Homemade chocolate with raisins

The dessert we are about to prepare is a true delicacy, combining the rich taste of chocolate with the sweetness of raisins. It is a simple, quick, and accessible recipe that will delight both young and old. This dessert, known as homemade chocolate with raisins, is perfect for enjoying with loved ones on a special occasion or simply as a treat at the end of the day. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 16 servings (depending on portioning)

Ingredients
- 500 grams of powdered milk
- 500 grams of sugar
- 200 grams of butter
- 200 grams of water
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 100 grams of raisins
- 3 bottles of rum essence

Necessary utensils
- A 1.5-liter pot
- A silicone spatula or a whisk
- A baking tray (square or rectangular)
- Baking paper
- A mixer (optional)

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by placing the raisins in a small bowl. Add the two bottles of rum essence, ensuring they are well covered. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential because the rum will enhance the flavor of the raisins and add a touch of refinement to your dessert. If you don't have rum, don't worry! You can also use water or orange juice.

2. Preparing the syrup: In the 1.5-liter pot, add the sugar and water. Place the pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. It is important not to raise the temperature to avoid caramelizing the sugar. Let the mixture boil until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup becomes thicker, about 5-10 minutes. This will be the base for the creaminess of your chocolate.

3. Adding the butter: Once the syrup is ready, add the butter cut into smaller pieces to melt faster. Mix well until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. This is when the dessert begins to take on a rich and creamy texture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute to avoid cooking the powdered milk. Add the powdered milk and the 4 tablespoons of cocoa, along with one bottle of rum essence. Mix vigorously with the spatula or whisk. If you prefer an even smoother mixture, you can use an electric mixer.

5. Adding the raisins: Once the mixture is free of lumps, add the raisins and mix well. The raisins will add a pleasant texture and a burst of sweetness in every bite.

6. Pouring the mixture into the tray: Prepare a baking tray of your preferred size and line it with baking paper. Lightly grease the paper with butter or margarine to prevent sticking. Pour the chocolate mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Cooling: Let the dessert cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours until it is well set. Once cooled, you can cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Practical tips
- Storage: Homemade chocolate with raisins keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week. You can cut it into smaller portions and keep it at the office for a quick snack.
- Variations: You can add nuts, hazelnuts, or even coconut flakes to diversify the texture and flavors. Also, replacing raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, will bring a new taste to your dessert.
- Serving: Serve the dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or with warm chocolate sauce for a contrast of temperatures and textures.

Nutritional benefits
This dessert contains ingredients that provide a good source of calcium from the powdered milk and healthy fats from the butter. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert not only delicious but also full of nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use skimmed milk powder? Yes, but the dessert will be less creamy.
- What can I do if I don't have cocoa? You can use melted chocolate instead of cocoa and sugar, adjusting the amount of sugar to avoid an overly sweet taste.
- How can I make this dessert dairy-free? You can use vegan butter and almond or soy powdered milk.

Now that you have all the necessary details, you are ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade chocolate with raisins recipe. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and customize your dessert according to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!