Indulging in chocolate during the holiday season is a tradition for many of us. And for me, this year has been no different. As a Bounty lover, I have been enjoying the plethora of coconut treats that fill my household’s selection tubs. And to my delight, I have also been able to snag discounted boxes of Bounty-only chocolate trays at my local supermarket. It seems I am not the only one who loves these delights, as they are always among the first to go.
But let’s be clear, I am not a universal chocolate lover. I have my preferences, and I am not afraid to admit it. Anything with strawberry or orange goop, or toffee, is a definite no for me. And I cannot stand those waxy, solid-chocolate sweets either.
So, what do I do with all these unwanted sweets? I have discovered some creative and delicious ways to use them up, and I am excited to share them with you.
1. Rocky Road
I take my rocky road recipe very seriously, but I also know that it is a versatile dish. You can add in any leftover treats from your selection box – honeycomb, fudge, or chopped-up chocolates. You can also get creative and add in some dried fruit, like cranberries, for a festive touch. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
2. Brownies
In my opinion, the best brownies do not have melted chocolate in the batter. Instead, they have a rich, fudgy texture that comes from using cocoa powder. However, I do love adding chocolate chips to my brownies, and who says they have to be regular chocolate chips? Jamie Oliver suggests using leftover selection box chocolates instead, and I am all for it.
3. Cookies
If you are a fan of cookie bars, then you will love this idea from legendary baking site Jane’s Patisserie. Simply chop up your leftover chocolates and mix them into your cookie dough. You can also make regular cookies with them, just make sure to use inverted sugars, like Golden Syrup, to achieve the perfect softness.
4. Fudge
Fudge is a festive hack that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also makes for a thoughtful last-minute gift. It can be made in minutes on the hob or even in the microwave, and it is a great way to use up to 30 leftover chocolates. However, be mindful of those with gooey centers or whole nuts, as they may not work well in this recipe.
5. Cheesecake Pots
Cheesecake is the perfect dessert, in my opinion. It requires minimal effort but has a deliciously indulgent reward. And the best part? You can use any leftover chocolates to create different variations. Waitrose suggests using them in their little cheesecake pots, while I am tempted to add some to my favorite Nutella version.
In conclusion, do not let those unwanted chocolates go to waste. Get creative and try out some of these fun and delicious ideas. Not only will you be using up your leftovers, but you will also be indulging in some scrumptious treats. Happy holidays and happy munching!
