Reuse Chocolate Bunnies?

by Tammy
(Houston, TX)

Can I reuse chocolate bunnies?

Okay, I volunteer with a non-profit group. Today they received 9 big banana boxes FULL of different kinds of chocolate bunnies (mostly softened, thanks to the Texas heat).

We don't know what to do with these....so I wondered, can we melt down some of them (maybe the ones that are the solid milk chocolate ones?) and make something else to sell?


The organization has a banquet fundraiser in the fall, and I was thinking we could melt them and mix in nuts and package them up for a "donation" table, or something...or if you CAN re-melt them, pour them into a mold of fall/Christmas themed stuff, like leaves or something...


Is that okay to do?


If so, is it the same process as melting other kinds of chocolate...any insights/recommendations/words of caution.


I'm NOT a candy maker, and I'm pretty sure none of the other volunteers that would help are either.....so if you can advise us, we would greatly appreciate it.


Sorry, but I'm at home now and don't know any of the brands of candy we got...there were so MANY!! Yikes!


Many thanks...
Tammy

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Hi Tammy,

You can most definitely reuse chocolate bunnies by melting them down and making other treats. It's a great idea and I'm so glad you thought of it because it would be a real shame to waste all that yummy chocolate!


I'm assuming that all of the bunnies are plain chocolate. If that is the case, it's a simple matter of melting the chocolate over a double boiler and then using it as you would any other type of chocolate.


It would be great for making molded chocolates for the holidays, or chocolate bark with raisins, nuts, cherries, or crushed candy canes it.


If some of the chocolate bunnies have fillings or aren't suitable for melting down, consider chopping them up and using them in making brownies, cookies, or muffins. They will add a delightful and delicious dimension to your standard treats.


If you (or the other volunteers) aren't familiar with melting chocolate, there are two ways that you can choose from. You can either use the microwave or a double boiler.


Whichever method you choose, begin by chopping the chocolate bunnies into smaller pieces before melting. It will go a lot quicker and easier if you have them in small similar sized pieces.


If you use the microwave, place the chocolate in a bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time to keep the chocolate from burning. Don't overheat.


If you use the double boiler, place a small amount of water in the bottom pot and bring to a simmer. Place the top pot (or large bowl) over the simmering water and place the chocolate pieces in it. Stir the chocolate often to keep from burning.


***Be sure not to let any steam, water, or moisture to get in the chocolate because it will cause the chocolate to seize up.


Come back and let us know how you reuse all those chocolate bunnies!


Blessings,
Angie