Christmas is incomplete without a delightful treat that brings everyone together in joyous celebration. One such festive favorite is the classic Rocky Road squares! These gooey, chocolatey delights are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Follow our detailed steps below to make these delicious Rocky Road squares at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g milk chocolate chunks
- 150g marshmallows (mini or regular)
- 75g sultanas or raisins
- 3 tablespoons of condensed milk
- 65g chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or peanuts are popular choices)
#### Equipment:
- Square baking dish (20cm x 20cm)
- Silicone spatula
- Baking paper
- Parchment paper
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Line the square baking dish with baking paper and place it on a flat surface.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:**
- Break the milk chocolate into small pieces and melt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring that the base is not directly touching the water.
- Alternatively, you can use the microwave by placing the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir between each interval to ensure even melting.
3. **Prepare Ingredients:**
- While the chocolate is melting, prepare your marshmallows. If using mini marshmallows, they are already prepared. For regular-sized marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped nuts and sultanas or raisins.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Once the chocolate has melted and cooled slightly (not too hot), stir in the condensed milk to ensure it is well combined and not too thick.
- Add the marshmallow pieces, nuts, and sultanas/raisins into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
5. **Pour Mixture:**
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a silicone spatula.
- Use the spatula to press down gently on top of the mixture to create an even layer and remove any air bubbles.
6. **Bake:**
- Place the lined baking dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven when ready, as this will ensure the mixture does not over-bake and become too hard.
7. **Cool Down:**
- Allow the Rocky Road squares to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
8. **Cutting & Serving:**
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the Rocky Road into bite-sized squares.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in a cool place until ready to serve again.
#### Tips for Success:
- Ensure that your marshmallows are evenly distributed throughout the mixture; this will help maintain the soft, gooey texture of these treats.
- Be careful not to over-bake as it can make the mixture too hard. A slight under-baked texture is perfect!
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Enjoy crafting your own batch of these classic Rocky Road squares and share them with loved ones this holiday season! Happy baking!