Not So Lazy Days: Making Harry Potter's Chocolate Frogs the muggle way

"What are these?" Harry asked Ron, holding up a pack of Chocolate Frogs. "They're not really frogs, are they? He was starting to feel that nothing would surprise him.

- From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling

On the train to Hogwarts, Harry purchases his first wizard candy: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands, and, of course, Chocolate Frogs.

You and your kids can easily make the Chocolate Frogs (sans cards with moving wizards), my kids and I did today.

Supplies:

• your favorite chocolate or chocolate melts (available at any craft store, on sale for $2 at AC Moore this week)
• a candy mold with a frog shape (also can be found at craft store, I found mine at AC Moore)
• a microwaveable bowl
• spoons

First, place the desired amount of chocolate in the bowl and microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir, then continue to microwave at 30 second intervals to prevent burning.

When the chocolate is completely melted, each person spoons chocolate into the molds. After the molds are filled, gently tap the mold on the counter to remove air bubbles, then place it in the fridge. (Because it is so hot outside, and, as a result, a little hot for chocolate in the house during the day, I ended up having to freeze mine to get it to stay hard once removed from the fridge.) Leave in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to harden.

Once hard, remove the chocolate frogs from the molds by applying light pressure to the mold. Enjoy!

I've challenged myself to find a new activity to do five days a week every week of the kids' summer vacation. Activities will fall under one of three categories: Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games or Field Trips. Follow me on Twitter @readallaboutsam for immediate updates on posts!