Homemade chocolate with nuts and peanuts

Homemade Chocolate with Nuts and Peanuts

Who doesn't remember the times when making homemade chocolate was a true culinary adventure? This recipe for homemade chocolate with nuts and peanuts is a tribute to those magical days when sweet treats were made with love and patience. It's a simple and quick recipe, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 30 servings

Ingredients

- 1 kg of sugar
- 170 ml of water
- 2 teaspoons of rum essence
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence
- 200 g of butter (85% fat)
- 500 g of powdered milk
- 40 g of cocoa (optional, for dark chocolate)
- 200 g of nuts or peanuts (or a combination of both)

The Passion Behind the Recipe

Homemade chocolate has been known as an ingenious way to turn simple ingredients into irresistible delights. In the past, when commercial candies were not readily available, talented housewives would open true "candy factories" in their kitchens. The recipe you will discover below has been refined over the years, becoming a favorite among family and friends.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Syrup
In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the mixture starts to boil, add the rum and vanilla essences. Let it boil for exactly 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Preparing the Nuts and Peanuts
In a non-stick pan, add the nuts and peanuts. Lightly roast them over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once they turn slightly golden, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Then, use a blender or a pestle to grind or crush them into medium-sized pieces.

3. Adding the Solid Ingredients
After 7 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the powdered milk along with the butter. Using a sturdy spoon or a rolling pin, mix quickly until the mixture becomes homogeneous. This is the moment when you can adapt the recipe to your taste – if you are using sweetened powdered milk, adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.

4. Creating Two-Colored Chocolate (optional)
If you want to achieve a two-colored chocolate, separate part of the white mixture to which you can add shredded coconut or chopped raisins. In the rest of the mixture, add cocoa and the ground nuts/peanuts. Mix well to incorporate the ingredients.

5. Forming the Chocolate
Grease a tray with butter and add the chocolate mixture. Here you have the freedom to create various designs: you can layer them, marble them, or combine them as you wish. Gently flatten the chocolate with your hand, but be careful not to press too hard to maintain a fluffy texture. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

6. Cooling and Portioning
Place the tray in the refrigerator and let the chocolate cool for about an hour. Once it has hardened, cut the chocolate into desired-sized pieces, leaving them in the tray for another hour. Then, remove them with a spatula and place them on a platter.

Chef's Tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, try sprinkling sea salt flakes over the chocolate before cooling it. The contrast between the sweetness of the chocolate and the saltiness of the flakes will create a unique tasting experience.

Serving and Pairing

This homemade chocolate with nuts and peanuts pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a relaxing tea. You can also give it as a gift, wrapped in cellophane, to add a personal touch. During festive days, the chocolate becomes a perfect dessert for festive meals, being an excellent substitute for heavy pastries.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (approximately 30 g) contains about 150 calories, providing a quick source of energy due to the sugar, fats from the butter, and nutrients from the nuts and peanuts. This homemade chocolate is not just a sweet treat, but also a source of healthy fats and protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with almonds, cashews, or even pecans, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do with leftover chocolate?
If you have leftover chocolate, you can melt it and use it as a glaze for cakes or muffins.

3. How can I improve the texture?
If you prefer a creamier chocolate, you can add a bit of condensed milk to the mixture.

Recipe Variations

- Orange-flavored chocolate: add grated orange peel to the chocolate mixture for a fresh note.
- Spiced chocolate: for a spicy flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or chili to the mixture.

Homemade chocolate with nuts and peanuts is not only an easy-to-make recipe but also a delight that brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, get ready to enjoy this recipe, create memories, and savor every bite with pleasure. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: # 1 kg of sugar# 170 ml water# 2 teaspoons of rum essence# 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence# 200 g butter 85% fat# 500 g powdered milk# 40 g cocoa# 200 g nuts/peanuts