Chocolate is a universally beloved dessert flavour, with its rich, velvety taste making it a staple in kitchens worldwide. Baking with chocolate can be a rewarding but tricky endeavour, as the quality of the chocolate used can make or break a dessert. This is where Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials come in.
With a range of high-quality chocolate products specially designed for baking, Lily O’Brien’s has become a go-to for bakers looking to take their chocolate desserts to the next level.
In this blog, we will explore the world of Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials, including an overview of the products available, tips for using them, and delicious recipes to try. We will also discuss the benefits of using high-quality chocolate in baking, and why Lily O’Brien’s is the perfect choice for bakers of all levels.
Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials
Lily O’Brien’s offers a range of chocolate products specifically designed for baking, including chocolate drops and flavoured chocolate bites. All of their chocolate products are made with high-quality ingredients and are specially formulated for baking, ensuring that your desserts are not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Their chocolate drops come in both milk and dark chocolate options and are perfect for adding to baked goods such as cookies, brownies, and cakes. The chocolate drops add delicious flavour to desserts such as cheesecake and chocolate mousse, while the chocolate bites are perfect for adding unique texture to your treats.
Tips for Using Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials
Using high-quality chocolate in baking is essential for achieving the perfect flavour and texture. Here are some tips for using Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials:
- Use the right amount: When adding chocolate to a recipe, it’s important to use the right amount to avoid overpowering or underwhelming the flavour. Follow the recipe carefully and adjust the amount of chocolate as needed.
- Melt chocolate properly: When melting chocolate, it’s important to do so slowly and gently to avoid burning or seizing the chocolate. Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate chocolate evenly: Whether you’re adding chocolate drops to cookie dough or a cheesecake, it’s important to distribute the chocolate evenly for a consistent flavour and texture. Use a spatula or spoon to ensure that the chocolate is well incorporated.
- Store chocolate properly: To keep your Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials fresh, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid exposing them to high temperatures or humidity, which can cause the chocolate to melt or become stale.
Recipes Using Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials
Now that we know about Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials and how to use them, let’s dive into some delicious recipes using their products.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups Lily O’Brien’s Milk Chocolate Drops
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and both types of sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the Lily O’Brien’s Milk Chocolate Drops.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Mousse Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Lily O’Brien’s Dark Chocolate Drops
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Heat the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Remove from heat.
- Add the Lily O’Brien’s Dark Chocolate Drops to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Benefits of Using Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials
Using high-quality chocolate in baking is not only essential for achieving the perfect flavour and texture, but it also has health benefits. Chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids that have been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
However, not all chocolate is created equal, and low-quality chocolate can have added sugars and fillers that negate these health benefits. Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from artificial colours and flavours, ensuring that you are getting the best possible chocolate for your desserts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using high-quality chocolate in baking is essential for achieving the perfect flavour and texture, and Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Baking Essentials are the perfect choice for bakers of all levels.
With their range of products designed specifically for baking, Lily O’Brien’s makes it easy to create stunning and delicious chocolate desserts. By following our tips and trying out our recipes, you can take your chocolate desserts to the next level and impress your family and friends. Happy baking!