Homemade Valentine's Chocolates

Chef John says the best valentine chocolates aren't rolled and dipped; they're just cut into small square shapes and tossed in cocoa powder. A hint of warmth from chipotle pepper adds complexity to the flavor.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 48 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, or as needed
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 pound high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 0.125 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place chopped chocolate into a bowl; add chipotle pepper and salt.

Step 2

Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. Pour cream over chocolate and let stand for 3 minutes.

Step 3

Stir gently until chocolate mixture is completely smooth. Pour chocolate mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Pick up one edge of the plastic and roll chocolate into a rough log shape. Continue to roll, wrapping chocolate in the plastic. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 4

Place cocoa powder in a small bowl.

Step 5

Unwrap chocolate and cut in half crosswise; cut each half into halves lengthwise. Roughly cut candy into 1/2-inch squares.

Step 6

Place chocolate squares into cocoa powder and toss gently to coat.