Fragrant Orange Pave Chocolate
Orange Pave Chocolate: A Homemade Gift for Valentine’s Day
Introducing an easy-to-make, yet sophisticated Orange Pave Chocolate recipe, perfect for gifting on Valentine’s Day. The refreshing zest of orange peel combined with the rich flavor of dark chocolate will add a touch of sweetness to your special occasion.
Chocolate Mixture Ingredients- 200g Dark Couverture Chocolate (Using high-quality dark chocolate enhances the depth of flavor)
- 95g Heavy Cream (Using cream with a fat content of 35% or higher will yield a smoother texture)
- 15g Corn Syrup (Adjusts sweetness and adds shine)
- 30g Candied Orange Peel (You can use homemade or store-bought. Finely mince it)
- Cocoa Powder, as needed (for dusting, adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and gently heat it over medium-low heat until it’s just about to boil. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges when it’s ready. Remove from heat immediately. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously.
Step 2
Add the corn syrup to the warm cream and whisk gently until fully incorporated. It’s important to dissolve the corn syrup completely without any lumps.
Step 3
Finely chop the dark couverture chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Pour the warm cream mixture over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to begin melting, then slowly and smoothly stir with a spatula or whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. The key is to let the residual heat melt the chocolate gradually.
Step 4
If there are any unmelted chocolate chunks remaining, place the bowl over a double boiler (a bowl set over simmering water) and gently heat it to finish melting the chocolate. Avoid direct high heat, as it can cause the chocolate to burn or seize.
Step 5
Once the chocolate is fully melted and has a smooth consistency, add the finely minced candied orange peel and stir to combine evenly. The fragrant citrus notes will complement the chocolate beautifully.
Step 6
Carefully pour the prepared chocolate mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading it to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm (approximately 0.6 inches). Ensuring an even layer will help with clean cuts later.
Step 7
Cover the tray and let the chocolate set in a cool place (not the refrigerator, but a cool room temperature or a cool pantry) for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Setting it too quickly in the fridge can sometimes cause a white bloom on the surface.
Step 8
Once the chocolate is firmly set, use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces (e.g., 2cm x 2cm or about 0.8 x 0.8 inches). Dust the cut surfaces generously with cocoa powder using a sieve. The cocoa powder balances the sweetness and adds an elegant finish.
Step 9
Arrange your homemade Orange Pave Chocolates in a pretty box or container to gift to your loved ones. They can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed.
