Homemade chocolate with cashew

Homemade Chocolate with Cashews – A Sweet Childhood Memory

Who doesn't fondly remember the aroma of homemade chocolate that takes you back in time, to the warm days of childhood when mom meticulously prepared this delight? Those were moments of pure joy when all the kids gathered, eagerly waiting to taste this sweet wonder. Now, it's time to revive those happy moments and bring a bit of childhood magic into your kitchen! The homemade chocolate with cashews recipe we propose is simple, quick, and extremely delicious.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 20

Ingredients:
- 500 g milk powder
- 180 g butter (preferably 82% fat for a richer taste)
- 300 g sugar
- 50 g quality cocoa powder
- 140 ml water
- 150 g cashews (or other preferred nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts)
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum (optional, for extra flavor)

A bit of history:
Homemade chocolate is a traditional dessert that has been prepared in many households over the years. The recipe is simple and versatile, allowing homemakers to use various available ingredients, such as nuts, raisins, or even biscuits. Thus, each family has developed its own version, bringing a touch of originality and nostalgia in every bite.

Step by step for perfect homemade chocolate:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Set up a sieve, a large bowl, and a rectangular tray (about 20x30 cm) on your work surface, which you will line with butter to prevent sticking.

2. The base mixture: In a bowl, combine the milk powder with the cocoa powder. It is important to sift them to avoid lumps and achieve a fine texture. This step will make the chocolate creamier.

3. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, add the water and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it boil for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens. I advise you not to leave it on the heat too long, as it may become too thick.

4. Adding the butter: Turn off the heat and add the diced butter to the hot syrup. Stir well until the butter completely melts. The butter's aroma will add a special richness to the chocolate.

5. Incorporating the cocoa mixture: Now is the time to add the milk powder and cocoa mixture to the saucepan. Stir quickly and vigorously so that all the ingredients combine perfectly. Don't forget to add the roasted cashews to enhance the flavor. If you want, now is the time to add the rum, but it is optional.

6. Pouring the mixture: Once the mixture is homogeneous, pour it into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Leveling is essential to achieve a uniform texture in the homemade chocolate.

7. Cooling: Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. Although it will be hard to resist the temptation, let the chocolate firm up well.

8. Serving: After the chocolate has cooled and set, remove it from the tray and cut it into desired shapes – squares, diamonds, or even fun shapes for the little ones. You can keep it at room temperature, but it will last better in the refrigerator.

Serving suggestions: This delicious dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible variations: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, or add raisins for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also replace the rum with vanilla essence for a more delicate flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this homemade chocolate has about 150-200 calories, depending on the serving size and ingredients used. Milk powder is a good source of calcium and protein, while nuts add healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can whole milk powder be used? Yes, but the chocolate will be richer. Make sure to adjust the sugar amount according to your preferences.
- How long does homemade chocolate last? It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it's so delicious that it will disappear quickly!
- Can I make the chocolate without sugar? Yes, you can replace sugar with natural sweeteners, but check the proportions to achieve the desired consistency.

Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the taste of childhood together! Homemade chocolate with cashews is not just a dessert, but a way to create pleasant memories around the table. Savor it with an open heart and let your imagination soar!