Homemade chocolate with hazelnuts

Homemade Chocolate with Hazelnuts

If you are looking for a quick, delicious dessert that will remind you of your childhood, you have found the perfect recipe! Homemade chocolate with hazelnuts is that simple yet memory-filled and flavorful sweet treat that you can enjoy at any time of the day. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also help you use ingredients you already have in your kitchen, such as powdered milk. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 12 hours
Total time: 12 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cubes

Ingredients:

- 450 g sugar
- 75 g high-quality cocoa
- 500 g powdered milk
- 225 g butter (preferably 80% fat)
- 190 ml water
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 100 g hazelnuts, roasted and peeled

Preparation:

1. Preparing the syrup: In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and water. Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly. When the mixture starts to boil, let it boil for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes a thick syrup, similar to honey. This is a crucial step, as the syrup will give the chocolate a perfect texture.

2. Adding cocoa: Once the syrup is ready, add the sifted cocoa. Mix well to avoid lumps. Let the mixture boil for another 2-3 minutes to integrate the cocoa flavor.

3. Incorporating the butter: Remove the pot from the heat and add the butter cut into cubes. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until the butter completely melts and combines with the cocoa syrup.

4. Adding the powdered milk: Start incorporating the sifted powdered milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Once you have added all the powdered milk, continue to mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Flavoring: For an extra flavor boost, add the rum essence. This will perfectly complement the taste of the homemade chocolate.

6. Pouring into the tray: Prepare a tray (approximately 20 x 20 cm) that you can line with baking paper or plastic wrap to facilitate the removal of the chocolate once it has set. Carefully pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Adding the hazelnuts: Sprinkle the roasted and peeled hazelnuts on top of the mixture, pressing them down gently to secure them. They not only add a crunchy texture but also a delicious taste.

8. Cooling: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 12 hours, ideally overnight. This step is essential to allow the chocolate to set properly.

9. Cutting and serving: Once the chocolate has set, remove it from the tray and cut it into larger or smaller cubes, according to your preference. It is perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Useful tips:

- Ingredients: Choose high-quality cocoa, preferably untreated, for an intense flavor. Superior quality butter will make a significant difference in the texture of the chocolate.
- Hazelnuts: If you don’t have hazelnuts, you can try walnuts or almonds to vary the recipe. You can even add coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
- Nutrition: This homemade chocolate is rich in calories, but it also offers nutritional benefits due to the healthy fats from hazelnuts and the antioxidants from cocoa.
- Variations: Experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to customize the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:

- Why should I use powdered milk? Powdered milk provides a creamy and rich texture, essential for homemade chocolate.
- Can I add other ingredients? Sure! You can add raisins, dried fruits, or even a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- How do I store the chocolate? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for several weeks.

This homemade chocolate recipe with hazelnuts is not just a dessert, but an invitation to pleasant memories and moments of indulgence. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your chef's attire and enjoy the cooking process! Each cube of chocolate will take you back to your childhood days, but with a touch of sophistication that you will surely appreciate. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: -450 g sugar -75 g cocoa -500 g milk powder -225 g high-quality butter (80% fat) -190 ml water -1 vial of rum essence -100 g hazelnuts

 Tags:  homemade chocolate