Monday, August 24, 2009

Chocolate Boutique Opening - The Shops at the Waterloo Town Square




It's official!  Another Eve Chocolatier Boutique will be located at The Shops in Uptown Waterloo.  I'm so excited and also a bit nervous.  The grand opening will be in November...hope to see you there!

Here's a link to view the shops...

Monday, August 17, 2009

Chocolate, Alfresco

Although chocolate is considered the Food of the Gods, you may find yourself calling on a higher power to keep your sweets solid during your outdoor wedding if you're not prepared with a few basic chocolate tips.  Generally, chocolate is quite stable in most conditions but extremely hot temperatures and more importantly strong sun rays can spell disaster.  To keep your chocolates from having a meltdown make sure to keep them in a shaded area and more preferably in packaging that is not clear.  Other ways to keep your treats in tact are to carefully consider the types you offer. Chocolates that are candy coated or dusted in cocoa powder are ideal in warm temperatures and are more resilient in the sun.  But if you are more of a chocolate purist and would like to present a solid molded item or bar, opt for the darkest chocolate available.  The light the colour, the softer the chocolate and the more likely it is to run as the mercury rises.

You've heard presentation is everything and in the chocolate plus heat equation it equals relief.  Storing your chocolates in the freezer until the reception will keep them cool while the afternoon sun is at full strength.  Because some confections can lose quality after being frozen, be sure to try this beforehand.  You can also present your chocolate favours as a sweet send-off that is put out later in the evening when the sun has set and the temperature becomes cooler.  If your venue doesn't offer refrigeration, keep them in a cooler with frozen gel packs.

Planning an outdoor wedding can pose a few additional challenges but don't allow the heat to melt your dreams of the sweet offerings chocolate creates.  So powerful is the world's favourite treat that a few chocolatey fingers won't keep people from sneaking some extras!