Save Experience a touch of luxury with these Candied Orange Hot Chocolate Stirrers. These handcrafted treats are infused with bright citrus and rich dark chocolate, making them a thoughtful and elegant Valentine's gift or a decadent treat for sharing during a cozy evening.
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Creating these stirrers is a rewarding process that begins with simmering fresh citrus peels until they become tender and translucent. Once dipped in silky melted chocolate and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt, they become the ultimate companion for a warm mug of milk.
Ingredients
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- Candied Orange Peel: 2 large oranges, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- Chocolate Coating: 8 oz (225 g) high-quality dark chocolate (chopped), 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (optional)
- Assembly: 10 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks, extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Orange Peel
- Wash oranges and score the peel into quarters. Remove the peel, cut into 1/4 inch strips, and blanch in boiling water twice to remove bitterness. Simmer the peels in sugar and water for 40–50 minutes until translucent, then cool on parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate
- Melt the chopped dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth. Let it cool slightly but ensure it remains pourable.
- Assemble Stirrers
- Thread 2–3 pieces of orange peel onto each stick. Dip the lower half into the chocolate, swirling for a thick coat. Place on parchment and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Set and Package
- Let the stirrers set at room temperature or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm. Wrap individually in cellophane for a professional gift finish.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor, do not skip the blanching process, as it removes the harsh bitterness from the orange pith. You can prepare the candied orange peels up to 2 weeks in advance if stored in an airtight container.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flair, try dipping the stirrers in white or milk chocolate instead of dark, or garnish the wet chocolate with finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Pair each stirrer with your favorite mug and 8 ounces of hot milk. Stir slowly as the chocolate melts to create a rich, citrus-infused cocoa experience.
Save Whether you are gifting these to a loved one or treating yourself to a gourmet beverage, these Candied Orange Hot Chocolate Stirrers bring a touch of artisanal elegance to any chocolate lover's kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make candied orange peel less bitter?
Blanch the orange peels by boiling them in water and draining twice to reduce bitterness before simmering with sugar.
- → What type of chocolate works best for coating?
High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa provides a rich, smooth coating that balances the citrus notes.
- → Can I substitute the wooden sticks with something else?
Wooden or lollipop sticks are ideal for easy handling, but sturdy skewers or chopsticks can be used as alternatives.
- → Is it necessary to sprinkle sea salt on the stirrers?
Sea salt adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness and enhances the chocolate's depth, but it’s optional based on preference.
- → How should I store the finished stirrers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. Avoid warm environments to prevent melting.
