The Chocolatier Experience

While chocolate is loved by many, there are few who have the expertise, equipment and ingredients to make it for themselves, let alone some of the delicious truffles and flavours that are available today. Indulging in the chocolatier experience involves learning about the process, from cocoa bean to store, trying out some creations of your own and, of course, tasting some of the most unusual and unexpected creations available. Each experience will vary, depending on where you go, the price and the person leading the class, but that does mean that there is something to suit every budget.

The Cupcake Experience

It would be nearly impossible to miss the cupcake trend that is sweeping the world at the moment, but then again who would want to miss it. Naturally, as with any trend the more people following it, the more opportunities that become available. The cupcake experience can vary from cooking experiences to decorating classes. The cooking experience will test your creativity and palate, giving you the opportunity to mix new flavours and come up with new cupcake sensations. The decorating experience will teach you all of the more specialist tricks to cake decoration, including piping techniques and how to make the perfect buttercream. If you are lucky you might fight yourself being taught by a world famous patissier. Most places will let you take home your creations to share with your friends and family and you usually get the chance to taste a sample of the professionally made cupcakes.

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine tasting has been an established activity for centuries and while it was once somewhat exclusive for the upper classes, now it is available to everyone. Experience packages can vary from weekends to an afternoon. Some might include a tour of a vineyard and a lesson on the process of making wine. They will all teach you what to look for in a good wine and how to taste wine effectively. You will then be given the opportunity to put your new skills to the test and enjoy a variation of different wines, discussing your findings with others included on the experience day. Some people have even found themselves investing in their very own vineyard after this tasting experience.

Italian Cookery Experience

For those who don’t have a sweet tooth and prefer the more savoury delights of Italian cookery, this experience day is perfect. There are two forms to choose from; the cookery course and the cuisine tasting experience. The first will teach you all the basics of Italian cuisine, along with an insight into the country’s approach to food and cooking. The second offers you the opportunity to test your established ideas of what is good food, allowing you to experience new and unexpected taste sensations. Many find that this leads to further experimentation in their own kitchens as they are keen to recreate what they have tasted during the experience day. It is the perfect romantic experience and is one that keeps on giving long after the day is over. If you can, try to book with an established, authentic Italian chef. Some take it one step further, travelling to Italy to appreciate the food on Italian soil.

The taste bud experience is one that everyone can participate in and enjoy and with so much variety available, there is sure to be something for everyone, whether they prefer sweet to savoury, or drinks to food. Not only is it a wonderful day out, but you also leave with a little something to take home and share, or keep to yourself for later.

By Neil Sheth

https://chocolatefountainhirelondon.com/

The post The Taste Bud Experience appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

According to the results of one online survey conducted by Datamonitor, the average Briton demolished 24.7lbs of chocolate in 2012 (which is the equivalent of 266 Mars bars). In total, as a nation, we consumed 661 million kilograms of the stuff; which not only puts us at the top of the league table in terms of cocoa-based consumption within Europe (woo hoo, we are good at something then!), but demonstrates we have a soft spot for chocolatey goodness.

So, given our intense love of all things covered in chocolate it’s safe to assume we know precisely how our favourite snack is made.

No?

Well settle down with a bar of something delicious and I shall take you on a whirlwind tour of chocolate production.

A Magical Place – “Chocolate Land”

Chocolate is grown in a magical place called Chocolate Land … OK, so that’s not strictly true. Chocolate is actually made from cocoa beans (technically a fruit, which surely contributes towards your five a day), which grow on cocoa trees. The trees themselves only flourish within 10 and 15 degrees either side of the equator, with the largest producers of chocolate being the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia and Brazil.

The first step in chocolate production is the harvesting of the cocoa pods from the trees which contain the cocoa beans. The pods are then crushed, the beans and surrounding pulp is then extracted and left to dry out in the open under the loving gaze of the sun for approximately 7 days. The finest chocolate (you know, the really good stuff you wish your boyfriend would buy you for Valentine’s Day) is made when the beans are allowed to dry naturally for a longer period of time. The inferior quality chocolate (you know, the stuff your boyfriend usually buys you for Valentine’s Day because it’s the only thing left on the shelf by the time he gets round to it) usually reserved for mass produced products comes from cocoa beans that is artificially dried to speed up the process.

The dried cocoa beans are then graded and cleaned in preparation for roasting. The length of time needed for roasting varies depending on the size of the beans. Beans are roasted at different temperatures depending on the desired outcome, for example, the higher the temperature the more the bitter the end result, which can mean more sugar is needed to balance the overall taste. This process is particularly common within the United States, whereas in Europe beans are roasted at a lower temperature for a longer time period, resulting in a richer flavour with a lower reliance on sugar. Which ultimately means European chocolate tastes better and is healthier for you! Everyone’s a winner.

The roasted beans are then subjected to a bit of light crushing (the technical term for this is adorably known as “kibbling”), which separates the nib from the shell or husk (much like shelling a nut). The kibbled nibs (seriously, you couldn’t make this up) are then ground to make cocoa mass (sometimes referred to as liquor because they are liquefied). This mass is then allowed to cool and solidify at which point sugar is added and the mixture is then kneaded to form a dough.

This doughy mixture is then “conched” to create a smoother texture. Essentially, the dough is beaten with conch/seashell shaped paddles (hence the name), and the friction from the paddles create heat which melts the combined mixture into a liquid. The quality of the resulting chocolate is determined by the length of time it is allowed to conch for (modern technology allows this process to be completed within eight to ten hours; however, good chocolate used to take four or five days to conch properly!).

The end product is a liquid chocolate which can be stored and shipped, then formed and moulded into whatever shape is desired.

Different Types of Chocolates

Just as there are many different types of chocolate eaters, there are different types of chocolate, although admittedly there are only three main varieties. Different chocolate, for example, dark, milk and white are all produced in slightly different ways.

Dark chocolate is he most aromatic of the chocolates and contains the largest amount of cocoa solids compared to its chocolatey peers (the minimum amount is 35% and it can reach the heady heaights of 99%).

Milk chocolate, your childhood favourite, is essentially dark chocolate with a cunning secret ingredient – milk. OK, so it’s not that cunning, or that secret! The addition of milk to the conching process creates a milder and smoother, creamier taste.

During the creation of white chocolate only the cocoa butter is extracted from the beans after roasting. This is the added to milk, sugar, and vanilla to create that gorgeous taste from heaven.

By Neil Sheth

https://chocolatefountainhirelondon.com

The post How is Chocolate Made? appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

No, seriously.

Really.

OK, I admit it, when I first heard it I was sceptical. I thought it was one of those urban myths that do the rounds on social media sites. You know the sorts of things, like two previously popular teeny-bopper groups merging to form a super boy band. Oh, wait … well, anyway, you get the idea.

Not a huge fan of being tricked into believing things that aren’t true I decided to use my superhuman researching skills (OK, I sat in front of the laptop with a cup of coffee for 30 minutes) and I can now declare it’s true.

It’s fact.

Chocolate is healthy. Or to be more precise, chocolate has a number of healthy benefits, which when all’s said and done amounts to the same thing.

Heart Healthy

Now, us ladies all knew there was a reason to love, love, love chocolate and it turns out that it loves us back – chocolate, or dark chocolate in particular – is good for your heart.

Studies have shown that eating a small amount of dark chocolate a few times a week will actually help lower your blood pressure. I know I always feel more relaxed after a couple of squares of my favourite chocolate bar. OK, a whole bar of my favourite chocolate bar (I suppose it depends on your definition of “small amount”).

In fact, dark chocolate has been found to help improve blood flow and circulation, and may even help prevent the formation of blood clots. So, if you’re visiting someone in hospital it would be kinder to bring them chocolate than the clichéd bunch of grapes!

Chocolate is the thinking person’s snack

As chocolate can improve blood flow this in turn means that your brain’s getting more of that oxygen rich haemoglobin, which in turn can help to improve brain function. Of course doing 10 Sudoku’s a day will have the same effect, but let’s face it, chocolate tastes so much better! Not only that, but because of this increased blood flow, regular chocolate consumers are at reduced risk of stroke.

Asides from the cognitive benefits, chocolate is a natural mood enhancer. There’s a reason we reach for it at certain times of the month (or, in my case, certain times of the day!). Chocolate naturally contains the unpronounceable chemical phenylethylamine (or PEA to the likes of you and me) which is the same chemical created and released by the brain when you fall in love. Consequently, consuming chocolate will make you feel happy and all warm inside, and who doesn’t want that?

Chocolate is radical

Actually, chocolate is crammed full of antioxidants which help rid your body of free radicals. These free radicals are particularly nasty little things which are implicated in the aging process and have been linked to causing cancer. Therefore, eating antioxidant rich foods, such as chocolate, can help slow down the aging process (and it’s cheaper than that expensive 50ml tub of anti-aging cream you’ve been buying, so it’s good for your bank balance too!).

It has a slimming effect

OK, so now I just sound like a liar, but really, chocolate can be slimming. Various studies by some very intelligent scientists have shown that people who eat chocolate regularly are more likely to be thinner than those who don’t. It appears that the frequency of consumption (i.e. two to three times a week) is more important than the quantities consumed when it comes to weight gain and loss. There are currently limited details as to what causes this effect, but it has been suggested that chocolate, which is rich in fibre, may actually act as a natural appetite suppressant. It may be counter intuitive, but if you give in to your chocolate craving, you may end up consuming fewer calories than if you had tried to avoid it.

Everything in moderation

Now, it’s all well and good saying chocolate is healthy for you, but that’s not to say you should clear your kitchen of all things fruit and fibre like. Chocolate may not be the evil snack we once thought, but like everything, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Of course, it’s up to you whether that balanced diet now contains chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered bananas, chocolate covered muesli, chocolate covered apples …

By Neil Sheth

The post My Three Favourite Words appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

If you do choose to let your child dress herself then you always run the risk of being on a day out and them turning to you in tears because they are uncomfortable. Is this a lesson well learnt or should you always be prepared with a spare change of suitable clothing? It seems like a lot of effort just to allow your child to understand the freedom of choice and the possible outcomes. Or is there simply an age when your child should be left to their own devices and after that the outcome is entirely their fault? It seems like dangerous territory!

Discipline and Freedom of Choice

When it comes to discipline everyone seems to have a different opinion, and while some people believe that intense discipline robs a child of their autonomy and confidence, other people believe that is empowers them to succeed in this world of rules and expectations. In terms of children’s attire which idea makes the most sense? It seems like dressing should be such a minor issue, but any parent who has spent early mornings trying to persuade their child to put down the fancy dress outfit and wear something sensible will know that it is anything but minor.

Every parent gets to a point where they can no longer get away with telling their child what to wear and while it is sad not to be able to dress them in matching outfits and adorable costumes, at some point they have to become their own person and clothes are a large part of forming an identity. But should a child be learning this need to seek a label through clothing at such a young age and wouldn’t it be better to allow them the early years to play without this need for definition, until they really have to at least.

Losing Control

Allowing your child to pick and choose their outfit for the day is only part of the battle. There is also the need to get changed out of pyjamas and into something for the day and if you are in a rush, taking them to day care or going to an appointment, many people simply don’t have the time to give their child complete freedom. Given the choice most people would rather stay at home in their comfortable pyjamas and children are no different. So where is the line? When should you teach them to follow orders and when should you leave them to their own devices?

It seems that there has to be a balance between the two. Yes, the child can wear what he or she wants, as long as it is suitable for the weather and for the occasion and if necessary the parent will have to advise. They also need to realise that it is not a fashion show and time is usually of the essence. Choose quickly, or someone will do it for you. This allows for the child to have freedom to choose, without causing drama first thing in the morning.

Times Have Changed

In the past this issue was never a problem. The mother, or even the maid in some houses, would choose the outfit and the child would wear it, without question. When they reached a suitable age they could choose their own clothing because by that point they understood social requirements. Nowadays our lives are much less regimented by social expectations so we can choose freely and wear whatever we dare, so it is difficult for our children to grow up in this kind of environment and yet still not be allowed to choose their own clothing.

At the end of the day it always depends on the type of household in each situation. Finding a balance between discipline and free will can be difficult and when children are very young they need to know where the line is, to help them avoid crossing it. What is more, it almost seems like a mother’s right to be able to dress up her child until they reach an age when it is no longer suitable. Should we really rob the mother of this joy after all that they do?

The post Children Dressing Themselves appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

Not only is it a way to save money, but it also means that we are maintaining skills that might otherwise be forgotten. The skill of cooking is an obvious one, but it also involves manners, polite conversation and the ability to host. There are those out there who believed that these skills were lost in the wake of modern technology, but thanks to the recession they are being maintained in the homes of millions across the country.

What is a modern dinner party?

The modern dinner party can consist of anything from the most informal affair on any weekday night, to the most luxurious full day event. The basic idea is for a small group of friends to rotate the cooking duty, each hosting the party once a week, cooking for their friends and providing some form of entertainment for the evening. Perhaps the trend was inspired by the popular TV show, Come Dine With Me, but whatever the cause might be, millions have latched on to it as a way to save money yet still see their friends and loved ones.

While in the past such events would involve the help of a butler, several serving staff and the all important presence of a professional cook, nowadays it is much simpler, with the host cooking and serving the food. In some cases there is even an agreement that the last person to cook must do the washing up at the next event. The food doesn’t necessarily need to be exotic or expensive, in fact, as the idea is to save money it is often simple hearty food, such as sausages and mash or cottage pie. Feeding friends and looking after them for the evening has become a matter of pride, with each host competing for the best reputation in the group.

Make it your own

For those wanting to recreate this popular new trend there are many ways to go about it. The simplest way is to invite some friends around and agree between you that it will be a weekly event, taking it in turn to host the night. If you are looking for a more extravagant dinner party for a special event then why not do it in style. Create some simple yet stylish invites and send them out without any prior warning, for optimum impact. In many cases this type of event is based around a theme, such as a murder mystery party or a Mad Hatter tea party. This can involve more work, but the results are always memorable and, hopefully, will inspire your friends to do the same.

Focus on the taste of the food in addition to presentation and don’t forget that you are doing it for your guests, so keep in mind any allergies or dietary requirements in addition to the types of cuisine that your friends enjoy. The entertainment for the evening can be anything from watching a film together or playing a board game or it can be more elaborate, such as a murder mystery game where each of your guests plays a specific character. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and imaginative.

What is Next?

It will be interesting to see where this trend leads. Could we all slowly become groundbreaking hosts and party planners, or will it simply disappear once we can afford to eat out at restaurants once more? The skills that are being developed with the modern dinner party might be overlooked, but they were once considered so important that parents would send their children away to finishing school in order to ensure that they have good manners and could host a successful and memorable dinner party.

Networking and hosting is no longer such an important issue and people conduct parties simply as a form of entertainment and rarely to reach a better level in their work or social life. Times have changed, but the return of this once favoured tradition can be no bad thing and gives us all a chance to improve our imaginations and creativity, in addition to showing our friends and loved ones that we care about their wellbeing enough to physically cook for them. It might not be silver service and the food might not be groundbreaking, but as long as we have food in our bellies and the pleasant company of our friends, in general we can remain happy.

By Neil Sheth

https://chocolatefountainhirelondon.com/

The post The Modern Dinner Party: Saving Money in Style appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

Times are hard and there are few people out there who have managed to escape the stresses and strains of modern day life from entering their system, but luckily there is a prevalence of luxury spas designed to remove all signs of stress, leaving you a smiling, glowing version of your former self. While this ideal is easy to picture in our minds, finding the perfect luxury spa can be a little tricky, especially if you are trying to find a balance between quality and price.

There is nothing worse than looking forward to a luxury spa experience all week, only to discover on arrival that the towels have stains, the pool is littered with sand and the restaurant is one step up from a Little Chef. Depending on what you are looking for there is a spa experience out there for every budget and every demand.  It is just a case of finding it.

What Type of Spa do YOU want?

The first step in finding the spa that you need is deciding what you want. The term spa can cover a multitude of different locations, so define what it is you are looking for. Do you want a quiet, simple location with a pool, a cafe and a cosy chair to snuggle up and read in after a nice relaxing swim? Are you looking for the full, deluxe experience of pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, treatments and a 4 star restaurant? Is it more of a boot camp experience you need, with gym equipment, classes, swimming pool and a sports massage to finish with?

The list is extensive and while there are some spas that can cater to all of these needs, in most cases it is advisable to seek out a specific spa for your individual needs. Some are designed specifically with couples in mind, offering a romantic retreat or even a honeymoon experience, whereas others will be more suited to families, with activities designed to entertain the children while the parents relax in peace, or even family fun spas where the whole family can play and relax together. There are also spas that cater for group outings, such as hen and stag parties. Few people want to relax in the same spa as several groups of hens or stags, so it is important to find a venue that is suited to your needs.

What to Avoid

In the search for the ideal spa there are a few things to beware of. While heavily advertised and low priced spa deals and coupons can sometimes be wonderful value, in general the owner is trying to make up for a lack of interest, which suggests at low quality. It also often results in a sudden spike in interest that can make the experience quite unpleasant. Yes, you might have saved on 50% of the price, but you also have to share the spa with 10 times as many customers and in a venue that is ill-equipped to cope with the sudden interest. That being said, there are times when the deals are genuinely offering a good service for a special, one-time-only price.

The only way to be sure of what you are getting is to check the reviews and find out what other people are saying. If you are looking for somewhere for a special occasion it is advisable to seek recommendations through word of mouth rather than taking advantage of deals, so that you don’t run the risk of being disappointed by poor a quality service.

UK Spas

The UK spa experience can differ substantially from an overseas spa, so learn to balance your expectations. It is quite rare to find a spa that offers the same experience with salt baths, mineral water or hydrotherapy treatments that many spas in Eastern Europe offer, but they are still available in the UK. Consider location, spa type, guest type and price when you research a venue. Thanks to the widely available internet reviews we can now find out exactly what people are saying about a spa experience without the need of visiting it ourselves. If you do your research and listen to the advice of friends and relatives and you will find a high quality venue that can quickly become a favourite destination.

In general, if a spa offers a monthly gym membership to the general public then it will probably not be a suitable spot for a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. Try to find somewhere that specialises in treatments for this type of occasion and you are much less likely to be disappointed. If you do the leg work before your visit then you will find yourself able to sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you have made the right decision.

By Neil Sheth

The post Finding the Perfect Luxury Spa Experience appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

We’re thinking piping hot beef stews, crispy jacket potatoes stuffed with cheese and beans, toasted marshmallows and maybe a bowl (or two) of homemade apple and blackberry crumble to boot.

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Of course, that’s not all – a cosy, autumnal night just isn’t complete without a steaming mug of hot chocolate, topped with a mountain of whipped cream and marshmallows. Rich, decadent and wonderfully comforting, it’s all we need when we snuggle up on the sofa, ready for the return of X Factor.

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As lovers of chocolate (as we’re sure you are too, else why are you here?!) we have tried many, many recipes. But none ever seem to quite live up to standard, do they?

You see, the problem is the yucky cocoa powders sold in supermarkets which have all the flavour of a cucumber. Whenever we make them up, we’re left with clumps of cocoa powder floating at the top, while the drink itself doesn’t even remotely taste like chocolate.

So, to overcome our constant, bitter disappointment, we’ve taken to whipping up our own hot chocolate recipes – and we guarantee they will leave your belly feeling very happy indeed!

Here are three top hot chocolate recipes which will really get your mouth watering. Whether you like the rich, velvety darkness of liquid chocolate or the comfort of cocoa, we have it for you.

We’ve even got you a Milk Chocolate Float recipe, just incase you’re not ready to embrace the autumnal nights anytime soon.

Enjoy – and be sure to save us a mug!

How to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate

Homemade Liquid Chocolate

This is the ultimate treat for chocoholics everywhere. We love it with coconut cream, but be creative and throw in your own ingredients – just let us know your favourites!

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

850ml full-fat milk

120ml double cream (or, for a tropical twist, go for coconut cream)

220g good quality dark chocolate (we love Lindt sea salt)

3tsps maple syrup or sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch salt

Shot of Baileys or large dollop of Nutella (optional)

Method:

1)      Chop or grate the chocolate into very fine pieces, then set aside. Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan, then bring to a gentle simmer over a medium heat, being sure to stir every now and again to avoid it burning. No one likes burned milk!

2)      Add the chopped chocolate, sweetener, vanilla and salt (and Baileys / Nutella if using) and mix until the chocolate has melted and gooey. Cook for a further four minutes, whisking all the time.

3)      Pour into your favourite mugs, then top with whipped cream and marshmallows. Serve up with freshly-baked cookies and enjoy!

Jamie Oliver’s Epic Hot Chocolate

This brilliant recipe is easy to make up in advance, meaning it’s ready and waiting for you whenever you need a sweet treat! Although it is made with cocoa, this is the best powdered hot chocolate you will ever try – guaranteed.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 pint milk

For the epic hot chocolate mix:

2 tbsp Horlicks

2 tbsp cornflour

3 tbsp icing sugar

4 tbsp good quality cocoa (we recommend Green and

Blacks)

100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely grated

1 pinch ground cinnamon

1 pinch sea salt

Method:

1)      Pour the milk into a saucepan and slowly bring to the boil over a medium heat.

2)      Meanwhile, add the chocolate mix ingredients to a large storage jar and shake to combine – it really is that simple!

3)      To serve 4, add about five heaped tbsps. of the chocolate mix to the boiled milk, whisk and let it bubble away for a few minutes before stirring.

4)      For a sweeter taste, stir in some sugar – it can be quite bitter!

Milk Chocolate Float

This is a great recipe for September nights, where the weather is still a little warmer, but you’re craving home comforts. Share with your kids and we guarantee that they will think you are the greatest parent, hands-down!

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

100ml full-fat milk

4 heaped tbsp. good quality cocoa powder (we recommend Cadbury’s Bournville or Green and Blacks)

500ml vanilla ice cream

600ml of additional full-fat milk

Packet mini marshmallows

Freshly grated chocolate

Method:

1)      To make the chocolate syrup, heat the milk and cocoa in a small saucepan, stirring until dissolved and combined. Pour into a jug, then cover and leave to chill for a few hours.

2)      When the syrup is chilled, pour into four glasses, then divide the remaining 600ml of milk between each one. Throw in a couple of scoops of ice cream, then throw over marshmallows and chocolate. Serve with a spoon.

Written by Neil Sheth

The post How to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.

A vision in delicate Chantilly lace, your dream wedding dress has suddenly transformed you into a beautiful princess. You barely recognise yourself.

But even though you’ve now got your dress, your planning can’t end here. Nope. Now, you have to find everything to match – you need the shoes, the clutch, the bridesmaid dresses, the venue décor, the chocolate fountain and even the cake.

It all seems never-ending, doesn’t it? Believe us, we’ve been there. We know just how stressful planning a wedding can be.

But we’re all about the fun, which is why we’re bringing you one of our favourite parts of any wedding – the cake!

Believe it or not, but picking your wedding cake is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your big day. Not only does it need to taste incredible, but it also needs to look spectacular, fitting in with your wedding theme and venue.

If you’re planning a wedding set in fancy surroundings, then a tall, tiered cake may be best. For informal weddings, you can choose from pretty cupcakes or smaller designsdv s. Styles can vary from traditional varieties, decorated with ivory icing and fresh flowers, to quirkier cakes with hand-painted designs.

But if you’re struggling to pick the one, then fret not.  Just pour yourself a cuppa, cut yourself a thick slice of cake (ours is coffee and walnut) and read on.

Reflect Your Personality

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More and more, weddings are becoming reflections of a couple’s wacky personality, so why not use the cake and wild? Paint it up with rainbows of colour, or choose intricate patterns in the design.

It’s also popular to play around with the flavours of the sponge, with the traditional fruit cake often being ditched. Flavourings can actually be a pretty tough decision – do you go for vanilla, lemon, red velvet, chocolate or even mocha? I know, we like the sound of them all too!

If you’re not particularly sweet-toothed, then why not pick a cheese cake? Gather together your favourite cheeses, stack ‘em up high, decorate with fresh fruits and enjoy.

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Pick A Budget – And Stick To It

The prices of wedding cakes can be eye-watering, often running into their thousands. It’s important to remember that the more intricate the design, the more it will cost – bespoke cakes will take hours and hours, meaning they will set you back mega bucks.

However, if you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of options. Cupcakes often work out much cheaper than tiered cakes, but you can also cut back on the design hours by adding fresh flowers to the décor, rather than hand-spun sugar flowers.

Choosing the Design

How on earth do you pick a wedding cake design when there are thousands of beautiful fancies out there? Do you opt for traditional ivory cakes, or do you go all-out with an in-your-face print?

To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up some of the top cake trends this year. Be warned: they may make your mouth water…

Wedding Dress Details

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Use your spectacular, lacy dress as inspiration by requesting a similar cake. Ask your designer for plenty of ruffles and lace, or why not replicate the intricate details on your dress with sugared flowers?

These cakes are great for more traditional weddings as they work best in simple ivory. However, you can add your own personal touch with splashes of colour in the detailing, or even the cake stand.

Vintage Designs

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We’ve attended countless pretty vintage weddings in the last few years, and we love them! All you rocking retro brides should complement delicate wedding china sets or spectacular birdcage centrepieces with a vintage cake design – think lots of lace, pearls and plenty of romance. Believe it or not, but birds (although not live ones!) can also look great on old-school cakes.

A Splash Of Colour

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Many brides-to-be design their cake around the colour scheme of their big day, whether that means adding splashes of pink, pretty blue ribbons or gold flowers.

This year, many are plumping for chic green as their colour, which can be seen in recent cake trends. Mint green cakes look breathtakingly pretty, especially when combined with pastel shades such as pink or peach.

Go Geometric

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Geometric prints are all over the catwalks right now and wedding cakes look set to follow. These designs are wonderfully quirky and are sure to make a statement on your big day. From pretty pastels to funky monochrome decor, chevrons or square shapes can transform a regular cake into a knock-out creation!

Add a Favour Table

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If you felt pressured into picking a traditional, tiered cake when all you really wanted was a wild, fluro pink design, then don’t worry – you can show off your personality in other ways, like transforming a table into a cake and sweet stand. Invite guests to take their pick from penny sweets, delicious cupcakes, colourful macarons and, of course, a chocolate fountain to top it all off.

So, now you’ve read our lowdown, which cake are you going for? Are you a traditional bride, or do you want an in-your-face design?

Whatever you happen to pick, just don’t forget to send us a slice in the post…

By Neil Sheth

The post How To Pick Your Dream Wedding Cake appeared first on Chocolate Fountain Hire.