Chef In Making » candy

White Chocolate and Craisins Haystacks

soniaabrol — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:13:19 +0000

White Chocolate Craisins Haystacks

Here is a super simple and delicious holiday treat that as the name suggests looks like a ‘Haystack’. I have seen recipes with lot of different ingredients but I liked the one with pretzels and peanuts the best. It could be because that these two are also my personal favorites when I need something to munch on. Peanuts are a good source of protein and Pretzels, a relatively low fat and low calorie snack, add subtle saltiness to the delicate white chocolate treat. I decided to add some craisins in the mix as well. They need no baking time and can be put together in just 5 minutes (only time you need is to let them cool down!). They are perfect for your holiday table, gift giving, potlucks and to make the little ones happy!
I already made couple of batches for my nieces and nephews for Thanksgiving and I am happy that they loved them. For me, they make a great after dinner dessert.

You need:

2 cups white chocolate chips OR 12 oz white chocolate coarsely chopped (I used Hershey’s)

1 1/4 cups thin pretzel sticks, broken into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with foil paper
2. Melt the white chocolate as per package instructions. For two cups of chocolate chips, I microwave for 1 minute and then additional 15-20 seconds in 5 second intervals.
The chocolate chips may maintain their shape so try to run a spoon and stop when it spreads creamy. You have to be very careful that it does not get over heated.
3.Add peanuts, cranberries and pretzels, stirring until well coated.

White Chocolate Craisins Haystacks-mix

4.Drop by spoonful onto the cookie sheet and sprinkle some colored sugar crystals or sprinkles.
Once cool, store the haystacks in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for several weeks.

You can try different variations: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped roasted almonds or pistachios instead of Craisins.

White Chocolate Craisins Haystacks

White Chocolate and Craisins Haystacks is a post from: Chef

Easy Coconut Chocolate Fudge

soniaabrol — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 06:26:43 +0000

Chocolate Coconut Fudge Bunny

I just made this fudge for easter tomorrow. I was out the entire day and did not get any time to prepare for tomorrow. So I just whipped a batch of this fudge with a handful of ingredients. I like chocolate with coconut (Almond Joy is one of my favorites) and since I had sweetened coconut flakes on hand, I decided to make the fudge with coconut. It is almost 11:00 PM and I just put it in the refrigerator. I guess I will cut into pieces tomorrow morning only. I plan to use my egg, bunny and butterfly shaped cookie cutters to suit the holiday.

You need:

2 cups white chocolate baking chips (I used Nestle Tollhouse White Morsels)
1 cup chocolate baking chips ( Nestle Tollhouse Morsels)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – I used Eagle brand
1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
sprinkles/colored sugar to decorate

1. Line a 9*13 or 8″ square baking dish with aluminum foil, and grease the foil.

Melt chocolate with condensed milk

2. Combine the chocolate chips, vanilla and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth.

3. Stir in 1.5 cups of coconut flakes.

4. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread a layer of coconut flakes on top and press gently.

Spread coconut on top

5. Spread sprinkles and press gently. If you plan to decorate individual pieces differently then you can wait for this step until you have cut the pieces. Chill for 2-3 hours, then cut into pieces of desired shape.

I will post the pictures of cut fudge pieces tomorrow.

Happy Easter!

Chocolate Cocunut Fudge-Eggs

Easy Coconut Chocolate Fudge is a post from: Chef

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

soniaabrol — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:30:36 +0000

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

Today I made this festive peppermint fudge for my friends and family. The original recipe called for Vanilla chocolate chips but I made it with white chocolate chips to get the oh-so yummy peppermint-chocolate taste. As I am writing, I already ate couple of pieces and I am struggling hard to not to grab another one!

You need:

3 1/2 cups white chocolate baking chips (I used Nestle Tollhouse White Morsels)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – I used Eagle brand
1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 cup crushed candy canes
A dash of red food coloring (you can use green as well!)

Optional:

1/2 cup semi sweet Chocolate Chips/baking chocolate squares
and/or 1/2 cups white chocolate baking chips
Colored or chocolate sprinkles
Colored Sugar Crystals
Crushed candy canes

Melting white chocolate chips with condensed milk

Line an 8 inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, and grease the foil.
Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth.

When chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, stir in the Vanilla extract, food coloring, and candy canes. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill for 2-3 hours, then cut into pieces of desired shape.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

The fudge tastes great without any additional toppings but in the spirit of holidays I played around with couple of different options:

1. Melt the chocolate chips/squares as per instructions
2. Coat half a piece with the melted chocolate and sprinkle desired topping such as colored sugar crystals, colored or chocolate sprinkles, crushed candy canes and so on.
3. Put the coated pieces on wax paper and let the chocolate get firm (about 15 minutes)
4. Enjoy! and store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge is a post from: Chef