatula so that it cools evenly. Use the thermometer to check the temperature. Then return the chocolate to the refractory and use it normally.

4. Beware of validity

There is no specific expiration date for each product, as it all depends on the handling, the hygiene of the place and what is used in the recipes. When the context is House made, we need to be especially attentive to all of this. Choose to sell the product always fresh, which will certainly please your customers, bring you compliments and will not put anyone’s health at risk.

5. Be careful when using alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages should be used in recipes only for the sake of taste, never for validity reasons. Some people believe that drinking increases the validity of preparations, which is a myth. Therefore, if you want to use an alcoholic ingredient in the recipe, specify on the packaging that your product contains alcohol, thus avoiding greater problems with children, people who take prescription drugs, among others.

6. Store chocolate properly

Chocolate it must always be kept in a cool and airy place; and in the refrigerator only when making them. Never store bars or ready-made products in the fridge, avoiding excess moisture and, consequently, loss of shine. Do not store chocolate in a damp, smelly place or with cleaning supplies.

7. Use creativity

Working with chocolate is always a pleasure and allows us to create, diversify and innovate. The market is in need of novelties, so invest in the development of differentiated products. Pay attention to the packaging, show affection for what you do, innovate, create and diversify.