Featured Articles

Everything You Need to Know About the Rise in Chocolate Costs

If you’ve been feeling deflated due to the rising Chocolate prices recently, you’re not alone. At Sephra, we understand the impact these costs are having on both businesses and consumers. Naturally, with such a drastic increase, there are many questions! We want to help our customers understand the key reasons behind the surge in Chocolate costs and explain how we are addressing these challenges.

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No Cocoa? No Problem. How to Substitute Sephra Chocolate Chips for Cocoa

Out of cocoa powder, but have a delicious chocolate recipe that calls for it?

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How To Fountain Cheese Fondue

Are you out of fresh, fun party ideas for the holiday season? Got a chocolate fountain? Then how about cheese fondue?

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3 Easy Easter Desserts Guaranteed to Wow

With Easter around the corner, excitement builds as we look forward to getting together with loved ones and enjoying all the festive fun. And let's be real, who doesn't get giddy about the abundance of Chocolate and sweet treats that come with Easter?

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Chocolate Fountain Rental Business: Protect Your Company With NSF/ANSI Sanitation Standards

When you operate a chocolate fountain rental business, you must adhere to sanitation and health regulations to remain in good standing. If you are looking for peace of mind, then choose Sephra's products and commercial chocolate fountains. Sephra's commercial chocolate fountains are the only ones in the industry that meet NSF/ANSI sanitation standards. Complying With NSF/ANSI Standards According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), it's important for food companies, like chocolate fountain rental companies, to volunteer to have their equipment certified. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires that food equipment conform to NSF/ANSI sanitation requirements before being sold in North America. The NSF developed these sanitation standards and lets companies voluntarily undergo their assessment program. This program tests and certifies the food equipment, as well as audits production facilities, to ensure that all the standards are met or exceeded. A company does not simply go through this process once, but is subjected to annual audits to verify that the same high standards that earned the company a registered NSF Certification Mark continue to be met. All of Sephra's chocolate fountains meet NSF/ANSI sanitation requirements and are tested each year to ensure that chocolate fountain production is still impeccable. Quality control is important to the NSF and to Sephra. Purchasing your chocolate fountains from Sephra will give you peace of mind and the ability to assure venues such as hotels and restaurants that you are qualified to serve their guests. Risks of Non-Compliance Any business which serves food and drink to the public is under pressure to conform to local and state sanitation guidelines. Your business is open to the health department for inspection whenever they choose, and you must cooperate. If you have a registered NSF Certification Mark to show those health inspectors, you can rest easy that they will be impressed and rate your business accordingly. Chocolate fountain rental businesses which don't comply, yet continue to rent equipment for events, are subject to strict non-compliance penalties if discovered. If anyone gets sick as a result of a non-certified chocolate fountain, the chocolate fountain rental business owner becomes liable for all damages and can lose his license to operate. The best way to avoid this fate? Use Sephra's commercial chocolate fountains because you can confidently assure your clients that your chocolate fountains are routinely approved by NSF/ANSI regulations!

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Chocolate Fountain Rental Ideas: 4 Holiday Specials to Offer Your Clients

Although many corporations are slimming down their holiday budgets, your chocolate fountain rentals can still continue to flow festively! Give your budget-minded clients a reason to choose a Commerical Chocolate Fountain rental for their holiday party by offering enticing holiday specials. Chocolate Fountain Rental Bonus: Free Fruit Platter People love to feel like they are getting something for nothing, and your chocolate fountain rental clients are no different. Offer a complimentary fruit platter with every commercial chocolate fountain rental, and don't forget to have samples or photos (mostly for new clients) so they fully understand your delicious offer. For example, to tie in with the holiday season, you can include skewered cranberries along with the tried and true banana, strawberry and pear slices. Decorate the platter with a few festive holly leaves. Two Chocolate Fountains Are Better Than One: 25% Discount For large holiday parties, entice your chocolate fountain rental clients to indulge in two chocolate fountain rentals by discounting the second rental by 25%. This is not only a great deal for your clients, but is a great way for you to show off the versatility of a chocolate fountain rental by offering two types of chocolate, such as dark and white chocolate for chocolate fountains, with a greater range of dipping treats. Also, encourage your clients to make your fountain the dessert to help cut down the catering budget. After all, with two delicious chocolate fountain rentals, who needs extra dessert? Win a Small Chocolate Fountain Rental If you want to attract big corporate clients and additional chocolate rental business, offer to host a raffle at their corporate holiday party of 200 people or more. Jump start the holiday season by raffling off a small chocolate fountain rental to a lucky attendee. This could apply to any large holiday gathering, but corporate parties love to give employees an incentive to attend, as well as make everyone feel appreciated. You might even sell some gift certificates for a chocolate fountain rental to honor someone who's retiring or just received a big promotion. The possibilities are endless once you open their eyes and taste buds to the wonderful world of chocolate fountains! Satisfy Thirsty Guests with a Complimentary Beverage Fountain Rental Finally, accentuate those chocolate-dipped treats with a complimentary beverage fountain rental with a chocolate fountain rental. Offer a choice of several holiday beverages, such as eggnog, mulled cider or hot chocolate. The beverage fountain could be the specialty drink of the evening and be offset with water, coffee and iced tea, which will help your client's budget and make choosing a chocolate fountain rental the most economic and delicious choice for a holiday party.

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Choose the Best Commercial Chocolate Fountain

Any event that takes advantage of Sephra's commercial chocolate fountains is sure to dazzle guests with its elegant presentation and cascade of delicious chocolate. Sephra is known for providing chocolate fountain entrepreneurs with the highest quality chocolate fountains, as well as a decadent chocolate that's ready-made for the fountain. Chocolate fountains are user-friendly, and Sephra offers a model perfect for events of all sizes. To make sure you can please all your clients who request a Sephra chocolate fountain, read the following descriptions to decide which chocolate fountain (or combination) will best complement your business.

Sephra Commercial Chocolate Fountain: Ultimate Presentation

If you have clients who host large events or operate a venue that regularly hosts such events, like corporate parties or weddings, then you will want to offer them the Sephra 44-inch commercial chocolate fountain. It comes in a choice of 2 finishes: brushed or polished stainless steel for a sleek, contemporary look. It makes a striking centerpiece with 4 tiers of cascading chocolate. The Sephra holds up to 20 pounds of chocolate and will leave over 150 guests satisfied.

Montezuma Chocolate Fountain: Perfect for Events Large and Small

The Montezuma commercial chocolate fountain is a popular chocolate fountain rental, standing 34 inches tall with 3 tiers, making it suitable for events large and small. It also comes in the choice of brushed or polished food grade stainless steel, making it the perfect complement to a casual or formal affair. The Montezuma uses the same base as the Sephra, giving it the capability to hold 20 pounds of chocolate; however, it can hold as little as 12 pounds for parties of less than 150 people.

Aztec and Cortez Chocolate Fountains: Beautiful Starters and Supplements

The Aztec and Cortez commercial chocolate fountains offer the ability to stand alone or complement one of the larger chocolate fountains. The Aztec chocolate fountain stands at 27 inches, uses 11 pounds of chocolate and serves between 75 and 150 guests. The Cortez model chocolate fountain is 23 inches tall, is easily transported, and yet still holds 10 pounds of chocolate, serving 50 to 75 guests. These smaller chocolate fountains are ideal both for small businesses just getting started in chocolate fountain rentals, as well as established businesses who would like to use one of these in conjunction with the Montezuma or Sephra to create a chocolate fountain arrangement at their next large event. All of these chocolate fountains include a removable basin for easy cleaning, a limited lifetime warranty, and are constructed with food grade stainless steel. Even better, Sephra's fondue chocolate for chocolate fountains is ready for use without adding ingredients, making this an easy choice for convenience and quality. Choose the model that best suits the type and size of event you host, and it will not only pay for itself after a few rentals, but will keep your clients requesting one again and again!

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Fondue Recipes using Caramel Fondue in Chocolate Fountains

Sephra’s newest offering is its liquid caramel which can be used to accent desserts or be the main attraction in your chocolate fountain. Caramel Fondue: The Easy Way! Sephra’s new liquid caramel is perfect for your chocolate fountain. You simply add the liquid caramel to your chocolate fountain, thin with water until the consistency is right, and enjoy! Sephra’s liquid caramel definitely doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. This liquid caramel tastes rich and buttery, just like it was cooked slowly over a hot stove. The liquid caramel comes in a re-sealable five-pound tub so you can use as little or as much as you need each time. Now that Sephra offers this easy solution to running warm, gooey caramel through your chocolate fountain, you can focus on choosing some fabulous dipping treats to go with your liquid caramel fondue. For instance, crisp green apple slices taste even better dipped in caramel fondue, as do brownie bites, chocolate covered pretzels, vanilla pound cake bites and chocolate cheesecake bites. This holiday season, take advantage of Sephra’s easy liquid caramel fondue and impress your friends and family with a delicious evening filled with warmth, laughter and dessert.

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From Chocolate to Salad Dressing: 5 Delicious Ways to Use Your Home Fondue Fountain

When you first purchased your home fondue fountain, you were tempted by the mouth-watering idea of dipping fruit and sweets into warm chocolate. However, the delicacy doesn't stop there! Your chocolate fountain is more versatile than you might realize, with four other ways to please your palette. Chocolate Fondue: The Ultimate Indulgence Sephra's home fondue fountain is perfect for serving Sephra's Belgian dark, milk or white chocolate for chocolate fountains. It isn't difficult to pair dipping treats with chocolate, from fruit like strawberries, bananas, berries and cherries, to sweets like Sephra's marshmallows, cheesecake squares and pound cake. It's also delicious drizzled over ice cream, almonds or macadamia nuts. Sweeten the Deal with Caramel Fondue Warm, gooey caramel fondue can break down anyone's resolve, especially when trays of apple slices, brownie and blondie bites, mini apple turnovers and chocolate poundcake bites are arranged beside it. Caramel fondue is also a delicious addition to an ice cream sundae and is perfect for fall gatherings when apples are in season. You could even invite family and friends to pick apples at a local orchard and then meet back at your house for an apple and caramel fondue extravaganza. Say Cheese! Cheese fondue can take on many variations and even combine more than one type of cheese. You can spice up Velveeta cheese with red pepper flakes and chipotle peppers for a tailgate party or mix two types of cheddar to go with brats and beer. If you want a more refined fondue, melt brie with dry white wine and brandy in your fondue fountain. Then serve white wine to drink and offer cubed crusty bread, apple and orange slices for a twist on a wine and cheese party. BBQ Fondue for a Backyard Feast If you have a family recipe for homemade BBQ sauce or just want to offer your favorite store-bought flavor, consider using your home fondue fountain to keep the BBQ sauce flowing. Sephra's home fondue fountain will keep the BBQ sauce warm without scalding it. Then, set up trays of grilled meat cubes like chicken, beef and pork so people can create their own kebabs. Also, BBQ sauce can be drizzled onto mozzarella sticks for a delicious appetizer. Keep the Salad Dressing Cool and Flowing Sephra's home fondue fountain can also keep liquids cool, making it ideal for holding salad dressing. Ranch fondue, for example, is more exciting than simple ranch dip. It can be drizzled over an assortment of veggies, like cucumbers, carrot sticks, broccoli, cauliflower and celery, as well as drizzled over salads. If you're hosting a luncheon, for instance, offering a selection of crudités plus grilled chicken salad, then ranch fondue will transform a simple salad into a sensational meal.

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Probiotic Chocolate a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

An apple a day used to keep the doctor away, but now the apple could be usurped by chocolate. Yes, you read that correctly! Probiotic chocolates, not only taste delicious, but will help your body retain more of the probiotic bacteria that your digestive system uses to stay balanced and healthy.

Why Choose Probiotic Chocolate?
Did you realize that your digestive system is home to over 70 percent of your immune system functions? This means that the strength and efficiency of your immune system largely relies on the health of your digestive system.
Although your body produces good bacteria naturally, many factors can negatively impact the productivity of this good bacteria. Factors that include both prescription and over the counter medication, stress, age and eating habits can all negatively impact your digestive health and thereby restrict the effectiveness of your immune system.
Barry Callebaut worked with the University of Ghent to research the effect of probiotic chocolate on the immune system in the study “Viability of Mixture of Lactobacillus Helveticus CNCM I-722 & Bifidobacterium Longum CNCM I-3470." Probiotic chocolate has been proven help your colon produce the healthy bacteria necessary to promote digestive health.
Probiotic chocolate will give your immune system the tools it needs to fight everyday contaminants that enter your body. Probiotics are capable of killing bad bacteria and viruses before they are able to travel out of your digestive system and invade the rest of your body, according to Callebaut’s and the University of Ghent’s study on probiotic chocolate.
Why Choose Chocolate With Probiotics Over Other Probiotic Supplements.
According to the study “Probiotic Bacteria; Safety, Functional and Technological Properties” by J. Biotechnol, probiotic microorganisms must be able to survive long enough in the stomach to move on to the large intestine. When probiotic chocolate enters the digestive system versus probiotics in yogurt, for instance, the rate of survival is three times higher in probiotic chocolate.
Probiotic chocolate supplements, have been clinically tested and contain the daily recommended amount of probiotics needed to maintain digestive health, which translates to over 1 billion probiotic microorganism colonies. Chocolate with probiotics are an important aspect of digestive health, but combining probiotic chocolate with a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a balanced diet and regular exercise and sleep, will help the probiotic chocolate further do its job in your digestive tract.
Start improving your digestive health with probiotic chocolate and feel the difference chocolate with probiotics makes in your life!

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How to throw a Halloween chocolate fountain party

Halloween is the perfect holiday to host a spooktacular chocolate fountain party for the kids.

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Compound Chocolate: What are Chocolate Melts?

What are chocolate melts? We receive many inquiries each day regarding the differences between couverture chocolate and compound coating. Simply put, Compound chocolate uses vegetable fats in place of the cocoa butter used to make 'real' chocolate. Given the common reference to both as 'chocolate,' it is important to make the distinction between 'real' chocolate and chocolate melts. In this article, we will highlight the unique characteristics of chocolate melts and their most suitable applications. [caption id="attachment_3153" align="aligncenter" width="1675"]

Key Differences between Couverture and Compound Chocolate[/caption]

Defining Compound Chocolate

 

Understanding Chocolate Regulations

  The FDA stipulates that to bear the label “chocolate,” the product's fat must derive solely from cocoa butter and dairy fat. This ensures that 'real' chocolate possesses the distinctive “melt-in-your-mouth” sensation due to cocoa butter's unique melting point. By U.S. standards, only products with cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and dairy fat earn the chocolate title. However, the European Union's regulations diverge, allowing up to 5% of alternate vegetable fats in genuine chocolate.  

The Lowdown on Compound Chocolate

  Compound Chocolate stands apart, opting for vegetable fats over cocoa butter. Frequently employed fats include the semi-solid varieties like coconut oil and palm kernel oil. This choice significantly reduces costs since vegetable fats come cheaper than cocoa butter. Notably, compound chocolate requires no tempering, sidestepping challenges like fat bloom, which mars the appearance of untempered true chocolate. Despite these advantages, it doesn’t mirror the lustrous finish of genuine, tempered chocolate. Compound chocolates share a foundational recipe: cocoa solids, vegetable fats, and sweeteners. Milk varieties integrate milk solids, with some variants also including added flavors, colors, and essential emulsifiers to maintain consistency.  

White Chocolate vs. White Chocolate Coating

  In a twist, “White Chocolate” isn’t true chocolate, as it lacks cocoa solids. Instead, a "White Chocolate coating" comprises sugar, vegetable fat, milk, whey, emulsifiers, and flavorings. Primarily, chocolate melts are presented in forms such as chips, melts, or discs, ensuring efficiency in packaging, marketing, transportation, and consumer application.  

Handling, Storage, Heating and Use of chocolate melts

  At a glance, chocolate melts bear a striking resemblance to genuine chocolate chips or discs. Please note that tempering isn't a requirement for compound chocolate. Additionally, their distinct texture differs from the coveted "mouth feel" true chocolate enthusiasts seek. This distinction arises because the fats in chocolate melts possess a notably higher melting threshold. For optimum storage, place chocolate melts in an environment that is both cool and devoid of moisture, steering clear of any extreme heat and dampness. A word to the wise: refraining from refrigerating or freezing both couverture and compound chocolates is imperative. Doing so risks condensation, leading to moisture infiltration, which can compromise the chocolate's integrity, making it gritty and uneven upon melting. Diving deeper into specifics, compound chocolate has a melting curve that's marginally elevated—about 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit—compared to couverture chocolate. This curve ranges from 103 to 108 degrees, peaking at 118 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature spectrum over a prolonged duration is feasible; however, periodic agitation is crucial to circumvent any charring or uneven heat distribution. If one employs the melts in a chocolate fountain, agitation becomes redundant. But, a caveat with couverture chocolate: the milk and white variations demand extra caution since their dairy elements render them susceptible to scalding under intense heat.  

Chocolate melts ingredients

 

Sugar

Sugar is a sweetener. It also adds texture and body to a recipe in which it is an ingredient. The word “Sugar” implies derivation from cane or beet sources.

Vegetable Fat

Replaces the cocoa butter used in couverture chocolate. The substitution of vegetable fat for cocoa butter results in a considerable cost savings. Vegetable fats used may include coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Cocoa

The cacao tree produces a dried, partially fermented seed essential for chocolate making. Cocoa is a robust powder, obtained by grinding these seeds and separating the cocoa butter from the dark, bitter solids.

Milk Powder

This is the “milk” component in milk chocolate melts and a primary ingredient in white coating chocolate. This is an animal product with implications for those with milk protein allergies, vegans and vegetarians.

Soy Lecithin

Used commercially in products requiring a natural emulsifier and/or lubricant. Lecithin is the emulsifier that keeps cocoa and cocoa butter in a candy bar from separating.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a generic term describing the flavor essence associated with the pod of certain orchids of the genus vanilla.  

Uses of Chocolate Melts

  Compound chocolate is a favorite in the chocolate world, especially for molding candies. Its affordability and ability to set without the need for tempering make it a top pick for hobbyist chocolatiers. While its flavor might not match true chocolate's richness, its taste remains appealing. In chocolate fountains, compound chocolate stands as a viable alternative to couverture chocolate, offering notable cost savings for businesses like catering services and restaurants. Its use mirrors that of couverture chocolate. For confectioners and bakers dipping items, such as strawberries or cookies in chocolate, compound chocolate is the go-to. It's unique in that it hardens into a shell at room temperature, eliminating the need for tempering. However, in baking, it doesn’t retain its shape like commercial chocolate chips designed to withstand oven temperatures.  

Sephra Chocolate Melts

  Sephra coined the phrase "chocolate melts" for our compound coating range. Both to distinguish them from our Belgian and Premium couverture chocolate ranges, and to highlight their perfect suitability for use in chocolate fountains, candy-making and dipping. You can taste the difference yourself over at our website - sephrausa.com

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Chocolate Fountain Display at a Bridal Expo - Increase Your Chocolate Fountain Rentals

Chocolate fountains are extremely popular among brides-to-be, and attending a few bridal expos can significantly increase your client base. However, it's best to be prepared with an exciting chocolate fountain display, plenty of dipping treats for those hungry, often stressed, brides and their entourages, and easy-to-access information. Creating a Choc-o-rific Display Brides Will Love An eye-catching, exciting chocolate fountain display is the key to drawing a continuous crowd throughout the bridal expo. It's also important to remember your audience: brides. Tailor your chocolate fountain display to resemble one you might use at a wedding reception so that everyone sampling your delicious treats will also see the possibilities for her wedding. Using more than one fountain is perfect for creating the "wow factor." It also allows people to sample more than one type of chocolate for chocolate fountains. Use a large chocolate fountain in the background with two smaller ones flanking it, and then arrange white twinkle lights around the chocolate fountains, perhaps setting up a crimson or black backdrop behind the fountains for a little drama. Place universally appealing wedding toppers on each chocolate fountain, perhaps a pair of wedding bells and a pair of doves on the two smaller fountains and white and pink blossoms on the large fountain. Use table linens that match the backdrop and won't show stains, then arrange elegant tiered food trays to display the dipping treats, scattering a few light pink or white rose petals across the table. Creating a Lasting Chocolate Impression Remember that brides not only want to plan the perfect wedding, but most want to infuse their big day with a little romance. Include dipping treat samples like fresh strawberries and cherries, especially since a sliced strawberry can resemble a heart. It's difficult to forget how delicious and attractive chocolate fountains are once you experience one! Develop a bridal expo special and include a description with your brochure or create an attractive flyer with your contact information on it as a takeaway. Offer a discount on using more than one chocolate fountain, for example, or create a wedding bundle with an assortment of fresh fruit, baked goods and confections for one competitive price. Then, you can track how many brides responded to your wedding bundle; even if they order a different chocolate fountain wedding package, you can ascertain how many brides came your way due to your bridal expo display. This way, you can determine how effective your presentation was at securing new wedding clients for your chocolate fountain rental business.

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Chocolate Fountain Displays: The Japanese WOW Factor

While the flowing attraction of a chocolate fountain often needs no introduction, creating an innovative display takes your business to another level of appeal. ChocoFantasy's Japanese displays are known for their "WOW" factor, and these tips courtesy of Harvey Stockwell can help you steal the spotlight in every event. Create a Display That Says "WOW" ChocoFantasy pre-skewers certain dipping treats and artfully displays them in crystal containers filled with colorful sugar to mimic a bouquet of flowers. They place these "bouquets around the chocolate fountain on both sides to help maintain the drama. Colorful marshmallows cut into strips and entwined in a sweet rainbow, strawberries, and cookies baked on the stick are all included in this particular display method. For weddings, ChocoFantasy sets a beautiful background to the commercial chocolate fountain. The company uses a trellis wrapped with white tulle and blinking lights complete with a decorative wedding bell that hangs from the center of the trellis. In addition, ChocoFantasy incorporates the ever-popular pink color into its displays with pink blinking lights that surround the chocolate fountain base. These lights are all connected to a remote that can turn up the intensity to make a statement and then easily toned down so that pictures can be taken. Needless to say, the presentation is memorable, beautiful, and dramatic. Create Chocolate Fountain Drama ChocoFantasy likes to create drama and suspense surrounding their chocolate fountain display, especially at weddings. Instead of creating the display and letting it sit in plain view throughout the reception (this philosophy also applies to events that begin with a dinner or appetizer selection), they use a black three panel folding screen to hide the chocolate fountain display. Once dessert is announced at the event, the chocolate fountain is unveiled and the lights are turned on to dazzle guests. This always creates a steady flow of excited and hungry guests towards the chocolate fountain. Setting the Theatrical Stage ChocoFantasy furthers the allure of the chocolate fountain by offering a French fable that the MC can utilize before the unveiling of the chocolate fountain at a wedding. Once upon a time, during a forgotten war, a French nobleman was imprisoned in the Tower of London. While he was captured, he bribed the warders to send chocolate covered strawberries to his love in France as a symbol of his undying love. From this act, the relationship between strawberries, chocolate, and love was born! In addition, ChocoFantasy encourages the MC to introduce the "First Bite" ceremony, which is similar in symbolism to the traditional cake ceremony. The bride and groom come to the chocolate fountain and give each other a chocolate coated strawberry - which represents their lifelong commitment to love and support each other. At this point, guests are invited to come to the chocolate fountain to show their support and good wishes for the couple. Keep Them Coming Back for More Chocolate There is always an initial rush towards the chocolate fountain once it is unveiled to the room. To make sure guests continue to enjoy the chocolate fountain and its surrounding treats, an announcement is made that chocolate fondue from the chocolate fountain can be spooned over ice cream and cake (or any alternate dessert being served separately at the event). For ChocoFantasy, this always brings about a second rush. Tomorrow, we look forward to sharing a peek into a Japanese "First Bite" ceremony firsthand. With the growing popularity and beauty of chocolate fountains, could the chocolate-covered strawberry "First Bite" ceremony replace the cake cutting one?

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Sephra Chocolate Manufactured by the Best: Barry Callebaut

Sephra has worked hard to create the perfect couverture chocolate for chocolate fountains, pioneering the industry with the very first flowing chocolate which did not require the addition of oil. To make its fondue chocolate for chocolate fountains perfectly delicious, Sephra proudly works with world-renowned chocolatier Barry Callebaut.

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Sephra Chocolate: Great for Fountains and for Confections!

Sephra's chocolate fondue for chocolate fountains is known for its stellar quality and convenience - but did you know that our chocolate is preferred by confectioners? The delicious taste and quality make Sephra's chocolate perfect for fountains and decadent chocolate delicacies!

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How to make Strawberries & Cream Fondue

Show someone you love them with this sweet Strawberries & Cream Fondue. You can use it to top cupcakes or larger celebration cakes – or, if you have a sweet tooth, get together and start dipping! This really makes an indulgently pretty fondue. It's also perfect for cake decorations for bridal showers, baby celebrations, weddings, Mother's Day and, of course Valentine's Day.

Here's what you will need:

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups strawberry preserves, well blended
  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1½–2 cups milk
[caption id="attachment_2920" align="aligncenter" width="1773"]Picture: Jenna Hamra[/caption]

Preparation

In an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl often. Add the preserves, and mix until well blended. Add the yogurt, and mix until well blended. Add the milk, starting with just 1½ cups, to desired consistency.  

You might also like:

https://www.sephrausa.com/blog/creating-the-perfect-chocolate-covered-strawberry/

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Lemon White Chocolate Ice Cream with Strawberries

Cool down with homemade Sephra ice cream!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Zest of 2 lemons, minced
  • ¾ cup lemon juice
  • ½ cup Sephra White Chocolate chips
  • 1½ cup strawberries, diced small
 

Preparation

Combine half-and-half, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Pour 2 cups of half-and-half mixture over the chocolate to melt it and stir until smooth. Add chocolate mixture to the remaining half-and-half mixture. Refrigerate at least 4 hours for texture. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Process in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer instructions. Add lemon juice within the first 5 minutes. When finished mixing, fold in strawberries and place in freezer to harden.

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Lucky Charms Shamrocks

Let your little leprechauns help with this one!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal
  • 4 cups of mini marshmallows
  • (or one 10-oz. package of regular)
  • 1 cup Sephra Belgian Milk Chocolate chips
  • 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • Green food coloring

Preparation

Melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat. Once marshmallows are completely melted, add the green food coloring and stir until evenly colored. Remove from heat.Add Lucky Charms cereal and chocolate chips, stirring constantly to evenly coat with marshmallow mixture. Cover clean hands with butter or cooking spray and shape cereal mix into 4-leaf clover molds. Serve to your lucky guests!

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Macadamia Nut Clusters

Go nuts for dads and grads!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups macadamia nuts
  • 2 cups Sephra Premium Milk Chocolate chips
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
 

Preparation

Simply melt the chocolate in the microwave on half-power, stirring occasionally. Add nuts and stir until completely coated. Top with coconut if desired. Some Twists: Stir coconut into chocolate instead of using as topping (increase quantity of coconut and chocolate used).Lightly toast nuts and coconut in the oven at 350°F before adding to chocolate.Substitute macadamias with Dad’s favorite type of nut.

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Mini Lava Cakes

Warm, molten chocolate oozes from this dangerously rich dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups Sephra Premium Milk Chocolate chips
  • ½ pound unsalted butter
  • 6 whole eggs
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12-15 medium-size muffin tins with cooking spray and sprinkle with sugar. Tap tins to remove excess sugar. Set aside.Melt butter over stove. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, whisking until completely melted. If chocolate needs further melting, stir constantly over a low heat. In a large bowl whisk together remaining ingredients until just blended. Slowly mix the melted chocolate into the egg mixture until combined. Fill muffin tins with approx. ⅓ cup batter. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cake tops are firm and beginning to crack and the edges are set. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Yield: 12 servings A Tip: Serve with your favorite ice cream!

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Monster Mix

A dreadfully delightful party mix with a Sephra twist!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Quick & Crunchy Caramel Corn*
  • 2 cups corn or rice cereal squares
  • 2 cups pretzels
  • 1 cup peanuts
  • 1 cup peanut butter candies (Reese’s Pieces)
  • 1 cup melted Sephra Belgian Dark Chocolate
  • Candy corns or candy pumpkins (optional)
 

Preparation

Put first 4 ingredients in large, re-sealable plastic bag. Pour melted, yet slightly cooled, Sephra Belgian Dark Chocolate into bag and shake until mix is thoroughly coated. Spread on cookie sheet and refrigerate until hardened. Break pieces up into bowl and top with peanut butter candies. Serve with candy corns or candy pumpkins if desired

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Passionfruit Truffles

Deep, dark chocolate intensified by exotic passionfruit.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 5 cups Sephra Belgian Dark Chocolate, divided
  • 1/4 cup passionfruit juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2 cup toasted coconut (desiccated or finely chopped)
 

Preparation

In a small saucepan, scald the cream and then add vanilla. Pour cream mixture over 3 cups of chocolate chips. Let chocolate sit one minute and then stir till smooth. Add juice concentrate and stir again. Pour chocolate mixture into a shallow pan and refrigerate until firm. Shape chocolate filling into balls. Arrange on a wax paper lined baking sheet and return to refrigerator to reset until firm and cold. Melt remaining 2 cups of chocolate in small bowl. Drop chocolate balls into melted chocolate to coat evenly. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and return coated ball to baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with toasted coconut and place back in refrigerator to set. Yield: 2-3 dozen

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Peanut Butter Bars

Get a glass of milk ready for these unbelievably rich bars.

Ingredients

Bars
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2/3 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup Sephra Belgian Milk Chocolate chips
Frosting
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
 

Preparation

Bars Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together sugar, peanut butter, and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla and mix again. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Spread evenly in greased 9x13 glass pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Do not over bake. While bars are still warm, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, spreading them into a thin, even layer as they melt. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Frosting Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl until smooth. Spread layer of frosting over hardened chocolate. Top with grated Sephra chocolate if desired. Yield: 16 bars

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