Homemade chocolate

The dessert I will share with you today is a true delight that has never failed to bring joy and smiles to the faces of guests. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted in multiple ways to satisfy the most diverse tastes. So, get ready to discover how to create a delicious dessert based on cocoa, powdered milk, and a touch of magic!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2-3 hours 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:
- 150 ml water
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 50 g cocoa
- 100 g butter
- 250 g powdered milk
- Nuts, coconut, or other preferred ingredients (optional)

Recipe history:
This dessert recipe is one of those that has been passed down from generation to generation, enriched with each reinterpretation. Over time, it has become a symbol of culinary creativity, demonstrating that a simple ingredient like powdered milk can be transformed into something truly special. It is perfect for impressing guests but also for satisfying a sweet craving on an ordinary day.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the sugar syrup:
In a medium saucepan, add the 150 ml of water and 1 cup of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to boil the mixture without stirring until you obtain a slightly viscous syrup, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Adding the butter:
Once the syrup has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and add 100 g of butter. Stir vigorously until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the syrup.

3. Including the cocoa:
Add 50 g of cocoa powder and mix well, ensuring there are no lumps. The cocoa will give the dessert an intense chocolate flavor, so feel free to use high-quality cocoa.

4. Adding the powdered milk:
Sift 250 g of powdered milk into the cocoa and butter mixture. This step is essential to avoid clumping. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous composition, which should be quite dense.

5. Flavoring:
Now is the time to add your favorite essences. You can use vanilla, rum, or even orange essence to bring a personal touch to the dessert. Also, if you want to add extra texture, add nuts, raisins, or hazelnuts at this stage.

6. Pouring into a mold:
Prepare a dessert mold (preferably silicone or one lined with plastic wrap) and pour in the obtained mixture. Use a spatula to level the surface and ensure the dessert will have a uniform shape.

7. Cooling:
Cover the mold with plastic wrap and let the dessert cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or until completely set.

8. Serving:
Once the dessert has set, remove it from the mold and cut it into cubes or desired shapes. You can serve it plain or decorate it with grated coconut or melted chocolate for a more sophisticated look.

Creative variations:
- Two-tone roll: Prepare a double batch and separate the mixture into two. Keep one part natural (white) and add cocoa to the other. Layer the two and roll them up to create a delicious roll.
- Fondant candies: Form small balls from the mixture and coat them in fondant for an elegant treat.
- Wafer dessert: Layer the mixture between sheets of wafer to create a crunchy dessert.
- Coconut cream: Mix condensed milk, butter, and coconut to create a delicious cream that can be used as a filling or topping.

Practical tips:
- Always use quality ingredients; good quality cocoa will make a difference in the final taste.
- If you want to give it a more exotic touch, try adding spices like cinnamon or ginger to the mixture.
- Make sure to use good quality plastic wrap to prevent the mixture from sticking to the mold.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use full-fat powdered milk? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Skimmed powdered milk provides a finer consistency.
- How can I store the dessert? Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Is this dessert suitable for vegans? If you replace the butter with vegan margarine and ensure no animal-derived ingredients are added, this recipe can be adapted.

Nutritional value:
This recipe is high in calories due to the sugar and butter, but it also offers benefits from the cocoa and nuts. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and nuts add protein and essential fatty acids. However, moderate consumption is recommended considering the energy content.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This quick and simple dessert will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, as cooking is an art form and a wonderful way to create memories. Bon appétit!