Things You'll Need:
- Bar of semisweet chocolate
- Shortening
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
- Candy thermometer
- Double boiler
- Bowl
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cookie cutters or sharp knife
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Step 1
Decide what shapes you want to create. Have your child help select cookie cutters to use to make the cut-outs or create your own stencils by cutting a shape from cardboard or poster board.
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Step 2
Shave a bar of semisweet chocolate on a cutting board with a paring knife. Put the shavings in a bowl. Add one teaspoon shortening for every 2 ounces of chocolate.
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Step 3
Melt 2/3 of the chocolate in a double boiler on low heat. Do not let the temperature go over 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Step 4
Remove the container from the heat, and slowly add the remaining chocolate until it's all melted. Spoon the chocolate on a piece of parchment paper.
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Step 5
Spread the chocolate with a spatula to form a smooth, thin layer. Cover with a layer of paper. Store in a cool place until the chocolate is solid. Remove the paper and gently tap it on a hard surface to make it even and remove air bubbles.
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Step 6
Warm up a cookie cutter or a sharp knife by passing it quickly over a gas flame.
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Step 7
Cut out shapes in the chocolate with a cookie cutter. To use your own stencils, place the stencil on top of the chocolate and trace it with the knife.
