Christmas Chocolates, a simple and delicious idea to gift to friends and family during the holiday season. You can even get the little ones at home to help you prepare them, for a fun and different afternoon, as I did. True, Giorgia and Francesca are not little anymore, but spending these moments together is always fun. In fact, because both are often busy with work and school, finding time to cook together is even more special. Making these homemade chocolates is very simple, even if it won’t be particularly quick, since you have to wait for the chocolate to solidify between layers. However, the result will definitely be worth it. When we made them, they disappeared in a flash. You can use the chocolate you prefer. I used dark, milk, and white chocolate to create multiple layers. Between each layer, I also added pistachio granules, but you can use any nuts you prefer.
For this recipe, I recommend melting one type of chocolate at a time and starting with the first one you need to use. I chose dark chocolate, but feel free to diversify and let your imagination run wild. Melt it in the microwave, being careful not to burn it. Dark and milk chocolate should be melted at 180 watts in intervals of 25 or 30 seconds each, stirring each time with a teaspoon. This step will help the intact chocolate to melt with the rest and avoid burning. White chocolate, however, needs to be melted more cautiously, also at 180 watts, but with shorter time intervals, because it is much more prone to burning. A pinch of imagination is all you need, and these simple homemade Christmas chocolates will be ready in a flash!
If you’re interested in other Christmas sweet recipes to give as gifts, also read:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 40 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 12 pieces
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 oz dark chocolate
- 1 3/4 oz white chocolate
- 1 3/4 oz milk chocolate
- pistachio granules (to taste)
Tools
- Mold silicone mold for chocolates
- 3 Bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Piping bag
Steps
First, chop the dark, milk, and white chocolate and transfer each into a different small bowl. Place the molds on a tray lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to transport them from the worktop to the refrigerator, and if any chocolate drips onto the tray, it will fall onto the parchment paper, saving you a cleaning headache. Melt the first chocolate and transfer it to a piping bag, cut a not-too-large opening with scissors, and pour it into the molds halfway, ensuring the sides are filled as well. Add pistachio granules where you like and tap the table a couple of times to remove any air bubbles.
Then place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes or until the chocolate has set. After the necessary resting time, melt the next chocolate you want to use. Retrieve the molds and pour it until fully filled. Tap the tray on the table again to eliminate any air bubbles and refrigerate for at least another 45 minutes.
After the resting time, take the molds and unmold the chocolates onto the tray with parchment paper. Melt the other type of chocolate and put it in a piping bag, cutting a fairly small opening. You will be decorating them, so the chocolate should pour slowly. Let your imagination run wild and decorate them as you wish. Place back in the refrigerator until solidified. At this point, they are ready to be enjoyed or packed in transparent bags to gift to friends and family for Christmas.
Storage and Tips for Christmas Chocolates
These sweets can be stored in a cool, dry place for 4 or 5 days, in plastic bags or a container with a lid.
FAQ Questions and Answers for Christmas Chocolates
Can I melt the chocolate using a double boiler?
Yes, of course, you will need to place one bowl at a time with the chopped chocolate in a saucepan with boiling water, making sure that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowls. Stir well until it’s completely melted.
How can I reuse melted chocolate that has set?
You can melt it again in the microwave or using a double boiler, being very careful not to burn it.
