Decadent Handmade Pave Chocolate
Gift the perfect Valentine’s Day treat with homemade Pave Chocolate!
Indulge in the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Pave Chocolate generously coated in cocoa powder! This recipe is your ticket to creating a luxurious dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients- 200g Dark Chocolate (recommend 70% cacao or higher)
- 1 Tbsp Rum (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 100g Heavy Cream (recommend 35% fat content or higher)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or granulated sugar, for smooth texture)
- 3 Tbsp 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for dusting)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by finely chopping your dark chocolate. The smaller the pieces, the more easily it will melt. Prepare a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl with the chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Gently stir the chocolate with a spatula until it’s completely smooth and glossy. Avoid overheating.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream and corn syrup. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for about 30 seconds. This helps maintain the cream’s temperature, allowing it to emulsify better with the chocolate for a silkier ganache. Pour the warmed cream mixture over the melted chocolate. Using a whisk or spatula, gently stir from the center outwards until a smooth, cohesive, and glossy chocolate ganache forms. Finally, stir in the rum until fully incorporated to enhance the flavor profile.
Step 3
Prepare your mold for setting the chocolate. Ideally, use a square or rectangular pan lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap. If you don’t have a suitable pan, a clean food storage container lined thoroughly with plastic wrap will also work. Pour the chocolate ganache into the prepared mold, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a flat surface. This will make cutting easier and give a neater finish.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to let the chocolate set. Place the mold in a cool place (like a pantry or cellar) for about 3-4 hours, or refrigerate for approximately 1.5 hours if you’re in a hurry. Once the chocolate is firm, you can cut it into desired pieces. For clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice. Alternatively, you can warm a knife by briefly holding it over a flame. For a more rustic look, you can even break the chocolate into pieces by hand.
Step 5
Finally, dust the cut chocolate pieces generously in cocoa powder. Roll them gently to ensure they are fully coated. Your delicious, homemade Pave Chocolate is now ready to be enjoyed! Experience a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich chocolate flavor that surpasses store-bought options. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for gifting or as a delightful treat for yourself.
