Chocolate, a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide, undergoes a fascinating journey from cacao bean to the delectable confection we all know and love. The chocolate-making process is intricate and involves several stages, each contributing to the final product’s flavour, texture, and quality. Place the melting chocolate wafers in a heat-safe metal or glass bowl, or the top pan of a double boiler. Hot Plate Method: Boil a large pot of hot water and add a small plate to it. The plate will hold the heat without the risk of burning yourself. Be sure to dry the plate fully before using it, as water seizes chocolate. Moulding: Once tempered, the chocolate is poured into moulds to achieve the desired shape. This is the stage where additional ingredients, such as nuts, dried fruits, or flavourings, can be added; De-mould the spheres and fill each half with some Baileys chocolate ganache and mini marshmallows, then using some extra dark chocolate, put two halves together and place in the fridge until solid.

Candy Thermometer<– a thermometer is essential for ensuring that the chocolate reaches 90ºF when temperingMilk Chocolate: Contains a combination of cocoa solids, milk solids, and sugar, giving it a sweeter and creamier taste; Tempering: Tempering is the process of carefully cooling and reheating the chocolate to ensure the formation of stable cocoa butter crystals. Proper tempering results in a glossy finish, a satisfying snap when broken, and resistance to melting at room temperature; If any of the spheres are uneven or have uneven edges, gently rub the open edge of the sphere on the skillet to create a smooth edge. Cream: The cream gives Baileys its luxurious and creamy texture. It’s a crucial component that contributes to the drink’s richness; Before we delve into the specifics of our Baileys Hot Chocolate Bomb recipe, let’s explore the growing trend of chocolate bombs. These delectable spheres of joy have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a mesmerizing experience as they melt and reveal hidden treasures inside. Whether it’s mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, or in our case, a luscious blend of Irish cream and chocolate, these bombs add a touch of magic to your winter beverage. What is Baileys?

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has a mild, tropical flavour that adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle coconut aroma. In its liquid state, coconut oil is smooth and easy to mix. When solidified, it contributes to a creamy texture. Within the Baileys hot chocolate bombs, we have used coconut oil to help melt the dark chocolate;Remove the Bailey's Ganache from the fridge and use a cookie scoop to portion into 1 1/2" sized balls. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may have cardiovascular benefits, such as improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure; Conching: Conching is a refining process that involves continuously mixing and aerating the chocolate for an extended period. This step helps smooth out the texture, reduce bitterness, and improve the overall quality of the chocolate; Harvesting Cacao Beans: The journey begins on cacao farms in tropical regions near the equator, where cacao trees bear large pods. Farmers harvest these pods, which contain cacao beans. The beans are extracted from the pods and covered in a sweet, mucilaginous pulp; Place the Bailey's Chocolate Chips in a heat-proof bowl and pour the hot Bailey's over the baking chips.