Chocolate Cups

Here is a great idea for children's parties and those classroom Valentine's Day festivities.All you need to do for this recipe is melt & freeze some chocolate...it doesn't get any easier than that!
  Depending on how many you plan to make ,you will need to purchase melting chocolate.I buy mine at a local candy making supply store.Although the brand name is not marked on the bags I buy,I believe that it is made by Merkens.Michael's Craft Stores also sells candy melts.Today I am melting about one pound,and well,if there is any leftover,I'll just have to dip some pretzels in and have a party for myself!See a picture of the melts below.
   The chocolate can be melted in a microwave,although I suggest using a double boiler.If you do not have a double boiler,simply set a medium saucepan filled with about 2 inches of water on your cooktop,the place a heat resistant glass bowl on top.Simmer the water an stir the chocolate until melted. DO NOT BOIL the water!If you use a microwave,I would melt the chocolate in 30 second intervals,as it can burn easily,and we don't want that.
   After melting the chocolate,brush 1 heaping tablespoon into cupcake liners,covering all of the paper

with a thick coat of chocolate.Set on a baking sheet.When all of your cups are done,place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.When they come out of the freezer,check to see that the cupcake liners are fully coated with chocolate.If not,add another coat and refreeze.

   Carefully peel away the cupcake liner.Now you are ready to fill them!I have filled them with assorted candies and marshmallows.

  Notice that my sheet pan also has some mini chocolate cups?Check in to see what I have planned for them!
  These are a great project to do with your kids,and can be filled with a variety of items including ice-cream!Wouldn't they make great sundae cups?Serve them as is ,or dress them up with a gift bag and ribbon as I did above.Have fun!
****Two important notes....these freeze beautifully,and can be made well in advance,just be sure to store carefully,as they are fragile!They can stay at room temp for quite some time as well,just wrap carefully.Also,I use a silicone baking brush to brush the chocolate into the cups.The brushes made out of boars hair tend to leave not so delicious bristles behind....no good.