How to: Chocolate leaves

One of my favorite things that I love to make this time of year is chocolate leaves.

They are stunning and will impress anyone who sees them! They are also pretty simple, all they take are some basic things and patience. So before that tree in your yard looses all it's leaves- go get some, make some leaves, and store them for your next cake!

You'll need:
Chocolate (good kind) and 1-2 tsp. shortening (Wilton Candy Melts work well, need no shortening, but don't taste great)
Leaves (I always use real ones, washed and dried well)
Paint brush
Parchment or wax paper
Luster dusts and grain alcohol if you want them colored.

1. Wash your leaves. Make sure they are dried WELL before you use them. You can use fake leaves as well, but I've never done it. I like real. Obviously, make sure you aren't using a poisonous kind.



2. Melt your chocolate and shortening in a double broiler slowly. Make sure not to overheat, or get water in this.

3. Use your paint brush to paint the chocolate on the leaves. Pay special attention to get the middle vain thicker, and the bottom of the leaf as well.



4. Let dry on parchment- about 10 minutes or so, or pop into the fridge for a minute.


5. Starting at the bottom, slowly peel leaf away from chocolate. Hold gently, and peel straight up, saving the edges for last. It helps if you hold in the center/bottom.


6. Using a small pairing knife, clean up edges of leaf where small bits of the leaf may still be stuck to the chocolate leaf.


7. Use another brush dipped in alcohol to paint on colors of luster. I usually blend red/orange or yellow/red, or golds to make them appear more realistic.

You're done! Don't worry if some of them break on you, You can tuck broken pieces into places on your cake- so don't toss them!
Use chocolate or royal or buttercream to attach to tops your cakes and down the sides.
Use them to adorn platters filled with other goodies for fall.
Store them in air tight containers in cool places to make them last months.