Assorted chocolate candies

Dark chocolate candies with hazelnuts and strawberry jam: a delicious and customizable recipe

Who doesn't love to enjoy homemade sweets made with care? Chocolate candies are a perfect choice to explore various flavors, and today I will share a simple and tasty recipe for dark chocolate candies with hazelnuts and strawberry jam. This is not just a recipe, but a true culinary experience that will turn you into a little pastry chef in your own home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 15 candies

A little history of chocolate candies

Chocolate candies have a fascinating history, often associated with moments of indulgence and celebration. The origin of chocolate dates back to ancient times when it was consumed as a bitter drink. Over time, chocolate evolved and transformed into the sweet delight we know today. Making chocolate candies at home not only gives you control over the ingredients but also the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and textures.

Ingredients

- 100 g dark chocolate (preferably 52% cocoa for a balanced taste)
- 2 tablespoons liquid cream
- 2 handfuls of hazelnuts
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry jam (preferably homemade)

Ingredient details

- Dark chocolate: Choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 52% cocoa content. This will ensure an intense and pleasant flavor. Personally, I prefer Les Patissiers Dessert chocolate, which is perfect for both cooking and direct consumption.
- Liquid cream: Use fresh cream, which will blend excellently with the chocolate and provide a creamy texture to the candies.
- Hazelnuts: These add a crunchy note and an intense flavor. Don't use too many, as their taste can become overwhelming.
- Strawberry jam: You can choose to make it at home or buy it, but what could be better than jam made with love? It will add a sweet and slightly sour contrast, perfect for your candies.

Step by step: How to make chocolate candies at home

1. Preparing the hazelnuts: Start by roasting the hazelnuts. Place them in a dry pan, add a pinch of salt, and roast them over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become golden and fragrant. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they have cooled slightly, peel off their skins and grind them in a coffee grinder until you obtain a fine powder.

2. Melting the chocolate: In a fondue pot or a small saucepan, heat the liquid cream over low heat. Be careful not to boil it! When it starts to warm up, add the chopped chocolate. Stir constantly until it completely melts and becomes a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the candies: Pour a thin layer of melted chocolate into the candy molds. This layer will form the "walls" of the candies. Let it cool slightly to harden.

4. Adding the filling: Now comes the creative part! You can add a teaspoon of strawberry jam in some molds and a portion of ground hazelnuts in others. Feel free to play with the combinations – maybe you want to put the jam and hazelnuts in the same spot? It's your choice!

5. Covering the candies: After adding the desired filling, pour another layer of melted chocolate over the filling to seal the candies. Make sure they are evenly covered.

6. Cooling: Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.

7. Serving: Once the candies are ready, remove them from the molds and enjoy! You can serve them plain or decorate them with a little cocoa powder or ground hazelnuts on top.

Useful tips

- Filling varieties: Instead of strawberry jam, you can try other types of jams (raspberry, apricot, or cherry) or even nut creams. Be adventurous and experiment!
- Milk or white chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter chocolate, you can use milk or white chocolate, but adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to avoid making it too sweet.
- Small portions: If you want to make smaller portions, use ice cube trays or even mini muffin cups.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but be careful with the amount of sugar in the filling, as milk chocolate is sweeter.

2. How can I store the candies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.

3. Can I replace hazelnuts with other nuts?
Sure! Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios can be an excellent choice. Each will provide a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits

These chocolate candies contain beneficial ingredients: dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and hazelnuts provide healthy fats and protein. The strawberry jam adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, making them not just a delicious dessert but also nutritious.

Serving suggestions

These chocolate candies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. They can also be a perfect gift for loved ones, presented in an elegant box.

Enjoy and I hope you savor every bite of these delicious candies! By experimenting with ingredients and shapes, you can transform this simple recipe into a true culinary masterpiece.