Chocolate Easter Bowls

Directions

1. 1
   Special equipment: 8 small balloons and parchment paper
2. 2
   Cut out eight 8-inch circles of parchment paper.
3. 3
   Line a baking sheet with the circles.
4. 4
   Blow up 8 small balloons.
5. 5
   Bring a few inches of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
6. 6
   Place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over the simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted.
7. 7
   Remove the bowl from the heat and let the chocolate cool slightly.
8. 8
   Dip a balloon into the chocolate so it covers the bottom and reaches 1 1/2 to 2 inches up the sides.
9. 9
   Immediately place the balloon chocolate-side down onto one of the parchment circles.
10. 10
    Repeat with the remaining balloons and chocolate.
11. 11
    Let cool completely to set up, at least 1 hour.
12. 12
    Pop the balloons with a pin and gently peel away any balloon pieces that adhere to the chocolate.
13. 13
    Fill the chocolate bowls with the Coconut Easter Grass and decorate with Easter egg candies.
14. 14
    Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
15. 15
    Place a mesh rack on top, if available.
16. 16
    Put the coconut in a shallow bowl.
17. 17
    While tossing with a large spoon, add the green and yellow food coloring drop by drop until the desired color is reached.
18. 18
    A little more green than yellow makes a pretty grass color.
19. 19
    Add a few tablespoons water to moisten the mixture and help disperse the color evenly.
20. 20
    If the color is too dark, add additional water, as needed, to dilute to the desired color.
21. 21
    Drain the coconut in a sieve or strainer.
22. 22
    Spread the coconut in an even layer on the rack, or directly on the lined baking sheet.
23. 23
    Place in the oven until dry, 10 to 15 minutes.
24. 24
    The coconut grass can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
25. 25
    Note: Food coloring can be messy and stain your skin.
26. 26
    To prevent this, wear latex gloves.
27. 27
    You can also tint the coconut in a large resealable plastic bag, shaking it to color the coconut evenly.