Chocolate Christmas Candies

Chocolate Christmas Candies Recipe - A Delicious Treat from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Chocolate Christmas Candies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These sweet and nutty candies are coated in rich chocolate, making them a decadent dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.

History

The origins of Chocolate Christmas Candies are unclear, but they have become a popular holiday treat in many households. These candies are often made during the Christmas season and are a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

1 cup butter or regular margarine
0.5 cup cream style peanut butter
2.33 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 piece of paraffin, 2.5" long, cut up

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, combine the peanut butter and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted.
Remove from the heat.
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, coconut, and walnuts.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until well blended.
Shape the mixture into 0.5 inch balls.
Place the balls on baking sheets lined with waxed paper.
Cover the balls with aluminum foil.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator.
In the top of a double boiler, combine the chocolate chips and paraffin.
Place the double boiler over hot water and stir until the chocolate is melted.
Dip the balls into the melted chocolate.
Place the dipped balls on baking sheets lined with waxed paper and let them stand until the chocolate is set.
Cover the balls with aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator.

Variations

Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, in place of walnuts.
Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the mixture for a fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality chocolate for dipping the candies, as this will give them a rich and decadent flavor.

- Be sure to chill the balls in the refrigerator before dipping them in chocolate, as this will help the chocolate to set quickly.

- Store the candies in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Christmas Candies as a dessert at holiday parties or give them as gifts to friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for making Chocolate Christmas Candies is melting the chocolate for dipping the balls. Be sure to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate gently and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have paraffin on hand, you can substitute vegetable shortening for dipping the candies in chocolate.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the Chocolate Christmas Candies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chocolate Christmas Candies on a festive platter and garnish with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chocolate Christmas Candies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delicious and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Christmas Candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Christmas Candies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Christmas Candies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Christmas Candies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Christmas Candies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Christmas Candies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Christmas Candies contain peanuts, coconut, and walnuts, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate Christmas Candies are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Chocolate Christmas Candies are a delightful holiday treat that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. These sweet and nutty candies are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chocolate Christmas Candies. It was a cold winter day, just a few days before Christmas, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret was known for her incredible baking skills and always had a sweet treat ready to share with anyone who stopped by.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the sweet scent of chocolate and sugar filled the air. Margaret greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe I want to share with you today," she said, as she pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box. "These Chocolate Christmas Candies are a family favorite, and I know you'll love them."

I watched as Margaret gathered the ingredients and began to explain the steps to me. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she mixed the melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter together, I could see the love and tradition that went into each batch of candies.

After the candies had set in the fridge for a few hours, Margaret presented me with a plate full of the most delicious looking treats I had ever seen. The rich, chocolatey aroma wafted up to my nose, and I couldn't wait to take a bite. As soon as I did, I knew that this recipe was something truly special.

From that day on, I made it a tradition to bake these Chocolate Christmas Candies every year during the holiday season. I would invite friends and family over to join me in the kitchen, and we would spend hours rolling the candies into perfect little balls and dipping them in melted chocolate. The whole house would be filled with laughter and the sound of Christmas carols as we worked together to create these sweet treats.

Over the years, I have made some small adjustments to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a touch of peppermint extract to give the candies an extra special touch. Each time I make them, I think of Margaret and her warm kitchen, and I am grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe that she shared with me.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I know that it will continue to bring joy and sweetness to our holiday celebrations for years to come. The tradition of making these Chocolate Christmas Candies will live on, just as Margaret's grandmother intended when she first shared the recipe with her.

So as I gather my loved ones around the kitchen counter this Christmas, I will tell them the story of how I learned to make these delicious candies from my dear friend Margaret. And as we enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness together, I will be filled with gratitude for the love and tradition that have been passed down through the generations.