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Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Molded chocolates, whether for serving on their own or as an edible garnish for cakes and desserts, add an elegant touch to the sweets tray. Pliable, smooth-textured silicone molds work especially well for chocolate because they are durable, reusable and they create a flawless surface. Silicone molds also work incredibly well because the pliable material ensures the molds bends rather than the chocolate when attempting to extract the sweet creation. Begin with dark chocolate, milk chocolate or chocolate pastilles made especially for candy making and molding.

Mold Selection

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Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Silicone molds for chocolate must have a perfectly smooth interior. Any bubbles, pits or imperfections will transfer to the surface of the chocolate. Abraded or scratched molds give the finished chocolate a dull appearance. Avoid washing the molds with abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads to keep the molds in good shape while avoiding dull finished chocolates. Molds made from food grade silicone with a tin or platinum cure are best used for chocolate, with the platinum cured varieties featuring the smoothest interior for the glossiest finish on the molded chocolates.

Melting and Tempering

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Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Chocolate requires melting over indirect heat, followed by a tempering process that ensures it cures with a glossy exterior and crisp texture. A metal bowl set above the simmering water in a double boiler melts the chocolate without scorching it. Begin by melting three-fourths of the chocolate needed. Use small chopped pieces of chocolate and stir constantly as it melts, heating it to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the chocolate is smooth and the temperature has been reached, remove it from the heat and add the remaining chocolate, stirring it in until it's melted and the temperature has dropped to about 80 degrees. To finish the tempering of the chocolate, heat the chocolate again in the double boiler to between 88 and 91 degrees for dark chocolate, or 86 and 88 degrees for milk chocolate. Chocolate that has been tempered correctly should have a nice shine to its finish and cleanly snap when broken into.

The Perfect Pour

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Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Immediate pouring after tempering prevents the chocolate from setting up and hardening prematurely. Place the silicone molds on a baking sheet or tray, and pour the melted chocolate into the molds. For smooth chocolates, the molds must be filled to the rim. You may need to smooth the chocolate into small details using the tip of a toothpick. Air bubbles can become trapped inside the poured chocolate. Lightly tapping the mold on the counter dislodges the bubbles. You can also prevent air bubbles by brushing a thin coat of the tempered chocolate onto the inside of each mold before pouring.

Curing and Removal

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Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Cool temperatures help chocolate set quickly. Placing the molds in the refrigerator quickly cools the chocolates so they are ready in about 20 minutes. Fully cured chocolates will appear slightly cloudy upon initial removal from the fridge. The chocolate is not done curing if there are any shiny wet spots. The chocolates will also fall from the molds easily once they are fully cured. Turn the molds upside down and tap or press lightly on the underside to remove the finished candy.