Chocolate-covered Bugs

Chocolate-covered Bugs Recipe | Licorice, Caramel, Almonds & More

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate-covered bugs are a fun and unique treat that will surprise and delight your friends and family. These creepy-crawly candies are perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want to add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.

History

The idea of chocolate-covered bugs may sound strange, but they have actually been enjoyed as a novelty treat for many years. Insects have long been eaten in various cultures around the world, and covering them in chocolate is just another way to make them more palatable to those who may be squeamish about eating bugs.

Ingredients

24 black-licorice whips
24 soft caramel candies
6 oz (170 g) chocolate chips

Decorations

colored sprinkles
red hots
sliced almonds
Assorted decors and dragees

How to prepare

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
Cut the licorice into small pieces.
Flatten each caramel into a small oval using your hands.
Place bits of licorice onto 12 of the flattened caramels to create legs.
Cover each with a second caramel and press the edges to seal.
Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave it on high for 1 minute.
Stir the chocolate and then microwave it on high for an additional 1 minute.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is melted.
Spoon the melted chocolate over each candy.
Decorate them with nuts and candy.

Variations

You can customize your chocolate-covered bugs by using different types of candy for the decorations. Try using gummy worms, candy eyes, or even edible glitter for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making chocolate-covered bugs, it's important to work quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening before you can decorate them. You can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate if you prefer, but the microwave method is quick and easy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chocolate-covered bugs as a whimsical dessert at your next party or event. They are sure to be a conversation starter!

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect chocolate-covered bugs is to work quickly and carefully when assembling and decorating them. Use a gentle touch when pressing the caramel candies together to avoid squishing the licorice legs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have licorice whips on hand, you can use pretzel sticks or thin strips of fruit leather as a substitute. Get creative with your decorations and use whatever candies or nuts you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make chocolate-covered bugs up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to keep them away from heat sources to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange your chocolate-covered bugs on a platter lined with decorative paper or serve them in individual cupcake liners for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve chocolate-covered bugs with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a classic and comforting dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chocolate-covered bugs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate is slightly melted.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chocolate-covered bugs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chocolate-covered bugs contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chocolate-covered bugs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chocolate-covered bugs contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate-covered bugs do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate-covered bugs may contain allergens such as nuts and dairy. Be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens before consuming.

Summary

Chocolate-covered bugs are a fun and indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Chocolate-covered bugs are a whimsical and fun treat that is perfect for parties or special occasions. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for chocolate-covered bugs. It was a warm summer day and I had decided to take a walk through the woods near my childhood home. As I wandered through the trees, I noticed a group of children huddled around something on the ground. Curious, I made my way over to see what they were so engrossed in.

To my surprise, they were collecting bugs. Not just any bugs, but large, juicy beetles that were crawling around on the forest floor. I watched in fascination as they carefully picked up the insects and placed them in a jar. When I asked them what they were doing, one of the children explained that they were gathering ingredients for a special treat - chocolate-covered bugs.

Intrigued by the idea, I asked if they would be willing to share their recipe with me. They happily obliged, excited to pass on their knowledge to an eager listener. As they explained the process to me, I couldn't help but marvel at their resourcefulness and creativity.

The first step, they told me, was to gather a variety of bugs. They recommended using beetles, grasshoppers, and even ants for a unique flavor profile. The bugs needed to be washed and dried thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Next, they instructed me to melt some chocolate in a double boiler until it was smooth and creamy. Once the chocolate was melted, it was time to dip the bugs into the chocolate, ensuring that they were completely coated. The bugs were then placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.

As I listened to their instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was a recipe unlike anything I had ever encountered before, and I was eager to try my hand at making it myself.

After bidding farewell to the children and thanking them for sharing their recipe with me, I hurried home to gather the necessary ingredients. I spent the afternoon carefully preparing the bugs, dipping them in chocolate, and watching as they transformed into delectable treats.

When the bugs were finally ready, I hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. Would they taste as good as they looked? With a sense of trepidation, I popped one of the chocolate-covered bugs into my mouth and savored the flavor.

To my surprise, the bugs were delicious. The crunchiness of the insects paired perfectly with the smooth, rich chocolate coating. I couldn't believe how tasty they were, and I found myself reaching for another one without hesitation.

As I enjoyed my newfound delicacy, I reflected on the serendipitous nature of my discovery. Who would have thought that a simple walk through the woods would lead me to such a unique and unforgettable recipe? I felt grateful to the children who had shared their knowledge with me and excited to continue exploring the world of culinary creativity.

From that day on, chocolate-covered bugs became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they tried the unusual treat for themselves. And as I continued to experiment with different bug varieties and chocolate flavors, I couldn't help but marvel at the endless possibilities that the culinary world had to offer.

In the end, I learned that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. By keeping an open mind and embracing new experiences, we can discover a world of flavors and textures that we never knew existed. And who knows? Perhaps the next great culinary innovation is waiting to be unearthed in the most unlikely of places.