Talking About Baking

Posted on: 26 May 2016

Life is like a box of chocolates -- it's important to choose what you enjoy! If you love indulging in homemade chocolate goodies, here are two simple and delicious chocolate candy recipes you just have to try.

Chocolate Turtles

These decadent chocolate treats feature crisp, toasted pecans and gooey caramel. The recipe makes 12 candies.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 24 toasted pecan halves
• 12 soft caramels
• 1 teaspoon milk

Directions:

Arrange the toasted pecan halves in pairs of two on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place the pecans so that the two in the pair are next to each other -- with their long sides touching. Make sure you leave at least 3 inches between pairs of pecans.

Place the chocolate in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the chocolate melts completely. Remove the double boiler from the heat, but leave the chocolate in the upper chamber so that it stays melted while you work with the caramels.

To melt the caramels, place them in a small saucepan with the milk. Stir constantly while heating over medium-low heat until the caramel is smooth and uniform.

Drizzle a small spoonful of caramel over each of the pecan pairs. If you have caramel left after topping each pair of pecans, go back and divide it between the pecans. Try to ensure each pecan pair has an even amount of caramel on top of it.

Spoon chocolate over each of the caramel-topped pecan pairs. Divide the chocolate evenly between the pairs.

Place the chocolates in the fridge to harden. This will take about 20 minutes. Store at room temperature.

Toffee Crisp

The crispy, crunchy texture of this candy is truly addicting. Made with crisped rice and toffee bits, it's a cross between toffee and a Rice Krispie treat.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 3/4 cup crisped rice cereal
• 1/4 cup toffee bits

Directions:

Line an 8 x 8 inch square pan with wax paper, and then spray the wax paper with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, crisped rice and toffee bits. Make sure the mixture is uniform. Spread the warm chocolate mixture into the bottom of the lined pan.

Place the candy in the refrigerator to cool for about 45 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch squares. Store at room temperature.

To buy gourmet chocolates online, contact a company such as Abdallah Candies And Gifts.