Romanian Homemade Chocolate is a popular recipe created during a time when chocolate was almost impossible to find.
The recipe is made with powdered milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and butter, and it is a delicious dessert that nowadays can be made for a party where multiple desserts are served.
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Irresistibly Delicious
This recipe of homemade chocolate is coming from Romania, and it was probably created during the communist era (1946-1989) when food was scarce and real chocolate was a luxury.
The recipe is close to the popular American fudge, except that the ingredients are quite different.
I have to say that the recipe is quite creative and uses basic ingredients that most people had in their pantries if they were lucky enough to find them in the stores.
During these difficult times, powdered milk was rare, sugar and butter were rationed, and overall, any ingredient used in baking or making a dessert was hard to find.
For that matter, we rarely had desserts, and when we had them, it was for a special occasion and a real treat.
Because this recipe was passed from family to family, everyone living during that period of time knew about it.
It is also a recipe that you can find in any Romanian cooking book published in the '70s or '80s, just because it was so popular. Many of us are still fond of it even today.
I did some research and could not find any other country in Eastern Europe to make it, so here you have an original recipe that I hope you will try and like.
How To Make
The process is very simple. Powdered milk and unsweetened cocoa powder are sifted together in a large bowl.
Separately, a syrup made out of water, sugar, and butter is simmered on the stove for a few minutes, then added to the dry ingredients and mixed vigorously.
The whole mixture is then poured on a parchment paper-lined tray and spread evenly. The tray goes in the refrigerator for a few hours, better overnight.
The next day, the chocolate is ready to be served. Nuts or dried fruits can be added to the recipe for more fun.
Tip
When you start making the recipe, make sure you gather and measure all the ingredients.
From the moment the syrup is ready to be poured over the dry ingredients, you have to move fast. If not, the mixture will harden quickly, and it won't be easy to manage it on the tray.
The original recipe says that you need to use a 15x10inch tray, but I don't think this is extremely important. You can use what you have available.
However, it should be a medium-size tray, like a 9x13 inch Pyrex glass, for example.
Flawless Party Pleasers
This recipe is suitable for a party with multiple desserts. From my personal experience, your guests will be very impressed with the taste, especially if you use good quality ingredients.
Chocolate lovers will also fall in love with it. Christmas, Valentine's Day, and birthday celebrations, all these occasions are perfect for showing off your skills and making this recipe.
I used organic raw cocoa, which brings a health benefit to the table. I also cut the amount of sugar from the original recipe, as I thought it was too sweet for my taste.
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📖 Recipe
Romanian Homemade Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cups water
- 4 cups powdered milk
- 1 cup raw cocoa unsweetened
- 1 ½ cups chopped toasted nuts hazelnuts, walnuts etc
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon rum extract
Instructions
- Line a 15x10 inch baking tray with parchment paper. Butter the entire surface of the parchment paper and set the tray aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together the powdered milk and the unsweetened cocoa powder. Add chopped roasted nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts and mix well.
- In a medium saucepan, place water, butter, sugar, and lemon juice(the lemon juice prevents the sugar's crystallization while making the syrup).
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the stove and add vanilla and rum essence.
- Note: From this point, you have to work fast.
- Pour hot syrup over the dry ingredients and stir vigorously, making sure all the powdered milk and cocoa powder are incorporated.
- Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it evenly with a spatula. You have to move fast because the mixture will harden pretty quickly.
- Cover the pan with foil and place it in the refrigerator for few hours, best overnight.
- The chocolate will continue to harden over the next few days. Cut it into squares or small bars and serve.
- Keep refrigerated.
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