A Sweet Birthday Treat

I've been really excited to share this one, but had to wait until I gave it to the recipient (my neighbor, Rachel) because she reads my blog.  It's my fun grown-up take on the popular "diaper cake" only it's made with...

CHOCOLATE!

Materials

43 Ghirardelli chocolate squares

1 8-inch round cake board

1 cardboard tube, cut to 4 inches tall

hot glue gun and glue

rubber bands

ribbon

decorations

Step 1: Glue tube to the center of the cake board.

Step 2: Using rubber bands, begin securing chocolate squares around the roll. I found it was easiest to put the rubber band around the roll and tuck the chocolates underneath.  You will need 28 chocolates for the bottom layer.

 Step 2a: I had the best luck with placing 5 chocolates on each of the "four sides" and then staggering the remaining 8 chocolates like an octagon around the outside layer.

 Step 3: Repeat for the top layer, only this time you will use 2 squares on each of the "four sides" and use 6 squares to make a hexagon for the outer layer; using a toal of 14 chocolate squares.

 Step 4: Secure 1 more chocolate square at the top to cover the tube in the middle.  Cover the rubberbands with ribbon, using either hot glue or double-sided tape.

 Step 5: Embellish!