Assorted Gourmet Chocolate Squares with Nuts & Dried Fruits
Assorted Gourmet Chocolate Squares with Nuts & Dried Fruits
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Squares
- 1 pound milk chocolate, high-quality, chopped
- 1/2 cup whole peeled almonds
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup green pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate crisps, or similar small white spherical inclusions
Instructions
- 1
Prepare your work surface and molds. Ensure your square chocolate molds are clean and completely dry. Arrange the various nuts (almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds) and dried fruits (golden raisins, dried cranberries), and white chocolate crisps in small bowls or on a tray for easy access.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Evenly distribute the inclusions into the cavities of your chocolate molds. Place a small assortment of almonds, pecan halves, pumpkin seeds, golden raisins, dried cranberries, and white chocolate crisps into the bottom of each mold cavity. Aim for a balanced variety in each square.
⏱️ 10 min
- 3
Melt the milk chocolate. Place the chopped milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Transfer the melted chocolate to a pastry bag. If you don't have a pastry bag, a sturdy Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off will work. This allows for precise piping.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Pipe the melted chocolate into the prepared molds. Carefully pipe the melted milk chocolate over the inclusions in each mold cavity, filling them completely. Gently tap the molds on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure the chocolate settles evenly around the inclusions.
⏱️ 10 min
- 6
Allow the chocolate squares to set. Place the filled chocolate molds in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm and opaque. Do not rush this step, as proper setting is crucial for easy demolding.
⏱️ 45 min
- 7
Demold the chocolate squares. Once fully set, carefully invert the molds onto a clean, flat surface (like a baking sheet or cutting board). The chocolates should pop out easily. If they don't, give the mold a gentle flex or tap.
⏱️ 3 min
- 8
Package and serve. Place each gourmet chocolate square into a white fluted paper liner. Arrange them in sets of four into small gift boxes, if desired. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to enjoy or gift.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Assorted Gourmet Chocolate Squares with Nuts & Dried Fruits
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Squares
- 1 pound milk chocolate, high-quality, chopped
- 1/2 cup whole peeled almonds
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup green pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate crisps, or similar small white spherical inclusions
Instructions
- 1
Prepare your work surface and molds. Ensure your square chocolate molds are clean and completely dry. Arrange the various nuts (almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds) and dried fruits (golden raisins, dried cranberries), and white chocolate crisps in small bowls or on a tray for easy access.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Evenly distribute the inclusions into the cavities of your chocolate molds. Place a small assortment of almonds, pecan halves, pumpkin seeds, golden raisins, dried cranberries, and white chocolate crisps into the bottom of each mold cavity. Aim for a balanced variety in each square.
⏱️ 10 min - 3
Melt the milk chocolate. Place the chopped milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Transfer the melted chocolate to a pastry bag. If you don't have a pastry bag, a sturdy Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off will work. This allows for precise piping.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Pipe the melted chocolate into the prepared molds. Carefully pipe the melted milk chocolate over the inclusions in each mold cavity, filling them completely. Gently tap the molds on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure the chocolate settles evenly around the inclusions.
⏱️ 10 min - 6
Allow the chocolate squares to set. Place the filled chocolate molds in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm and opaque. Do not rush this step, as proper setting is crucial for easy demolding.
⏱️ 45 min - 7
Demold the chocolate squares. Once fully set, carefully invert the molds onto a clean, flat surface (like a baking sheet or cutting board). The chocolates should pop out easily. If they don't, give the mold a gentle flex or tap.
⏱️ 3 min - 8
Package and serve. Place each gourmet chocolate square into a white fluted paper liner. Arrange them in sets of four into small gift boxes, if desired. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to enjoy or gift.
⏱️ 5 min