Using the Portland Truffle DIY Chocolate Squares Starter Kit requires just 4 simple steps:
1. Melt
2. Mold
3. Chill
4. Release
The basic steps are covered in the kit instructions. But, there is always more to the story! These expanded instructions give you more detailed explanation, tips on what to watch out for and tricks to make your chocolates over-the-top delicious. If you're the visual type, you can also check out instagram.com/portlandtruffle for our videos.
Let's get started!
In your DIY Chocolate Squares Starter Kit, you should find these items:
- Chocolate mold
- Chocolate discs
- Design sheets
- Cotton glove
- Candy cups
- Gift box
- Stretch loop
You will also need:
- Small bowl and spoon
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Step 1: Melt
Pour about 1/3 of your chocolate (approximately a heaping 1/4 cup) into a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave 20 seconds, then stir well. Continue to microwave 20 seconds at a time, stirring after each, until chocolate is mostly melted but with a few larger chunks still remaining. Stir vigorously until mixture is glossy and smooth. Set aside to cool while you prep your mold.
Step 2: Mold
Use your round polishing pad to polish the inside edges of the four openings in your mold. This will give your chocolate shiny edges, and will help the squares release more easily. Do this step before each time you use the mold.
Place the mold face down on your counter. Position the transfer sheet(s) over the openings in the mold. Carefully place the silicon lid over the mold, ensuring edges are fully sealed. Turn mold right side up.
Use a small spoon to scoop melted chocolate into the mold, pushing it into the corners. Try not to touch the bottom, or to overfill. When all four openings are filled, carefully move mold to refrigerator. You can leave any extra chocolate in your bowl to re-melt with your next batch, or scoop it out onto parchment to harden and reuse later.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate mold 20-30 minutes, until chocolate is completely firm to the touch.
Step 4: Release
Remove mold from refrigerator and place on a flat, smooth surface (baking sheet, cutting board, parchment covered counterop). Put cotton glove on (to avoid fingerprints and smudged designs) and carefully turn mold over onto your gloved hand, catching any chocolates that fall out. Set any loose chocolates aside. With mold upside down, peel silicon lid off and set aside. Remove plastic design sheets from chocolates. Note that designs will not transfer if chocolate is not completely chilled! If chocolates remain in place in the mold, lift it up and lightly tap one edge on the counter until they pop out. You may also gently push them out with a gloved finger.
Repeat Steps 1-4 with remaining chocolate, being sure to polish edges of mold well between each batch. When all batches are finished, simply clean mold and lid with warm water (no soap and no dishwasher!).
Step 6: Gift (and Eat!)
With a gloved hand, set each finished square in a candy cup, place in gift box and finish with stretch loop. The gift box will fit 4 to 8 squares. Your kit should make 12-16 squares. Eat the extras!