Introduction
As a child of the 70s, I have fond memories of indulging in the most delicious chocolate bars. These were the days before chocolate became artisanal and fancy, but the taste was unparalleled. From the smooth and creamy texture to the rich and decadent flavor, these chocolate bars were a true delight. In this article, I’ll take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane and share with you two of my favorite chocolate bar recipes from the 70s.
The Classic Chocolate Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for 2 hours, or until set.
- Cut the chocolate into bars and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Total fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Equipment
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Heavy saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These classic chocolate bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a dessert after dinner or pack them for a mid-day snack. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, try adding a cup of chopped nuts or dried fruits to the chocolate mixture before pouring it into the pan. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the chocolate bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Tips and Notes
Be sure to stir the chocolate mixture constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture is not smooth, try using a hand mixer to blend it until it becomes creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? No, heavy cream is essential for the texture and taste of these chocolate bars. Can I use salted butter? Yes, but be sure to omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
The Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the peanut butter to the chocolate mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for 2 hours, or until set.
- Cut the chocolate into bars and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Equipment
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Heavy saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter chocolate bars are perfect for a mid-day snack or a post-dinner dessert. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to add some crunch to these chocolate bars, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top before letting them cool. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the chocolate bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Tips and Notes
Be sure to stir the chocolate mixture constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture is not smooth, try using a hand mixer to blend it until it becomes creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, but it will change the texture of the chocolate bars. Can I use salted butter? Yes, but be sure to omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
Conclusion
Reliving the memories of the 70s with these chocolate bars is a true delight. The classic and peanut butter chocolate bars are easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in any grocery store. These recipes are perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your sweet tooth. So why not try making these chocolate bars for yourself and share them with your loved ones? You won’t be disappointed.