HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix sugar, water, and cocoa in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, just until sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Pour into a clean 2-quart glass container. Stir in vodka and vanilla bean. Cover tightly; keep in a cool, dark place for 14 days, shaking container thoroughly every 2 days.
• Strain liqueur through a moist paper coffee filter into a clean glass container. Straining will take a couple of hours as residue is very thick. Change filter halfway through. If residue remains, strain again immediately.
• Cover tightly; let liqueur age in cool, dark place at least 1 month.

Steps:

• Butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. In the saucepan combine sugar, water, cream, and light corn syrup. Cook over medium-high heat to boiling, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar. This should take 5 to 6 minutes. Avoid splashing mixture on sides of pan. Carefully clip candy thermometer to side of saucepan.
• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer registers 240 degree F, soft-ball stage. The mixture should boil at a moderate, steady rate over the entire surface. Reaching soft-ball stage should take 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove saucepan from heat. Cool, without stirring, to lukewarm (110 degree F). This should take about 45 minutes. Remove candy thermometer from saucepan. Add Amaretto or coffee liqueur; beat with the wooden spoon until candy becomes creamy and slightly stiff. This should take about 10 minutes.
• Shape candy into 1-inch balls; place balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Let the balls stand at room temperature about 20 minutes or until dry.
• Melt the dipping chocolate or confectioners coating. Carefully dip balls into melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off balls. Place the dipped balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until dry. Store tightly covered in a cool, dry place. Makes about 40 pieces.