Vegan Chocolate Shavings: Sweet Garnish Delights
Vegan Chocolate Shavings: Sweet Garnish Delights
Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to add some vegan flair to your desserts? Look no further than vegan chocolate shavings! These sweet garnishes are not only cruelty-free but also packed with flavor and versatility. In this article, we’ll explore the world of vegan chocolate shavings and how you can incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
What Are Vegan Chocolate Shavings?
Vegan chocolate shavings are thin, ribbon-like pieces of chocolate that are typically made from cocoa butter, sugar, and other plant-based ingredients. They have a rich, intense chocolate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Unlike regular chocolate chips or chunks, vegan chocolate shavings melt quickly and evenly, making them perfect for garnishing desserts like ice cream sundaes, waffles, pancakes, and more.
Where Can I Find Vegan Chocolate Shavings?
You can find vegan chocolate shavings at most health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and online retailers. When shopping for vegan chocolate shavings, look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and do not contain any animal products or byproducts. Some popular brands include Enjoy Life, Sunwarrior, and Theo Chocolate.
How Do I Use Vegan Chocolate Shavings in My Cooking?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using vegan chocolate shavings in your cooking! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
1. Top off your next ice cream sundae with a generous sprinkling of vegan chocolate shavings.
2. Add a touch of elegance to your homemade waffles or pancakes by drizzling them with warm maple syrup and vegan chocolate shavings.
3. Create a decadent chocolate fondue by melting vegan chocolate chips or bars in a double boiler and serving them with fresh fruit, pretzels, or marshmallows.
4. Make your own trail mix by combining dried fruits, nuts, and seeds with vegan chocolate shavings.
5. Sprinkle vegan chocolate shavings on top of your favorite oatmeal, yogurt, or granola bowl for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Recipes Featuring Vegan Chocolate Shavings
Now that you know all about vegan chocolate shavings and their many uses, here are two delicious recipes to help you get started:
1. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life)
– 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract, oats, cocoa powder, and confectioners’ sugar to the mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will allow the mixture to firm up slightly.
4. Using a small scoop or spoon, form the cookie dough mixture into bite-sized balls. Place the balls back onto the parchment paper and return to the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate coating.
5. Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat. Stir occasionally until smooth.
6. Remove the cookie dough truffle balls from the refrigerator and dip each one into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle each truffle with vegan chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or edible glitter if desired.
8. Refrigerate the truffles for another 10 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
9. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
2. No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegan peanut butter (such as Sunbutter)
– 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (such as almond, cashew, or soy milk)
– 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life)
– 1/4 cup vegan chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a simmer.
4. Pour the hot liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
5. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and optional vegan chocolate shavings.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the center is set.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and place them on a cutting board. Cut into desired size bars.
Enjoy these delicious vegan chocolate shavings in your favorite recipes and discover the endless possibilities they offer!
