Loading
We still have stock - No wait times! -- FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $117
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. chocolate

Recipes — chocolate

RSS

5 Truffle Recipes Perfect for the Holidays

Photo by Pelageia Zelenina from Pexels

When it comes to Christmas, no one can deny the importance of a glazed ham or a roasted turkey. But a holiday feast is not complete without a delicious dessert to match it. And yes, cookies, trifles, and the occasional Yule log are what most home cooks go for. But for a dessert that looks extravagant without taking forever to make, look no further than the classic truffle. The bite-sized treat is tasty and super versatile. In fact, you can use any ingredient you want to make your own unique creation. So, if you're ready to sweeten your holiday meals, these five truffle recipes have your name written all over them. Happy Holidays!

P.S.: These treats also work great as a gift. Just pop them in a cute little box, put a festive bow on it, and offer them to your loved ones.

1. Eggnog Truffles

Even if you're not a big fan of eggnog, these little treats will make you change your mind thanks to their unique flavor. Combining fragrant spices with sweet white chocolate (and a hint of rum), they're like Christmas in a snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 2/3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2/3 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp rum (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add the egg yolk, heavy cream, one teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/3 teaspoon of nutmeg, and the vanilla extract to a heatproof bowl. Fill a pot with water about one-third of the way and bring to a low simmer. Place the bowl on the pot and whisk for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bowl.
  2. Add the chocolate and rum and continue stirring until it is melted. Remove from the heat and refrigerate until the mixture is chilled and firm.
  3. Combine the powdered sugar with the remaining cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl and set aside. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside as well.
  4. To make the truffles, scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball with your hands, and toss it into the bowl with the powdered sugar. Place them on the sheet tray and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

 Boozy Cherry Truffles

The amaretto-soaked cherries, the creamy ganache, and a thin layer of chocolate sprinkles in these truffles will get everyone in a frenzy from the very first bite. Who knew a combo so simple could taste so decadent?

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup freeze dried cherries
  • 2/3 cup amaretto liqueur
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Add the cherries and liqueur to a small bowl. Let them soak for 20 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the cherries with a strainer and set aside.
  2. Add the cream to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat. Remove from the heat, stir in the chocolate chips, and whisk until the chocolate is melted. Refrigerate until the ganache mixture has thickened, about 45 minutes.
  3. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and add the chocolate sprinkles to a small bowl.
  4. Scoop two tablespoons of the ganache and press into its center to create a small dent. Place a liqueur-soaked cherry into the dent and roll the ganache into a ball. Repeat the process with the remaining ganache and cherries and toss them into the sprinkles.
  5. Arrange them onto the sheet tray and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

3. Salted Caramel Banana Truffles

If you like your sweets with a side of salty, this truffle recipe should be at the top of your to-do list. Combining the natural sweetness of dates and bananas with peanut butter's inherent saltiness, it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Plus, the treat doesn't call for heavy cream, as it uses dates to create all that dairy-free creaminess. And that's always a bonus!

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp freeze dried bananas
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Add the dates, bananas, and one cup of warm water to a bowl. Soak for 15 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the dates and bananas to a food processor. Pulse until you form a loose "dough." If it's too sticky, add warm water, one teaspoon at a time. Add the salt and peanut butter and pulse one last time.
  2. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you're out of "dough." Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  3. Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 25 seconds. Stir one more time and continue heating in 15-second increments until the chocolate is melted.
  4. Dip the truffles into the chocolate and place them back onto the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

4. Gingerbread Pineapple Truffles

It's not often that such a small dessert can stop us in our tracks, but these festive truffles had us from the get-go. The unique combo of gingersnap cookies and pineapple ushers in a new era of holiday flavors while the chocolate-pecan coating keeps things traditional.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups gingersnap cookies, crumbled
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup freeze dried pineapples
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Add the pineapple and one cup of warm water to a bowl and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water and squeeze the fruit to remove excess liquid. Transfer to a food processor.
  2. Add the cream cheese and cookie crumbs to the food processor and pulse until everything is combined.
  3. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop two tablespoons of the mixture, and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you're out of dough. Arrange them on the sheet tray and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  4. Place the chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 25 seconds. Give another good stir and continue heating in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Don't forget to stir in between the intervals. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  5. Dip the truffles into the chocolate and place them back onto the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

5. Strawberry Cappuccino Truffles

While these truffles taste divine with just a teaspoon of espresso powder, adding a handful of freeze dried strawberries to the ganache takes them to a new level. The trick is to grind the fruit into a fine powder and blend it as you would with ground coffee. Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Add the strawberries to a blender and pulse until they turn into fine powder. Set aside.
  2. Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and heat again for 25 seconds. Stir one more time and continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Don't forget to stir in between intervals. Set aside.
  3. Combine the heavy cream, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and ground strawberries in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Please don't bring it to a full boil!
  4. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the chocolate and stir well to combine. Whisk in the butter, cover with cling wrap, and let cool at room temperature. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  5. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop two tablespoons of the ganache and roll with your hands to form a ball. Repeat until all the ganache is used up.
  6. Add the chocolate sprinkles to a bowl, dip the truffles, and arrange them on the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

Which truffle recipes would you like to try this year? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://www.shugarysweets.com/eggnog-truffles/#mv-creation-754-jtr
  2. https://www.verybestbaking.com/toll-house/recipes/artisan-cherry-truffles/
  3. https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-salted-caramel-peanut-butter-truffles/
  4. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/gingerbread-truffles/
  5. https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/17065/cappuccino-truffles/
Read More

5 Irresistible Recipes to Celebrate the World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day
Photo by Pixabay

"When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile." - Regina Brett

World Chocolate Day is July 7th. It's an annual celebration that allows chocolate lovers worldwide to enjoy their favorite dessert guilt-free. You can commemorate Chocolate Day by indulging in anything that has chocolate: from chocolate muffins, cake, chocolate candy bars, and hot chocolate.

Chocolate is made through the processing of seeds from the cacao tree. Once collected, the cocoa seeds undergo fermentation to enhance the chocolate flavor and reduce the sour and strong odor. After fermentation, the seeds are dried, cleaned, and roasted. Afterward, the shell is removed to produce the cacao nibs, which are then processed to make raw chocolate, also called the cocoa mass. (1)

The cocoa mass is liquefied to make chocolate liquor, which is molded with or without other ingredients. Chocolate liquor is separated into two parts: cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Each of their combinations produces different types of chocolate. For instance, the combination of cocoa solids and cocoa butter makes unsweetened chocolate. On the other hand, white chocolate only consists of cocoa butter, powdered milk, and sugar without cocoa liquids. (1)

History of World Chocolate Day

The inaugural World Chocolate Day was observed in 2009. The creator of Chocolate Day is not known. However, the day is observed on July 7th because chocolate was first introduced to Europe on this date around 1550. (1)

How to Celebrate World Chocolate Day

  1. Indulge in your favorite chocolate bar.
  2. Discover different types of chocolate from around the world.
  3. Teach your children about the importance of chocolate and read books with chocolate themes, such as Candy's Chocolate Kingdom.
  4. Order or make your favorite chocolate dessert.
  5. Invite your friends for a chocolate-making conquest and make your favorite chocolate recipe.
  6. Try out the chocolate recipes below on Chocolate Day and share pictures of your outcome on social media. Don't forget to use the hashtag #ChocolateDay and #motherearthproducts.

5 Recipes to try out on the World Chocolate Day

1. Chocolate Muffins with Blueberry (2)

Try this moist, tasty, simple muffin recipe for breakfast on Chocolate Day. To make buttermilk, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. Allow it to settle for 5 - 10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it thickens and curdles. The recipe will be ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup freeze dried blueberries
  • ½ cup chocolate chips 
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup caster sugar (super fine)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange a 12-hole muffin baking tin with muffin cases. Set aside.
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. 
  3. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a separate mixing bowl until thick and light in color.
  4. Whisk in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  5. Fold in the dry ingredients in bits until just mixed (do not over mix). Incorporate the blueberries and chocolate chips. The resulting batter will be thick and lumpy.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, filling it all the way to the tops, and bake for 15   to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or fork inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let it cool in the baking tin for about 10 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

2. Fruitcake with Chocolate Ganache (3)

This delicious chocolate cake recipe is the best chocolate cake recipe. You'll believe it when you taste just one bite of this rich, creamy chocolate cake with chocolate icing. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freeze dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup freeze dried grapes
  • ½ cup freeze dried cherries
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 2 cups (80% dark) chocolate chunks 
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten with a fork
  • ½ cup ground almond 
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa
  • 7 oz. butter
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup currants 
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup mixed peel (syrup soaked citrus rind)
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ½ tablespoon extract
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice

Directions

  1. Mix butter, sugar, brandy, chocolate, vanilla extract, and dried fruits in a large pan. Gently heat, occasionally stirring, until everything has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat.
  2. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a 20cm/ 7in round or 18cm/ 7in square deep cake tray with two layers of parchment paper. Wrap several layers of newspaper around the outside and tie with a string.
  3. Combine the flour, almonds, chocolate, and spice.
  4. Meanwhile, stir eggs into the partially cooled chocolate mixture we prepared in step 1. Then add the almond and flour mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for about 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a fork or toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
  5. Cool in the tin before decorating. You can preserve the cake in an airtight container for 2 months.

3. Chocolate Pineapple On-a-Stick (4) 

Convert fruits into a crispy, healthy, and irresistible dessert by covering with melted chocolate. You can substitute pineapple with freeze dried bananas or apples. To make the "magic shell" firm chocolate effect, melt the dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil before dipping as suggested.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rehydrate the freeze dried pineapple.  
  2. Place the chunks on paper towels and blot out any excess liquid
  3. Place a skewer or toothpick in the center of each pineapple piece. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler, and then pour them into a large glass. Dip each pineapple piece in the melted chocolate.  
  5. Shake off any extra chocolate from each pineapple slice. 
  6. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining pineapple pieces on the baking sheet. 
  7. Allow all of the chocolate to harden completely.
  8. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler in a sealable plastic bag.
  9. Snip the tip of the piping bag and spread the chocolate across the pineapple pieces. 
  10. Leave the chocolate to be completely firm before serving.

4. Blueberry Chocolate Milkshake (5)

This spicy shake is one of a kind that manages to be both rich and subtle. To prepare white chocolate sauce, heat 1 tablespoon nonfat milk in a small saucepan, and then mix in 3 tablespoons white chocolate morsels until melted. Serve chilled, topped with marshmallows, cream, and a drizzle of chocolate spread.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup freeze dried blueberries, plus 3 berries for garnish
  • ¼ cup white chocolate sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white chocolate shavings
  • ¾ cup skim milk
  • ¾ cup vanilla ice cream
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
  • Whipped cream as a garnish

Directions

  1. Combine the ice cream, blueberry puree, chocolate shavings, milk, white chocolate sauce, and cardamom in a blender. Blend until frothy.
  2. Pour the shake into a glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with the three blueberries.

5. Chocolate and Berries Smoothie (6)

The most delicious method to quench your chocolate cravings on World Chocolate Day is this chocolate berry smoothie made with just enough chocolate to seem like a dessert rather than a healthy treat. Adding too much cocoa powder can make this bitter. If you like more sweetness than bitterness, reduce the cocoa powder by half.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Combine milk, strawberries, bananas, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Taste and add stevia drops as needed.

Did you try any of these recipes on Chocolate Day? Do share your feedback in the comment section below.

References

  1. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-chocolate-day/
  2. https://marshasbakingaddiction.com/blueberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/
  3. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-fruitcake
  4. https://www.justataste.com/chocolate-pineapple-recipe/
  5. https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/lana-turner-milkshake/10670/
  6. https://www.tasteandtellblog.com/berry-smoothie/#tasty-recipes-49460
Read More
5 Creative Brownie Recipes That Even Grandma Would Approve of

5 Creative Brownie Recipes That Even Grandma Would Approve of

brownie recipes for the holidays
Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels

A cross between cookies and cake, brownies are a baker's dream. All you have to do is mix the ingredients; bake the batter; and in 30 minutes, you have a chewy, gooey, or cakey treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

But while the boxed stuff delivers every time, there's nothing more rewarding than baking brownies from scratch – especially if you want to experiment with new ingredients and flavors.

So, if you want to celebrate National Brownie Day(1) (December 8th) with a bang, these creative brownie recipes will shake up your baking routine in the most exciting way possible.

1. Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

While brownies don't have a rep for being healthy, this take begs to differ. Loaded with zucchini and whole wheat flour, the treat is rich in potassium and fiber, which is always a plus. The recipe also calls for nuts, adding a crunch and heart-friendly fats to the mix. Finally, a brownie you can feel good about eating!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups dried zucchini
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups walnuts, chopped

Directions:

  1. Add the zucchini to a bowl along with 5 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Remove from the bowl, squeeze slightly (make sure not to remove all the water), and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
  3. Add the olive oil, vanilla extract, and sugar to a large bowl and stir to combine.
  4. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda and mix once again until they're fully incorporated.
  5. Fold in the zucchini and let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Mix in the walnuts and transfer the batter to the pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted into the brownie comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

2. Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

Pureed sweet potatoes provide the base for this brownie recipe, which is both easy and foolproof. A dollop of nut butter also makes the treat irresistibly chewy, while applesauce adds enough moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups dried sweet potatoes
  • 1/3 cup nut butter of choice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup applesauce
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup pecans (chopped) or dark chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Add the sweet potato to a pot along with 4 cups of water. Soak for 15 minutes. Then, bring the water to a boil and cook until they're fork tender. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with the back of a fork.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients one at a time until you have a thick dough.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
  4. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
  5. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut to pieces.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Brownies

Great things can happen when raspberries meet chocolate, and this brownie recipe is living proof. Fudgy and wholesome: the dessert is the perfect way to round out any meal. Ready to discover another side to brownies?

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark chocolate
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups freeze dried raspberries

Directions:

  1. Add the raspberries to a bowl along with 3 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the flour and cocoa and set aside.
  4. Add the butter and chocolate to a heat-proof bowl and set over a pot with boiling water (double boiler). Keep stirring until everything is melted. Then, remove the heat.
  5. Stir in the sugar and beat well. Whisk in the eggs one at a time and, then, the flour mixture. Fold in the raspberries.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes or until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
  7. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

4. Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

You may be used to adding black beans to savory dishes like salads and dips. But this brownie recipe proves the legume is great for desserts, as well. Plus, black beans are abundant in nutrients(2) (from protein to fiber), making this brownie mix slightly more nourishing than the boxed stuff.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dehydrated black beans
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts (chopped)

Directions:

  1. Add the beans to a pot along with 3 cups of water. Soak overnight. The next day, bring the water to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Remove from the water and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until everything is combined evenly.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
  4. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
  5. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

5. Strawberry Cream Cheese Brownies

Chances are you have a block of cream cheese standing in your fridge, and chances are you use it just to schmear your bagels. But, if you want to make the richest, most delicious brownies ever, we urge you to mix some of it with strawberries and drizzle the topping all over your brownie batter. Now that’s next-level indulgence!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/3 cups dark chocolate
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ¾ cup organic crunchy strawberries

Directions:

  1. Add the strawberries to a bowl along with 2 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
  3. Add the flour and cocoa powder to a bowl and mix well to combine.
  4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over medium heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar and 1 ½ cups of the powdered sugar and remove from the heat.
  5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract one at a time and mix until you have a thick batter.
  6. Whisk in the flour mixture until everything is evenly combined.
  7. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and set aside.
  8. In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, raspberries, egg yolks, and the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar.
  9. Place spoonfuls of the cream cheese topping on the brownie and use a knife to swirl it around.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
  11. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

Which of these brownie recipes would you try for National Brownie Day? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. National Brownie Day in 2021/2022 - When, Where, Why, How is Celebrated? (holidayscalendar.com)
  2. FoodData Central (usda.gov)
  3. https://iambaker.net/zucchini-brownies/
  4. https://www.acouplecooks.com/sweet-potato-brownies/
  5. https://cookienameddesire.com/fudgy-raspberry-brownies/
  6. https://joyfoodsunshine.com/black-bean-brownies/
  7. https://therecipecritic.com/strawberry-cheesecake-brownies/
Read More
x