Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Delicious Twist: A Homemade Chocolate Pumpkin Brimming with Candied Goodness!
As Thanksgiving approaches, the air becomes filled with the aroma of spices and the warmth of shared moments with loved ones. What better way to add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving celebrations than by crafting a candy-filled chocolate pumpkin? This delightful treat not only serves as a festive centerpiece but also offers a delicious surprise for friends and family. Let's dive into the steps of creating this scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert!
Ingredients You'll Need:
Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, based on your preferences and the flavor profile you desire.
Pumpkin Mold: I use 2 piece mold to keep the center hollow, you can find at most craft stores and on Amazon
Assorted Candies: Embrace the Thanksgiving spirit with a mix of fall-themed candies
Tools:
Microwave for melting chocolate.
Silicone spatula for easy stirring
Wax paper or parchment paper
Luster Dust in color of choice
Fluffy paint brush
Cotton gloves
Instructions:
Choose Your Chocolate: Begin by selecting the type of chocolate you prefer for your pumpkin. Dark chocolate offers a rich and intense flavor, while milk and white chocolate provide a sweeter taste. You can also combine different types for a more diverse experience. When I do molds, I always use a combination of milk and dark chocolate.
Prepare the mold, making sure that both pieces are clean and dry. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency. If using the microwave, melt slowly in 15 second intervals stirring in between each one. Chocolate that has gotten too hot will "bloom" leaving white streaks once set. Once melted, pour the chocolate into each piece of the pumpkin mold. Tap the mold against the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Rotate mold to allow chocolate to evenly coat, paying attention to the edges to make sure you get an even layer there. Tap again against the counter to remove any additional air bubbles that might have developed as you rotated the mold and then allow excess to drip back into bowl. Turn upside down over wax paper to harden. To make the pumpkin more stable, apply a second layer of chocolate once the first layer has completely hardened. This not only enhances the structural integrity but also adds an extra layer of indulgence. Allow each layer to set before adding the next.
Once second layer has solidified, place molds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, this will help the chocolate release. Carefully remove the pumpkin half from each mold.
Fill 1 half pumpkin with candy. Put a pan on the stove top over low heat and allow to warm briefly. Place other half of pumpkin edges down to heat the chocolate (melting it slightly - about 7 seconds), then immediately match edges to candy filled half and press gently to adhere the two pieces together. Using a small paintbrush, fill in any gaps around the edges of the pumpkin with melted chocolate. Smooth with a warm spatula or your finger as you go along.
Using a fluffy brush, dip into the luster dust and tap excess onto parchment paper. Then, with gloved hands so as not to leave fingerprints on the chocolate, "paint" the pumpkin. Repeat as necessary until color saturation is reached. Luster Dust comes in a variety of colors and blends well so don't be afraid to mix and match! I painted this pumpkin in orange but then highlighted with bronze, gold, and green for dimension.
When ready to enjoy, smash open for a treat that’s both fun and delicious!
This Thanksgiving, elevate your dessert game with a candy-filled chocolate pumpkin that not only captures the flavors of the season but also serves as a delightful centerpiece for your festive table. The combination of rich chocolate and a cornucopia of candies is sure to sweeten the celebration and create lasting memories. Gather your ingredients, embrace your inner chocolatier, and savor the joy of sharing this delectable homemade creation with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
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