Copycat Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces Recipe

261

There’s something truly magical about making your own chocolate candy pieces at home, and Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces Recipe is the perfect guide to do just that. Imagine the rich aroma of melting chocolate filling your kitchen, the satisfying snap as you break each piece, and the pure delight on your loved ones’ faces as they savor every bite. Justin’s recipe isn’t just any chocolate candy recipe—it’s a journey into a world of flavor and craftsmanship.

What makes Justin’s chocolate candy pieces so special? For starters, the unique blend of high-quality cocoa and a touch of sea salt elevates the chocolate to new heights. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient—crushed hazelnuts—that adds a delightful crunch and a burst of nutty goodness in every bite. With step-by-step instructions, even the most novice of home cooks can achieve confectionery perfection. 

How to make Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces

Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces typically refers to a brand of chocolate candies made by Justin’s Brand. Justin’s is known for its various nut butter products, such as almond and peanut butter, but they also produce chocolate candy.

Ingredients

To make Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 300 grams of high-quality dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa content)
• 100 grams of milk chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/2 cup of crushed hazelnuts
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Break the dark chocolate and milk chocolate into small, uniform pieces for even melting.
   • Crush the hazelnuts if not pre-crushed.
2. Melting the Chocolate:
   • Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
   • Add the dark chocolate and milk chocolate pieces into the bowl, stirring occasionally until fully melted and smooth.
   • Stir in the unsalted butter and heavy cream until well combined and the mixture is glossy.
3. Adding Flavor:
   • Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Incorporating Hazelnuts:
   • Gently fold in the crushed hazelnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
5. Setting the Candy:
   • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
   • Pour the chocolate mixture onto the parchment paper, spreading it to an even thickness (approximately 1/4 inch).
   • Allow the chocolate to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set it completely (about 1-2 hours).
6. Breaking into Pieces:
   • Once the chocolate is fully set, remove it from the refrigerator.
   • Break the chocolate slab into smaller, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.

Tips for Success

• Quality Matters: Using high-quality chocolate is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a richer taste.
• Even Melting: Ensure the chocolate pieces are uniform in size to help them melt evenly. Avoid overheating the chocolate as it can seize.
• Double Boiler Method: Always use a double boiler to melt chocolate. Direct heat can burn the chocolate, making it grainy.
• Room Temperature Setting: Initially cooling the chocolate at room temperature before refrigerating helps prevent condensation, which can affect the texture.
• Storage: Store your chocolate candy pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and snap.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with other nuts or add-ins like dried fruits, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.

What to serve with

Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces are a delightful treat, but pairing them with the right beverages and complementary snacks can elevate the experience to a whole new level. Here are some suggestions to enhance your enjoyment:

Beverages

1. Coffee:
   • A rich, dark roast coffee pairs beautifully with the deep flavors of the chocolate. The coffee’s slight bitterness balances the candy pieces’ sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
   • For a more indulgent experience, consider serving a mocha, which combines the bold taste of coffee with the rich creaminess of chocolate.
2. Red Wine:
   • A full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the robust flavors of the dark chocolate. The wine’s tannins help cleanse the palate, enhancing each bite of the candy pieces.
   • If you prefer something sweeter, a Port or a rich, fortified wine can also be a delightful pairing.
3. Tea:
   • A strong black tea, such as Earl Grey or Assam, offers a refreshing contrast to the chocolate’s richness. The citrus notes in Earl Grey, in particular, can add an exciting layer of flavor.
   • For a more soothing option, peppermint or chamomile tea can provide a pleasant and calming complement to the candy pieces.
4. Milk:
   • A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk, whether dairy or plant-based, complements the chocolate’s flavor and provides a refreshing counterbalance to its richness.

Complementary Snacks

1. Fresh Fruit:
   • Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, offer a burst of tartness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and nutty chocolate pieces.
   • Slices of apple or pear can also provide a crisp and refreshing contrast.
2. Cheese:
   • A selection of cheeses, especially those with bold flavors like blue cheese or aged cheddar, can create a sophisticated and delicious pairing. The savory notes of the cheese enhance the sweet and salty nuances of the chocolate.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits:
   • A platter of mixed nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, can complement the hazelnuts in the candy pieces and add extra crunch.
   • Dried fruits like apricots, figs, and cranberries offer a chewy texture and a touch of natural sweetness that pairs well with the chocolate.
4. Pastries:
   • Light, flaky pastries such as croissants or puff pastry bites can provide a delicate buttery contrast to the rich chocolate.
   • Shortbread cookies or biscotti are also excellent choices, offering a satisfying crunch and complementary flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating the perfect batch of Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces is a delightful process, but sometimes you might need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ingredient substitutes, along with how they might affect the recipe’s flavor, texture, and overall outcome.

Chocolate

Original Ingredient: High-quality dark chocolate (300 grams) and milk chocolate (100 grams)

Substitutes:

1. Vegan Chocolate:
   • Use dairy-free dark and milk chocolate alternatives. This will make the candy pieces vegan-friendly without significantly altering the flavor or texture.
   • Effect: The taste remains rich and creamy, though some vegan chocolates might have a slightly different melting behavior due to the absence of dairy.
2. White Chocolate:
   • Replace dark and milk chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier version.
   • Effect: The flavor will be much milder and sweeter. The texture remains smooth but less robust compared to dark chocolate.
3. Cacao Nibs:
   • Use cacao nibs for a more intense and less sweet chocolate experience.
   • Effect: The candy pieces will have a crunchy texture and a more bitter, intense chocolate flavor.

Sea Salt

Original Ingredient: 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

Substitutes:

1. Kosher Salt:
   • Replace sea salt with an equal amount of kosher salt.
   • Effect: Minimal change in flavor; kosher salt provides a similar taste and enhances the chocolate’s sweetness.
2. Himalayan Pink Salt:
   • Use Himalayan pink salt for a subtle difference in flavor.
   • Effect: It adds a slightly mineral-rich taste, which can add an interesting nuance to the candy.

Crushed Hazelnuts

Original Ingredient: 1/2 cup of crushed hazelnuts

Substitutes:

1. Almonds or Walnuts:
   • Substitute with an equal amount of almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
   • Effect: Almonds add a mild, sweet flavor while walnuts contribute a richer, earthier taste.
2. Pistachios:
   • Use crushed pistachios for a unique twist.
   • Effect: Pistachios add a vibrant green color and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor.
3. Sunflower Seeds:
   • For a nut-free option, replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds.
   • Effect: It provides a similar crunch with a milder flavor and is suitable for those with nut allergies.

Vanilla Extract

Original Ingredient: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Substitutes:

1. Almond Extract:
   • Use almond extract for a different aromatic note.
   • Effect: Adds a strong, nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
2. Maple Syrup:
   • Replace vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup.
   • Effect: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
3. Coconut Extract:
   • Substitute with coconut extract for a tropical twist.
   • Effect: Adds a light, coconut flavor that complements the chocolate.

Unsalted Butter

Original Ingredient: 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

Substitutes:

1. Coconut Oil:
   • Replace butter with an equal amount of coconut oil.
   • Effect: Adds a slight coconut flavor and a smooth, glossy texture.
2. Margarine:
   • Use margarine for a dairy-free option.
   • Effect: Provides a similar texture and moisture without changing the flavor significantly.
3. Ghee:
   • Substitute with ghee for a richer, more buttery flavor.
   • Effect: Adds a nutty, rich taste due to ghee’s caramelized milk solids.

Heavy Cream

Original Ingredient: 1/4 cup of heavy cream

Substitutes:

1. Coconut Cream:
   • Use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
   • Effect: Adds a slight coconut flavor and maintains a creamy texture.
2. Cashew Cream:
   • Replace with cashew cream for a vegan option.
   • Effect: Provides a rich, creamy texture with a subtle nutty flavor.
3. Evaporated Milk:
   • Substitute with an equal amount of evaporated milk.
   • Effect: Slightly alters the flavor, making it a bit less rich but still creamy.

Final Thoughts

With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can create a batch of Justin’s Chocolate Candy Pieces that will wow your friends and family.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Copycat Copper Kettle Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe
• Nestle Dark Chocolate Chips
• Dark Chocolate Chunks Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Katie Black Bean Brownies
• Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies