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Christmas is the Season of Sweets and Giving
The season of gift-giving and cheer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a generous helping of sweet treats? From cookies, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, eggnog, apple cider, fudge, and chocolate, the dessert menu during Christmas is nothing short of impressive. Among these delicious offerings, I've come across a dessert that truly stands out - the irresistible Nonpareil. Now, you may be thinking, "What is Nonpareil?" Well, it translates to "unbeatable" or "unsurpassed." This mouthwatering dessert is a small chocolate truffle covered in colorful, round sprinkles, and it's truly a delight. Here's how you can make it at home.
The Ultimate Delight
"Nonpareil" means "without equal" or "there's nothing like it." (Just a little linguistic help for you.) When it comes to holiday sweets, nothing beats this little chocolate truffle with countless round sugar crystals on the bottom. When you take a bite, you're greeted with a textural sensation followed by a bit of sweetness. The dark or semi-sweet chocolate melts in your mouth, leaving you with a silky texture, while the sugar crystals crunch between your teeth. And with that first bite, you're hooked. You'll want more, and more, and more.
Making Unbeatable Delights at Home 🏠
Making these nonpareils may seem like a task best left to machines, but it's surprisingly simple to make at home. All you need is some melted chocolate and powdered sugar. I'm a fan of the rainbow colors, but feel free to go with all white or any festive color combination you like.
Start by melting a quarter cup of chocolate chips in the microwave. Make sure to stir the chocolate every 10 seconds, especially as it starts to melt. Once it's completely melted, pour it into a small piping bag or a resealable bag with a corner cut off.
Next, pour a layer of powdered sugar into a bowl or onto a baking sheet. Make sure the layer is deep enough that you can't see the baking sheet or bowl underneath. Press your finger lightly into the sugar to make a small indentation.
Using the piping bag, squeeze out a small circle of chocolate into the sugar. Don't worry if it's not perfect - it'll set up and smooth out as it dries. Move on to the next circle, and continue until your sugar bowl or baking sheet is full.
Once you've formed all the circles, let them dry for 20-30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the chocolate from the piping bag and twist it closed. Sprinkle the remaining sugar onto a clean piece of parchment paper.
Finally, roll the dried chocolate circles in the sugar to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess sugar and place the nonpareils on a clean plate or baking sheet to let them dry completely. And there you have it - unbeatable nonpareils, ready to be enjoyed!
For more sweet treats, check out our recipes for Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, Thanksgiving Monte Cristo, and Spicy Chicken Wings. Happy baking!
Notes:
- To make nonpareils, you'll need some melted chocolate (white, milk, or dark), a piping bag or resealable bag, and some powdered sugar. For a festive touch, you can dust the nonpareils in colored sugar.
- To make homemade nonpareils, melt chocolate in a double boiler and then spread it on a baking sheet. Sprinkle nonpareil sprinkles on top and let it set before breaking it into pieces.
- Nonpareils are great for adding a festive touch to baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. You can also use them to decorate other sweet treats, like candied apples or chocolate-covered pretzels.
- For a decorative touch, you can place the nonpareils in pink boxes or other colorful containers. This is especially wonderful if you're making these as gifts for friends and family. Just remember to let the chocolate fully dry before moving them to their final container.
