Work Life Tips

The best chocolate for making truffles and chocolate candy shapes is called “couverture chocolate.” A high fat content makes this high quality chocolate easier to melt and although it’s expensive, the extra price is well worth it in terms of flavor and ease of use.

Another option for homemade chocolate candy is “compound chocolate.” This chocolate contains hard vegetable fat as well as cocoa butter so it’s a bit cheaper. Be sure to sample before purchase if you can, as poor quality compound chocolate can taste waxy.

Though many think of the edible variety, not all Easter eggs are for consumption. Some eggs come with rich, decorative designs and are meant for display for many years to come. The pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg that uses a wax resistant method to produce intricate, delicate patterns. The Fabergé eggs, made by Peter Fabergé for the Russian Tsars over a hundred years ago, are famous for their spectacular jeweled Easter eggs.

When it comes down to it sometimes seeing is believing. And, if you want to find a good local florist, get out there and look for one. Once you set foot in a flower shop you can get a feel for what they have to offer. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

* Do you like the display arrangements?
* Is there signs of artistic expression in the florist’s arrangements?
* Is there consistently nice design and presentation?
* Are there a lot of plants and flowers to choose from?
* Does the menu span from the ordinary rose to exotic tropical foliage that you’ve never seen before?

If you can answer yes to the majority of these questions then you’ve probably found a good florist. Overall it’s matter of taste—find what YOU like.

Gourmet gift baskets offer enough variety to satisfy everyone’s taste. Whether you choose to order or create your own gourmet food gift basket, you’ll probably want to have each basket follow a theme. For a south of the border gourmet food gift basket, add fresh tortilla chips and a variety of salsas. Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres make great gourmet gift basket items. Some wonderful selections include pepper and onion relish, fresh crab cakes, shrimp cocktail with sauce, smoked salmon samplers, crackers and cheese, and a variety of spices and vinegars. Other gourmet food baskets might center around fresh fruits and nuts, including strawberries, pears, apples, oranges, pistachios, chocolate covered peanuts, almonds, and pecans. Gourmet cheeses and crackers are also great gourmet gift basket choices.

Around the United States, many major zoos hold Easter celebrations that are fun for children of all ages. Find activities from Easter egg hunts to arts and crafts and storytelling that your young ones can enjoy. If you’re looking for somewhere to go, try the Miami Metrozoo’s Easter Egg Safari or Washington DC’s African American Celebration at the National Zoo.

No chocolate lover can resist chocolate covered fruit. If you want to make this delicious treat yourself, choose fruits that are dry on the outside and easily held on one end. Strawberries are a classic, but if you want to make a truly unique chocolate covered fruit gift basket, experiment with apples, oranges, bananas and even grapes.

The best chocolate for making truffles and chocolate candy shapes is called “couverture chocolate.” A high fat content makes this high quality chocolate easier to melt and although it’s expensive, the extra price is well worth it in terms of flavor and ease of use.

Another option for homemade chocolate candy is “compound chocolate.” This chocolate contains hard vegetable fat as well as cocoa butter so it’s a bit cheaper. Be sure to sample before purchase if you can, as poor quality compound chocolate can taste waxy.