Homemade chocolate with roasted nuts

Homemade chocolate with roasted nuts – a delicacy that brings back memories of childhood, of joyful moments spent with loved ones. This simple and quick homemade chocolate recipe, enriched with roasted nuts, will not only delight your taste buds but is also a wonderful choice for gifting to those dear to you. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 16 servings

Ingredients

- 350 g granulated sugar
- 100 ml water
- 100 g butter (preferably high quality)
- 250 g milk powder (ideal Raraul for an intense flavor)
- 40 g cocoa powder (with 10-12% fat for a rich taste)
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- The kernels from 6 nuts (or alternatively, unsalted roasted peanuts, raisins soaked in rum)

Preparing the homemade chocolate

1. Preparing the ingredients: Before starting the cooking process, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. This will make everything easier and more enjoyable. So, carefully measure the sugar, water, butter, milk powder, cocoa, and nuts. It is recommended to leave the butter at room temperature to soften, making it easier to melt later.

2. Roast the nuts: If you choose roasted nuts, place them in a dry pan over low heat. Roast them for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become lightly golden. This step will enhance the flavor of the nuts and add a crunchy note to the chocolate. After roasting, let them cool slightly and then break them into suitable pieces.

3. Prepare the tray: Take a tray of approximately 24x24 cm. Grease it with a little oil and place a food film inside. This will facilitate the turning out of the chocolate after it has cooled.

4. Boiling and preparing the mixture: In a stainless steel pot, add the sugar and water. Place the pot over medium heat and stir with a whisk until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. This time is crucial – do not exceed the 5 minutes!

5. Adding the butter: After the 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and add the butter. Stir well until the butter completely dissolves in the sugar syrup.

6. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the milk powder into a small bowl, then add the sifted cocoa. It is important to sift these ingredients to avoid lumps. Mix well to combine evenly, then add the vanilla essence. Add the milk powder and cocoa mixture to the pot with the sugar and butter syrup. Use a whisk to homogenize the mixture, ensuring no lumps remain.

7. Pouring the mixture into the tray: Once the mixture is uniform, pour it into the prepared tray. Make sure the level is even, then sprinkle the pieces of roasted nuts on top. This detail will not only add a pleasant appearance but will also provide a delicious crunchy texture.

8. Cooling: Let the chocolate cool at room temperature, then cover the tray with food film and place it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. This cooling time is crucial for achieving a firm and easy-to-cut chocolate.

9. Serving: Once it has cooled sufficiently, turn the chocolate out onto a cutting board and cut it into squares or desired shapes. You can serve it plain or alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet red wine.

Suggestions and variations

- Ingredient variations: Instead of nuts, you can add raisins soaked in rum or pieces of roasted almonds. This can give a unique touch to the homemade chocolate.
- Flavoring: Try adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm and comforting aroma.
- Storing the chocolate: The homemade chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for a week, but chances are it won't last that long!

Nutritional benefits

This homemade chocolate is a good source of calories, due to the sugar and fat content from the butter, but it also contains protein from the milk powder and nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and cocoa has antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I use instead of milk powder?
You can use condensed milk, but the recipe will change slightly, needing adjustments to the sugar quantity.

2. Can I use melted chocolate instead of cocoa?
Yes, you can use melted dark chocolate, but you will need to adjust the sugar quantity, as chocolate is often sweeter.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
Dried fruits or coconut flakes can add an interesting flavor to the chocolate.

4. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the sugar amount by 50 g and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

This homemade chocolate recipe with roasted nuts is not just a simple dessert, but also a way to bring joy into the lives of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it quietly with a good book or share it with friends at a gathering, homemade chocolate will always be a beloved treat. Don't forget to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: - 350 g granulated sugar; - 100 ml water; - 100 g butter; - 250 g powdered milk (I used Raraul); - 40 g cocoa powder (I used one with 10-12% fat); - 1 vial of vanilla essence; - the kernels from 6 walnuts (you can use unsalted roasted peanuts, raisins)