Want to jazz up your social gatherings, family events, or kid's parties? Follow these instructions to create edible chocolate name cards that are both aesthetically pleasing and a sweet treat!

Step 1: Materials

Yield: 9 Name Cards

Materials:

Three 4 oz. Ghiradelli Baking Chocolate Bars
Any type of chocolate works - milk, dark, white
Toothpicks
Powdered/Confectioners' Sugar
Color Dust or Pearl Dust
These are food coloring powders that can be found at your local craft store
Cinnamon can also be used
Festive Sprinkles and Candy for Border
Paper Towels
1/4 Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
1/2 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon
Small Bowl
Cutting Board
Medium or Large Knife

Step 2: Breaking the Chocolate

Break each chocolate bar into 4 smaller bars with 2 squares each to give you a total of 12 bars. Set 3 of the bars aside to be used later on as dipping chocolate. If you are using 3 different types of chocolate, choose 1 bar of each type of chocolate for the 3 bars that you set aside. The remaining 9 bars will be your name cards.

Step 3: Shaving the Edges

Shave off the edges on all 9 of the chocolate name cards with a knife so that they are smooth and straight.

Warning: Be careful while handling a knife as it can inflict serious injury. Keep out of children's reach.

Step 4: Engraving Time

Using a toothpick, apply enough pressure on each of the 9 chocolate bars to engrave a name or message with a depth equivalent to a penny (~1.5 mm or 0.06 in). Leave room on the edges of the chocolate bar for sprinkles and candy decorations.

Tip: You may want to put the chocolate bars in the freezer for a couple minutes before you engrave them so they won't melt as easily when handled.

Step 5: Inscription Filling

For plain white filling: Measure 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and pour into small bowl.

For colored filling: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pearl or color dust. If you want the filling color to be more intense, add more pearl or color dust to your liking.

Tip: Cinnamon can also be used instead of power food coloring to add some extra flavor or color.

Step 6: Applying the Filling

Sprinkle the inscription filling mixture over the engraved chocolate bars. Use your finger to gently spread the powdered sugar. Press firmly over the engraving to ensure the powder is packed in.

Step 7: Removing Excess Filling

Dampen a paper towel and gently wipe the surface of each chocolate bar to remove any excess powder filling. If your paper towel is too wet then you may accidentally remove the filling from the inscription. If this happens, repeat steps 6-7 until your inscription filling stands out.

Step 8: Melting the Extra Chocolate

Grab the 3 chocolate bars you set aside earlier. Discard any remaining powdered sugar mix left in the small bowl. Put the 3 chocolate bars in the bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until all of the chocolate has melted.

If you are using 3 different types of chocolate then you will have to switch off between Step 8 and Step 9 by melting each type of chocolate one at a time and then decorating the name cards with the corresponding chocolate. Wash the bowl before switching to a different type of chocolate.

Step 9: Applying Decorations

Using a toothpick, apply the melted chocolate to sprinkles or candy decorations. Then gently press the sprinkles and candy decorations onto the edges of the chocolate name cards.

You can customize the decorations for a particular holiday or color scheme. Additionally, each name card can be unique or you can make them all look the same. Get creative!