DIY - Edible Chocolate Easter Basket

Hello lovely readers!! I've been very busy working on a few "first" projects - my niece's 1st birthday party, a long time friend's son's 1st birthday party and my very own 1st Easter Egg Hunt!

Today I've decided to post my first feature! I will begin posting DIY features as often as they are submitted to me, or as often as I fall in love with them - as I did with this edible basket!

I've had the pleasure of working with Debbie from Wants and Wishes for Nathaniel's Toy Story Party and currently working with her again. When I saw her tutorial for an edible chocolate Easter basket, I couldn't believe my eyes! Being in the middle of planning an Easter Egg Hunt and being an extreme chocolate lover, this was like hitting the lotto and knowing that pretty soon I'll be getting "chocolate wasted!" :)

Here are Debbie's instructions:

You will need:

mini balloons

dipping chocolate

peeps! chicks or bunnies (I love these)

candy eggs (I used speckled jelly beans & chocolate filled eggs)

1. First you have to melt the chocolate and decide who wins: MICROWAVE vs OVEN. Please follow package directions.

Tip: To to have your chocolate keep that shinny sheen look to it, the chocolate needs to be melted slow.

2. While your chocolate is melting, blow up mini balloons and coat the bottom half of the balloons with shortening. (this will help the chocolate not stick to the chocolate) Use a cookie sheet or plate with parchment/wax paper on it.

3. Roll the bottom half of the balloon in the chocolate, while holding on at the top half of the balloon. I wanted the chocolate bowl to have a little rough feel to it, since it is supposed to be a basket. No two will be alike and this makes it easier as it not supposed to be perfect. You might have to apply more than one coat. If a small area is a little transparent, or you need to smooth a spot out, use the back of a spoon and with a little chocolate on it, swirl in the direction of the chocolate.

4. With the balloon in your left hand, place a small circle of chocolate on the plate/cookie sheet with your right hand. Place the balloon on top of the chocolate disk. Place in the freezer to set faster. When the chocolate is set, pop the balloon with pin and take out the balloon remains.

Fill with jelly beans, chocolate eggs and other candy. Top with a bunny or chick peep. You can package them in boxes, cellophane bags or on top of individual platters at each place setting. Make sure to make these for your Easter dessert table and use with her Easter Printable available at her Etsy Shop.

Enjoy! And please be sure to e-mail any pictures if you try this for Easter or any occassion!