Homemade chocolate

Delicious Homemade Chocolate - A Simple Recipe for a Quick Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

As the days grow colder, nothing compares to homemade chocolate made with love. This recipe for homemade chocolate is perfect for sweetening the atmosphere and bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. It's a quick and simple dessert that can be customized to suit everyone's preferences. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 250 g whole milk powder
- 50 g high-quality cocoa powder
- 100 ml water
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 120 g butter, preferably high-fat
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or essence (choose the natural version for an authentic taste)
- 50 g roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 30 g roasted walnuts, chopped
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. It's essential for the butter to be at room temperature to melt more easily and incorporate well into the syrup. Also, choose high-quality cocoa, as it will influence the final taste of the chocolate.

2. Boil the syrup: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the water, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring frequently. You'll notice the syrup starting to thicken.

3. Syrup test: To check if the syrup is ready, drop a small amount of syrup into a glass of cold water. If the drop holds its shape and doesn't spread, the syrup is ready. This is a simple but effective trick used by chefs to check the consistency of syrups.

4. Adding butter and vanilla: Once the syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cubed butter. Stir until completely melted. Then, add the vanilla and stir again to blend the flavors.

5. Preparing the dry mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the milk powder with the cocoa powder. Mix well to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy chocolate.

6. Incorporating the dry mixture: Gradually add the milk powder and cocoa mixture to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously with a mixer or spatula. This will help achieve a homogeneous and creamy texture.

7. Adding additional ingredients: Once the mixture is well combined, add the hazelnuts, walnuts, and raisins. These ingredients not only enrich the flavor but also add a crunchy texture and a hint of freshness.

8. Shaping the chocolate: Line a dish with plastic wrap so that the chocolate releases easily after cooling. Pour the mixture into the dish, leveling it evenly with a spatula. Make sure it is well compacted to achieve nice, uniform slices.

9. Cooling: Allow the chocolate to cool in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator, for about 4 hours. This will allow the chocolate to set properly and reveal all its flavors.

10. Serving: Once completely cooled, cut the chocolate into cubes or bars and enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It can also make a wonderful gift for loved ones when beautifully wrapped.

Helpful tips and tricks:

- Ingredient varieties: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or pistachios, or add dried fruits for a more exotic flavor. You can also replace the hazelnuts with chocolate chips for a more decadent version.
- Customization: If you prefer a less sweet chocolate, reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Storage: Homemade chocolate keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few weeks.

Nutritional information: This homemade chocolate is rich in calcium and antioxidants due to the milk powder and cocoa, with about 150 calories per serving. The hazelnuts and walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, making this dessert a more balanced choice.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use skim milk powder?
Yes, but the chocolate will be less creamy. Whole milk powder provides a richer texture.

2. How can I make the chocolate less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or add more cocoa for a more intense flavor.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a more complex taste.

Complementary recipes: This homemade chocolate can be enjoyed with crunchy cookies, fluffy muffins, or even with a glass of warm milk. It is also perfect for use as a filling in cakes or pastries, adding an extra layer of flavor.

In conclusion, homemade chocolate is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also creates beautiful memories around the table. Its simplicity and versatility make it ideal for any occasion. So, don’t hesitate, gather the ingredients and enjoy this homemade delicacy!