The art of building a chocolate sculpture requires a lot of time, effort, patience, and equipment. Sculptures that are formed are made out of tempered chocolate, with the use of modeling chocolate for color. Another method to add coloring to a chocolate sculpture is by using a spray gun and candy coloring. The candy coloring is inserted into the port, where it will hold the liquid when the spray gun is used.
Chocolate sculptures are built as a showpiece at events, competitions, or social gatherings. Constructed for presentation only, some sculptures can be used as a garnish, or a creative addition, to a dessert. Statues can be built flat and standing, or as a 3D figure. Other essential equipment varies based on the design of the sculpture. The primary rule of thumb is to have a lot of extra tempered chocolate. Tempered chocolate is used to design the figure, and as the glue to hold the sculpture together.
A chocolate sculpture requires pre-shaping its parts. After the chocolate is tempered, it is poured onto a parchment covered sheet pan and is to sit at room temperature. Taking a heated pairing knife, a person can cut out different sizes and shape it into the desired shape to fit the part that is needed. After all of the cutouts have been made, the remaining tempered chocolate acts as a sticking agent. Pieces are dipped into the chocolate and placed into position while the sculpture is being built. The chocolate will set at room temperature, therefore allowing the figure to stand at room temperature without refrigeration.
Chocolate sculptures are built as a showpiece at events, competitions, or social gatherings. Constructed for presentation only, some sculptures can be used as a garnish, or a creative addition, to a dessert. Statues can be built flat and standing, or as a 3D figure. Other essential equipment varies based on the design of the sculpture. The primary rule of thumb is to have a lot of extra tempered chocolate. Tempered chocolate is used to design the figure, and as the glue to hold the sculpture together.
A chocolate sculpture requires pre-shaping its parts. After the chocolate is tempered, it is poured onto a parchment covered sheet pan and is to sit at room temperature. Taking a heated pairing knife, a person can cut out different sizes and shape it into the desired shape to fit the part that is needed. After all of the cutouts have been made, the remaining tempered chocolate acts as a sticking agent. Pieces are dipped into the chocolate and placed into position while the sculpture is being built. The chocolate will set at room temperature, therefore allowing the figure to stand at room temperature without refrigeration.
The image on the left is an example of how a chocolate sculpture is a creative addition to a dessert. This dessert is an espresso mousse, garnished with crème Chantilly, cocoa powder, and a white chocolate cigarette. The espresso mousse sits in a chocolate sculpted cup. A half-circle mold was used to shape the cup and thin piping of tempered chocolate was attached to the side of it, to give it the appearance of a cup handle, after it was set at room temperature.
