Chocolate Drops are a delightful confection that hails from the mid-20th century when homemade candies were a holiday tradition in many households. This recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 090 makes a substantial batch of 15 dozen or 5½ pounds of rich, chocolatey treats, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season. With ingredients like milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and flaked coconut, these drops are as nostalgic as they are delicious.
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Chocolate Drops
Chocolate Drops Food History
Chocolate Drops’ origins trace back to when making homemade candy was a cherished holiday activity. During the 1940s and 1950s, candy-making became a popular pastime, especially during Christmas. Ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and flaked coconut were common in many dessert recipes, offering a convenient way to create rich, creamy confections.
Chocolate Drops are reminiscent of traditional bonbons or truffles but with a more rustic and homey appeal. While unusual by today’s standards, the addition of paraffin wax was a common technique used in candy-making during the mid-20th century. Paraffin helps the chocolate coating set with a glossy finish and makes the candies more stable at room temperature.
The recipe’s use of sweetened condensed milk also reflects the era’s love for this versatile ingredient. Introduced in the 19th century, condensed milk became a staple in American kitchens for its long shelf life and rich, creamy texture. Combined with confectioners’ sugar, it creates the sweet, smooth filling that holds the coconut and nuts together in these candies.
Timeline
- 1930s-1940s: The popularity of homemade candies rises as families look for affordable and creative ways to celebrate holidays and special occasions.
- 1940s-1950s: Sweetened condensed milk becomes a key ingredient in many dessert and candy recipes due to its versatility and rich flavor.
- 1950s: Paraffin wax is commonly used in candy-making to give chocolates a shiny finish and to help them set properly.
- Present Day: While the use of paraffin has decreased, many traditional candy recipes like Chocolate Drops are still beloved for their nostalgic flavors and homemade charm.
Recipe Discussion
Chocolate Drops are a rich, satisfying treat that combines the sweetness of milk chocolate with the crunch of chopped nuts and the chewiness of coconut. The base of the candy is made from a mixture of confectioners’ sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, coconut, and nuts, which is then rolled into small balls. These balls are dipped in a melted chocolate mixture that includes paraffin wax, giving the candies a glossy finish and helping them set firmly.
The use of paraffin wax might raise some eyebrows today, as it’s not as commonly used in modern candy-making. However, it serves an important purpose in this recipe, providing a smooth, shiny coating that helps the candies hold their shape and makes them easier to handle. If you prefer to skip the paraffin, you can substitute with a small amount of vegetable shortening, which will also help the chocolate coating set, though it won’t have the same sheen.
The combination of sweetened condensed milk and confectioners’ sugar ensures that the filling is rich and sweet, while the addition of coconut and nuts adds texture and flavor. The nuts provide a nice crunch that contrasts with the smooth, creamy filling, making each bite a delightful mix of textures.
Preparation Tips
- Paraffin Wax: If you’re uncomfortable using paraffin wax, you can replace it with vegetable shortening. This will help the chocolate coating set without adding an unusual flavor.
- Chilling: After shaping the mixture into balls, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before dipping them in the chocolate mixture. This will help them hold their shape better.
- Dipping: Use a fork or a toothpick to dip the candy balls into the chocolate mixture, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on waxed paper to set.
- Storage: Store the finished candies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- Double Boiler: A double boiler is perfect for melting chocolate and paraffin together without burning. It provides gentle, even heat to keep the mixture smooth and manageable.
- Candy Thermometer: While this recipe doesn’t require precise temperature control, a candy thermometer can be useful for other candy-making endeavors, helping to ensure your mixtures reach the right consistency.
- Wax Paper: Essential for setting your dipped candies, wax paper provides a non-stick surface that’s easy to clean up afterward.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Treats: These Chocolate Drops make an excellent addition to holiday cookie trays. Serve them alongside other homemade candies and cookies for a festive dessert spread.
- Gift Giving: Package these candies in decorative tins or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season. They’re a thoughtful, homemade present that’s sure to be appreciated.
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a couple of these Chocolate Drops with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
More Vintage Recipes
We have lots of recipes on the site that may be of interest to you. Use the links below to view recipes similar to this Chocolate Drops recipe.
Vintage Recipe Box 90
There are many fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Chocolate Drops was with. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Box 90 recipes.
A Timeless Treat
Chocolate Drops are more than just a candy—they’re a piece of culinary history that brings the flavors of the past into your modern kitchen. With their rich chocolate coating, sweet filling, and delightful texture, these candies are sure to be a hit, whether you’re making them for the holidays or just as a special treat.
Chocolate Drops Recipe
Chocolate Drops
Ingredients
- ¼ pound paraffin, chipped
- 10 bars (7/8 ounce) milk chocolate
- 2 packages (6 ounce) chocolate chips
- ½ cup butter or margarine
- 2 boxes (1 pound) confectioners' sugar
- 1 can (15 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box (7 ounce) flaked coconut
- 4 cups chopped nuts
Instructions
- Melt paraffin with chocolate bars and chips on warm heat; cool.
- Cream butter; add confectioners' sugar and condensed milk alternately.
- Add coconut and nuts mixing until well combined.
- Shape into one-inch balls and allow to stand until firm.
- Dip into warm chocolate mixture.
- Let stand on waxed paper until set.