The Easiest Way To Give Store-Bought Chocolate Bars A Gourmet Upgrade
Who doesn't love chocolate? That moment you unwrap a store-bought chocolate bar, the shiny wrapper reflecting the promise of sweetness inside, creates a sense of anticipation. When you take that first bite, the smooth, rich chocolate envelops your palate, and for a moment, everything feels right in the world. But what if I told you that you could easily take that chocolate bar and turn it into something truly special?
Get set to give this classic treat an upgrade! Tasting Table caught up with Preston Stewart, Director of Chocolate for Onyx Coffee Lab and an expert in craft chocolate for over a decade for some tips. "One way to jazz up a basic chocolate bar would be to transform it into a decadent dessert," he says. "For instance, you can turn it into ganache by melting chocolate and cream in a 1:1 ratio. You can pour it onto a cake, fill a tart shell with it, or let it set up firm and roll it into basic truffles. Add a dash of your favorite liqueur to add some intentional flavor profiles."
Wow, can you imagine? Turning a bar of chocolate into something so appealing sounds both easy and rewarding. With just a few steps and a little creativity, you could be on your way to savoring a luscious chocolate tart that looks like it came straight from a bakery.
From bar to seasonal bliss
As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, it's the perfect time to experiment with store-bought chocolate bars to whip up something festive and unique. Just like Preston Stewart's suggestion of turning chocolate into ganache, you can easily modify a basic bar into seasonal delights with a few simple additions.
For a cozy twist, consider making some spiced Irish cream chocolate fondue. Imagine melting your favorite chocolate bars with a bit of cream and stirring in spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice. And of course, a shot or two of Irish cream would give it an extra kick! Picture pairing it with crisp slices of apples, marshmallows, or gingerbread cookies for easy dipping. It's the kind of quick, comforting dessert that works perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in.
Another option is to create chocolate bark with an autumnal flair. Simply melt your bars and spread them thin on parchment paper, then top them with a mix of toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and perhaps a drizzle of caramel for good measure. Maybe finish with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Once it sets, you have a versatile goodie that's great with morning coffee or as a thoughtful seasonal gift.
Whether you're making desserts like ganache-filled tarts or experimenting with spiced chocolate snacks, these small but intentional upgrades show that with just a few ingredients, your store-bought chocolate can deliver a gourmet touch all season long.