To Die For Chocolate Dipped Caramels From Legendary Sweets Maker Jacques Torres Recipes

TO-DIE-FOR CHOCOLATE-DIPPED CARAMELS FROM LEGENDARY SWEETS MAKER JACQUES TORRES

Steps:

• To temper the chocolate, place in a microwave-safe glass bowl
• Heat for 30 seconds at a time on high power until most of the chocolate is melted; the chocolate will retain its shape even when mostly melted
• Whisk until smooth
• Working 1 caramel at a time, dip each square into the bowl of tempered melted dark chocolate
• Using a fork, remove each caramel, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl
• Place chocolate-covered caramels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let set completely

TO DIE FOR HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• 1. Stir together all ingredients in a a LARGE bowl (preferably one with a lid for freshness). I use a tupperware layer cake saver as my bowl and the bottom as my lid. It takes some time to really get all this incorporated well, but make sure you do!
• 2. For each individual serving put 1/3 cup mix in a large (minimum 8 oz, but more along a 10 oz) coffee cup, add mix before adding either water or milk, heat to desired temperature and stir until chips melt, add extra marshmallows on top or whipped cream. We prefer to use milk because it is richer and creamer.
• 3. This is great as a gift for friends or neighbors in decorative tins or glass jars for Christmas. Be sure to include on your gift tag how much is needed per serving. ENJOY! If you put this in an airtight container it will last approximately 1 yr.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CARAMELS

Steps:

• Grease an 8 x 8 inch square pan.
• In a heavy 4 quart saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add brown sugar, corn syrup and milk. Stirring constantly, heat to 242 to 248 degrees F (116 to 120 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a firm but pliable ball. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pan.
• When caramel has cooled and set, cut into 1 inch squares. Chill in refrigerator until firm.
• Melt chocolate with 1 tablespoon butter in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
• Dip caramel squares in chocolate and place on wax paper to cool.

PERFECT DIPPING CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Remove the chilled candy from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before coating (dipping cold centers can result in cracked coating).
• Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a 2-cup measuring bowl.
• Place the bowl into a larger bowl which contains very warm water (about100-110F) the water should reach only halfway up the 2-cup bowl with the chocolate (DO NOT LET EVEN 1 DROP WATER MIX WITH CHOCOLATE!).
• Stir mixture constantly with a small spatula until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth (this should take about 16-18 minutes, do not rush the melted process).
• If necessary replace the water with more very warm water.
• remove the 2-cup bowl with melted chocolate from the water and continue to stir until all the chocolate is cooled slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
• Set one candy onto a two-pronged fork, then completely dip candy into melted chocolate.
• Gently tap the fork against side of the bowl to remove any excess melted chocolate.
• Place onto baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Repeat with remaining candy.
• If the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, place the bowl containing the chocolate into the bowl with warm water until desired consistancy.
• TIPS ON HOW TO WORK WITH DIPPING CHOCOLATE.
• Avoid all types of moisture when melting the chocolate, any steam or drops of moisture can cause the mixture to :seize" or become very firm, crumbly and grainy, if this occurs it can be corrected by stirring in 1 teaspoon shortening for each 2 ounces of melted chocolate.
• Chocolate can also be melted over low heat in a double boiler.
• Store the chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool dry place, do not refrigerate.