Homemade chocolate

Delicious Homemade Chocolate Recipe with Raisins

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 12 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 20 pieces

Homemade chocolate is a dessert that evokes childhood memories and joyful family moments. It is a simple yet flavorful treat that can be customized according to individual tastes. This recipe will guide you step by step in making a delicious homemade chocolate that is sure to impress everyone.

Necessary ingredients:

- 180 g butter (ideally at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 250 g powdered milk (opt for full-fat powdered milk for a creamier texture)
- 100 g cocoa (choose high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 500 g sugar (you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste)
- 150 ml water (use filtered water for a cleaner taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (preferably natural for a richer aroma)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (you can also try other dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes, to add a personal touch)

Brief history of the recipe:

Homemade chocolate has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a dish cherished by generations. Since ancient times, homemade sweets have been a way to bring joy into people's homes. This simple yet tasty recipe is perfect for special occasions as well as for personal indulgence.

Steps for making homemade chocolate:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will facilitate the subsequent mixing.

2. Mixing butter with powdered milk and cocoa: In a large bowl, add the butter, powdered milk, and cocoa. Use a spatula or hand mixer to combine the ingredients. Mix until you achieve a smooth paste without lumps. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture in your chocolate.

3. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, add the sugar and the 150 ml of water. Place the mixture over high heat and let it boil. Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. After a few minutes, when the syrup has thickened and the consistency becomes similar to that of a jam, remove it from the heat.

4. Combining the syrup with the cocoa mixture: Add the vanilla essence to the hot syrup and mix well. Then, pour the syrup over the butter, powdered milk, and cocoa mixture. Stir everything vigorously until the ingredients are well integrated.

5. Adding the raisins: Incorporate the raisins into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute them evenly.

6. Pouring into the tray: Prepare a rectangular tray and line it with plastic wrap. Pour the mixture into the tray, leveling the surface with a spatula. This step will help the chocolate cool evenly.

7. Cooling: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for at least 12 hours. If you are like me and lack patience, you can leave it for less time, but the chocolate will set better if you wait.

8. Cutting and serving: Once the chocolate has cooled well, remove it from the tray and cut it into cubes or desired shapes. You can sprinkle it with a little cocoa or coconut for a more attractive appearance.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Choose quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients makes a big difference in the final taste of the chocolate. Opt for quality butter and pure cocoa.
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with various flavors: add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of ground coffee for a more complex taste.
- Dried fruits: If you don’t like raisins, you can replace them with nuts, or other dried fruits according to your preferences.
- Room temperature: If the chocolate mixture becomes too hard, you can gently warm it in a bain-marie to make it easier to pour into the tray.

Combining with other recipes or beverages:

Homemade chocolate pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a warm fruit tea. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional information and calories:

- Serving (1 piece): approximately 150 calories
- Rich in calories due to the sugar and fat content, this homemade chocolate also provides a quick source of energy from the sugar and healthy fats in butter.

This homemade chocolate recipe is not only simple and delicious but also a perfect way to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with your favorite flavors and textures. So don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy!