Martha Washington Chocolates
Martha Washington Chocolates are rich, bite-sized confections combining sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for holiday treats or gifting, these candies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to chocolate lovers and those seeking nostalgic homemade sweets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients (powdered sugar, Eagle Brand milk, melted oleo, paraffin, coconut, pecans, and vanilla) together until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with paraffin in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Using toothpicks, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate to coat.
- Place dipped candies on wax paper and let the chocolate set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the oleo is fully melted before mixing with the other ingredients. You can substitute the Eagle Brand milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free option. If you don’t have paraffin, you can use a combination of shortening and chocolate for coating. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolates make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also complement desserts like Strawberry Sherbet or can be served alongside a slice of Clara's Nesselrode Pie for a decadent dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Martha Washington chocolates in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the chocolate to bloom. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them; just ensure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Washington Chocolates contains roughly 228 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, using dark chocolate will give the candies a richer flavor. Just be mindful that dark chocolate can be more intense in sweetness, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly if you prefer a less sweet outcome.
What can I use if I can’t find paraffin?
If paraffin is unavailable, you can substitute it with shortening or additional chocolate. Melt the shortening or chocolate with the semi-sweet chips to achieve a similar coating consistency without compromising the flavor.
How do I make these chocolates more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the coated candies or rolling them in crushed nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets. This not only enhances their appearance but also adds extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).