How to Make Chocolate Candies - Valentine's Day Fever

Okay! It's February and as they say love is in the air! Well, I'm not so into this Valentine's Day stuff but since its something I cannot runaway from then I'll just join the bandwagon. No, I'm not gonna go out on a date on Feb. 14. I mean I'll just give you a recipe for making chocolate candies.

Ingredients:

chocolate block (dark or milk chocolate)
fillings (nuts, raisins, marshmallows, dried fruits, shredded coconut, oats, corn flakes)

pic from kev79.wordpress.com

Materials:

double boiler
spatula
mold
flutter paper cups
boxes


Procedure:

1. Cut the chocolate block into small pieces (to melt easily).
2. Put the chocolate pieces in a double boiler.
3. Place the boiler over steady heat. When the water simmers the chocolate will start to melt. This is the signal for you to start stirring (use wooden spatula). Stir constantly until chocolate becomes smooth and thick.
4. When the chocolate has completely melted, scoop some chocolate and pour onto the mold. Fill only about half of the mold.
5. Add your desired filling.
6. Pour chocolate again onto the mold.
7. Let the chocolate cool for a bit then put in the refrigerator (small ones could be kept in the refrigerator for about 5 to 10 minutes while larger ones would need 10 to 15 minutes).
8. When the chocolate is already firm, turn the mold upside down and tap to remove the chocolate candies.
9. Put in flutter paper cups or just simply arrange in a box.

You can buy chocolate candy molds at low prices. Some of the shapes are star, heart, moon, flower, etc. But do not be limited by the molds that you can buy in stores. Look around your kitchen and you  will surely find something that can be used to give shape to your chocolate candies.

One thing I would like to try as a variation to the regular fillings is using fresh fruits. It may decrease its shelf life but fresh fruits are still nicer than dried ones. Instead of drying you may just need to drain the fresh fruit slices well so that whatever liquid they contain will not mix with the chocolate. I'll try it soon.

NOTE: Practice first with this simple recipe before venturing into making flavored chocolate candies. Also, practice with regular molds before trying  to make chocolates with elaborate designs. Practice then practice some more. Who knows, maybe next Valentine's Day you can already make export quality chocolate candies.