Indulge in the decadence of homemade *Chocolate Jewels*, a luxurious confection that combines rich, velvety ganache with a crisp dark chocolate shell. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and the warmth of vanilla, these artisanal treasures are adorned with a medley of chopped nuts and dried fruits for a delightful crunch and fruity burst in every bite. With an optional touch of edible gold or silver leaf for an opulent finish, these bite-sized treats are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're crafting them as edible gifts or a special indulgence, these elegant chocolates are surprisingly easy to make in just 30 minutes of active prep time. A must-try for chocolate lovers and fans of gourmet desserts alike!
Chop the dark chocolate into small, even pieces and set aside in two equal portions.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently. Do not let it boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the hot cream over one portion of the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Let it sit for 2 minutes, then gently stir with a spatula until you achieve a smooth and glossy ganache.
Stir in the unsalted butter, honey, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Allow the ganache to cool slightly and thicken at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
While the ganache is cooling, prepare your chocolate molds by ensuring they are clean and dry.
Melt the remaining portion of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Use a small spoon or pastry brush to coat the insides of the molds with the melted chocolate. Turn the mold upside down to drain excess chocolate, leaving a thin chocolate shell in each cavity.
Let the chocolate shells set in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes until firm.
Spoon or pipe the cooled ganache into the chocolate shells, filling them about three-quarters full.
Sprinkle chopped nuts and dried fruit on top of the ganache for texture and visual appeal. Lightly press them down to ensure they adhere.
Seal the chocolates by gently covering the tops with a thin layer of the remaining melted chocolate, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Refrigerate the molds for 20-30 minutes to fully set the chocolates.
Carefully pop the chocolates out of the molds. Optional: apply small pieces of edible gold or silver leaf for a luxurious finish.
Store the Chocolate Jewels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness. Serve and enjoy!
Calories |
2951 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 220.1 g | 282% | |
| Saturated Fat | 116.2 g | 581% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 194 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 120 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.0 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.6 g | 145% | |
| Total Sugars | 123.3 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 297 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 38.2 mg | 212% | |
| Potassium | 2776 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.