Easy & Impressive: Chocolate Abstracts

In case you’re on the lookout for a new way to impress in the kitchen this Valentine’s Day – or aiming to wow a whole group of guests for any special occasion really – here’s one of my favorite “sweet tips” from Simple Stunning Parties, a fabulous book by entertaining expert Karen Bussen.

These cool “Chocolate Abstracts” will instantly dress up any sort of dessert – from ice cream to fancy cakes & custards… and despite their artistic, gourmet look, they’re actually surprisingly easy to make! All you need is chocolate chips (4 oz or more), a squeeze bottle, wax paper, and a microwave.

Here’s the detailed info:

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CHOCOLATE ABSTRACTS

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Make sure to use a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer.

2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container for 20 seconds. Stir and microwave again for 10 seconds. Chocolate burns easily, so check and stir at 10-second intervals until fully melted.

3. Pour melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle. Tip – a plastic funnel will help you pour the chocolate into the squeeze bottle without making a mess.

4. Squeeze chocolate over the parchment paper, making abstract shapes. Leave a bit of space between each shape, for easy removal.

5. Place the tray in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once the chocolate is set, use a spatula to remove it from the parchment.

Chocolate abstracts may be stored for several days in the freezer between sheets of parchment paper.

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In Simple Stunning Parties, Bussen recommends pairing the Chocolate Abstracts with vanilla ice cream served in martini glasses and topped with a splash of amaretto. The end result is a very alurring, grown-up treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s day!

{Photos by William Geddes}