Chocolate with cherries and raisins

Chocolate with cherries and raisins: a sweet and nostalgic delight

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Number of servings: 20-30 pieces

Here’s a recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face, whether you are a sweet lover or just a cooking enthusiast. This chocolate with cherries and raisins is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, ideal for concluding a special meal or simply savoring a moment of personal indulgence.

A brief story about chocolate

The origins of chocolate stretch back through the corridors of history, with roots in the tropical forests of Central America. Cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs, chocolate was valued not only as a delicacy but also as a valuable item used as currency. This bitter drink, made from cocoa beans, was considered nourishing and aphrodisiac, and its popularity quickly grew in Europe, transforming into the decadent dessert we know and love today.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg of sugar
- 500 g of powdered milk
- 200 g of cocoa (you can also use 100 g if you prefer a less intense flavor)
- 200 g of butter
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of rum (or another liqueur, cherry liqueur, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 200 g of nuts, hazelnuts, cherries, or raisins
- 200 ml of water

Necessary utensils

- A pot of at least 3 liters (make sure it has no residual flavors from other dishes, such as soup)
- A wooden spoon or whisk
- An enamel tray
- A leveling spatula
- A storage container

Steps to follow

1. Preparing the syrup: Start by adding the sugar, water, and lemon juice to the pot. This is to prevent the final product from crystallizing. Place the pot over medium heat and boil the mixture. Once it starts to boil, continue boiling for about 8 minutes. A simple trick to check the syrup's consistency is to drop a drop into cold water; if it holds together and doesn’t spread, it’s ready!

2. Adding the butter: Once the syrup is thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the butter cut into pieces. Stir until the butter is completely melted.

3. Incorporating cocoa and powdered milk: Sifting the cocoa and powdered milk together before adding them is essential to avoid lumps. Stir quickly with the wooden spoon or whisk, ensuring everything is perfectly blended. Lumps are a sign of a culinary failure, and we don’t want that!

4. Flavoring the mixture: Once the mixture is uniform, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla essence, rum, and your favorite nuts or fruits (in this case, cherries and raisins). You can customize the recipe to your taste by choosing combinations you like.

5. Pouring into the tray: Grease the enamel tray with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture and level it evenly, ensuring the thickness is about 2 cm.

6. Cooling: Let the mixture cool on the balcony or in the pantry until the next day. If you find it too soft, you can turn it into candies, rolling them in cocoa powder for an elegant look.

7. Cutting and serving: The next day, cut the chocolate into pieces of your desired size and store them in reused chocolate boxes. Remember, if you have kids, these won’t last long!

Useful tips

- Trials and variations: You can experiment with other dried fruits or nuts, such as almonds or candied cherries. Don’t hesitate to add a bit of pepper or cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
- Storage: The chocolate keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature, but not exposed to sunlight or high humidity.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe has a relatively high caloric content, given the amount of sugar and fats from the butter, but the nuts and cocoa provide nutritional benefits, such as antioxidants and healthy fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions

- Why is it important to sift the powdered milk and cocoa? Sifting helps avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture of the chocolate.
- Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa? Theoretically, yes, but the recipe will require adjustments regarding sugar and fats.
- How can I make the chocolate less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural substitute like stevia.

Serving recommendations

This chocolate with cherries and raisins pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also enjoy it alongside vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.

So gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and enjoy this simple and delicious recipe! Each bite will bring a ray of sunshine to your days. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of sugar, 500 g of powdered milk, 200 g of cocoa (you can also use just 100 g), 200 g of butter, vanilla essence, 2 tablespoons of rum (or liqueur, cherry brandy, etc.), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 200 g of nuts or hazelnuts/cherries/raisins, 200 ml of water.