There is no sweeter indulgence than chocolate. Whether it's a steaming cup of hot cocoa, a plate of heart-shaped chocolates or an exotic layered dessert, chocolate is a seductive treat. With Valentine's Day approaching, thoughts naturally turn to chocolate and so this month's recipe is for all you chocoholics out their!
Ingredients
400 g granulated sugar
225 ml unsweetened condensed milk
40 g butter
1 g salt
50 g unsweetened chocolate
15 ml light corn syrup
300 g chopped walnuts
5 ml vanilla extract
Method
- Combine the sugar, condensed milk, butter, salt, chocolate, and syrup in a large heavy-based saucepan.
- Heat slowly whilst stirring until everything is melted.
- When the chocolate is completely melted, beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Heat till the mixture is halfway between soft and medium ball stage.
- Let cool until barely touchable.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla.
- Beat the mixture until it starts to set and spread it into a 20-cm, square pan (pre-greased with butter).
Definitions
To beat: To thoroughly combine ingredients and incorporate air with a rapid, circular motion. This may be done with a wooden spoon, wire whisk, rotary eggbeater, electric mixer or food processor.
To combine: To add one or more ingredients to another.
To grease: to apply a layer of fat to a surface to prevent food from sticking, e.g. grease the baking tray with butter.
To stir: agitate an ingredient or a number of ingredients using a hand held tool such as a spoon, eg stir the onions until they are lightly browned.