Shortening may not be a desirable ingredient in your kitchen, but we've yet to find one that tops it. So far, we've found that it makes everything, from buttercream icing to melted chocolate, do its job a little better.
We add a tablespoon or two to each bowl of melted chocolate. We've found that it is especially helpful to thin out the white chocolate, which tends to be too thick for dipping. We still add a little bit of vegetable oil, too... we think it's the combination of the two that makes for chocolate perfect for dipping.
If your chocolate is clumpy, thick, or bubbly, just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and add a scoop of shortening. You'll be glad you tried it!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Cake Ball Chronicles: Melon Bawling?
The girls at My Sweet Nola have spent hours perfecting their cake ball techniques. We learned it the hard way, and we're passing on our tips and tricks to you. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line. Check back often the latest tricks of the trade!
Does balling your cake balls bring you to tears? Have no fear, My Sweet Nola is here to the rescue!
We all want to use something to form the balls, but not all balling tools are created equal. At first glance, the cookie scoop (shown above, left) seems like a perfect fit. It works on cookie dough, why not cake balls? We'll tell you why. The cake balls come out way too big. Anyone who has enjoyed a cake ball knows a little goes a long way.
That brings us to our preferred balling tool, the melon baller. The melon baller may be the answer to your prayers, but only if you choose the right one. Look for a two-sided melon baller with a single metal rod going through the handle and holding the two sides together. One sided ballers or those that attach the two ends separately tend to bend and will eventually break (Believe us, we've been there).
Your melon baller does not have to be expensive, in fact, we prefer the OXO brand at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It's only $8.99 + tax (even cheaper if you remember your 20% off coupon).
So invest in the right tools, and it will save you a lot of headaches and handaches.
That brings us to the end of this session of the Cake Ball Chronicles. Happy Balling Y'all!
Does balling your cake balls bring you to tears? Have no fear, My Sweet Nola is here to the rescue!
We all want to use something to form the balls, but not all balling tools are created equal. At first glance, the cookie scoop (shown above, left) seems like a perfect fit. It works on cookie dough, why not cake balls? We'll tell you why. The cake balls come out way too big. Anyone who has enjoyed a cake ball knows a little goes a long way.
That brings us to our preferred balling tool, the melon baller. The melon baller may be the answer to your prayers, but only if you choose the right one. Look for a two-sided melon baller with a single metal rod going through the handle and holding the two sides together. One sided ballers or those that attach the two ends separately tend to bend and will eventually break (Believe us, we've been there).
Your melon baller does not have to be expensive, in fact, we prefer the OXO brand at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It's only $8.99 + tax (even cheaper if you remember your 20% off coupon).
So invest in the right tools, and it will save you a lot of headaches and handaches.
That brings us to the end of this session of the Cake Ball Chronicles. Happy Balling Y'all!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Cake Ball Bouquets Have Arrived!!!
Our first attempt at cake ball bouquets was a big success!! Our friends LOVED them! And so did we!
First, we dipped and decorated as usual. Then we wrapped each one in our cake pop wrapping (poly bag tied with ribbon). We placed them in a decorative flower pot, using styrofoam to hold them in place. Then we added a little bit of shredded paper for the final touch!
Do you love it?? We do! And we think this is a GREAT alternative to the cookie bouquet!
We used cellophane to wrap it all up and tied it with a ribbon. These bouquets were given as gifts-- for a party. They would be cute with or without the cellophane. Large or small, this is definitely the way to go!
Go Saints!
First, we dipped and decorated as usual. Then we wrapped each one in our cake pop wrapping (poly bag tied with ribbon). We placed them in a decorative flower pot, using styrofoam to hold them in place. Then we added a little bit of shredded paper for the final touch!
Do you love it?? We do! And we think this is a GREAT alternative to the cookie bouquet!
We used cellophane to wrap it all up and tied it with a ribbon. These bouquets were given as gifts-- for a party. They would be cute with or without the cellophane. Large or small, this is definitely the way to go!
Go Saints! Saturday, October 10, 2009
Golf Tournament Goodies!
We donated these cute boxed sets of cake balls to a Tulane Booster Club Golf Tournament. Aren't they just so cute? This is a great way to package a dozen cake balls using 4 piece boxes. They were a big hit as door prizes at the Tourney, too!!
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