Dairy Free Christmas Chocolate

Dairy Free Christmas Chocolate

What is Christmas Chocolate? It’s what ever you want it to be. My additions are below, but what makes christmas for you? 

Ingredients:

115 g of cocoa butter (chopped up if possible)

45-75 ml maple syrup

50 g cacao powder

Optional:

1 tsp vanilla extract or flavouring of your choice

1 pinch sea salt

Fillings:

Chopped cranberries

Sliced Almonds or other nut

Orange rind grated

Toppings:

Mini Marshmallows

Edible glitter or sprinkles

Method:

Arrange what you will pour the Chocolate into. I usually line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the Chocolate onto this. Alternatively, arrange cupcake liners.  

In a medium-sized heat-safe bowl, place the cacao butter. 

You need to ensure you heat indirectly by placing the bowl over a small pot of simmering water, making sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Allow the cacao butter to melt, stirring occasionally. I lift the pan off the heat sometimes during this process. Don’t be worried if the mixture appears thin at this stage.  

Once melted, add the maple syrup and stir in. You could add the lesser amount and taste later on, adding more maple syrup if required.  

Turn off the heat and stir in the cacao powder until it is mixed.  

At this stage add any flavourings, salt and fillings to the mixture.  

Taste and adjust the flavouring and maple syrup as you require.  

Remove the bowl from the pot and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.  

Pour onto the lined baking sheet and add toppings.  

Allow to cool.  

If you are using cupcakes, you may find it easier to transfer the mixture into a measuring cup to pour into the moulds. Pour the mixture into silicone moulds (really any flexible container will do)

Refrigerate (or leave at room temperature) for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Remove from the moulds and serve.

Additional Notes:

Store the Chocolate in the refrigerator where it will keep for several weeks.  

Alternatively, you can also store in the freezer for up to 1 month!

Equipment Used:

Saucepan

Bowl

Spoon

Silicone mould

Measuring cup

Measuring spoon.