Passover is a time for tradition, reflection, and, of course, delicious food. While matzo is a staple of the holiday, it can sometimes feel a bit…plain. But fear not! Chocolate covered matzo is here to save the day (and your taste buds). This simple yet satisfying treat elevates the humble matzo into a decadent dessert that’s perfect for Passover or any time you crave a sweet and crunchy delight. This article provides several chocolate covered matzo recipes, ranging from the basic to the more adventurous, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
**Why Chocolate Covered Matzo?**
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why chocolate covered matzo is such a popular Passover treat:
* **It’s Simple:** No complicated baking or fancy ingredients required. You can whip up a batch of chocolate covered matzo in minutes.
* **It’s Customizable:** The possibilities are endless! Use different types of chocolate, add toppings, and create unique flavor combinations.
* **It’s Kosher for Passover:** As long as you use kosher for Passover chocolate and toppings, this treat is perfectly acceptable for the holiday.
* **It’s Delicious:** The combination of the crunchy matzo and smooth chocolate is simply irresistible.
* **It’s a Great Activity:** Making chocolate covered matzo is a fun activity to do with kids or for a Passover gathering.
**Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo: The Foundation**
This recipe serves as the foundation for all other variations. Master this, and you’re well on your way to becoming a chocolate covered matzo pro.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 sheets of matzo
* 12 ounces of chocolate (semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white – your choice!), chopped
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional, for a smoother consistency)
**Equipment:**
* Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or wax paper
* Spatula or fork
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Matzo:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the matzo from sticking.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:**
* **Double Boiler Method:** Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer. Place the chopped chocolate in the top pot and heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
* **Microwave Method:** Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Continue stirring until the remaining chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Adding a tablespoon of oil can help with smoothness.
3. **Dip or Spread the Chocolate:**
* **Dipping Method:** Hold a sheet of matzo and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating one side completely. Use a fork or spatula to remove the matzo from the chocolate and gently shake off any excess. Place the chocolate-covered matzo on the prepared baking sheet.
* **Spreading Method:** Place a sheet of matzo on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top surface of the matzo.
4. **Add Toppings (Optional):** While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on any desired toppings (see topping ideas below).
5. **Chill and Harden:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely hardened.
6. **Break and Enjoy:** Once the chocolate has hardened, break the matzo into smaller pieces and enjoy!
**Topping Ideas for Chocolate Covered Matzo:**
* **Nuts:** Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts
* **Dried Fruit:** Raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, chopped dates
* **Sprinkles:** Chocolate sprinkles, colorful sprinkles, Passover-themed sprinkles
* **Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a savory element.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Toasted or unsweetened coconut flakes add a tropical flavor and texture.
* **Mini Chocolate Chips:** Double the chocolate fun with mini chocolate chips.
* **Crushed Pretzels:** For a salty-sweet combination (make sure to use Passover-friendly pretzels, if needed)
* **Toffee Bits:** Adds a buttery, crunchy texture.
* **Espresso Powder:** A dash of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** A bit of orange zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Peppermint Extract:** Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a refreshing twist.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce before the chocolate sets.
* **Nutella:** Spread a thin layer of Nutella under the chocolate.
* **M&Ms (Kosher for Passover):** If you can find Kosher for Passover M&Ms, they are always a festive addition.
**Recipe Variations: Taking Chocolate Covered Matzo to the Next Level**
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some exciting variations:
**1. Salted Caramel Chocolate Covered Matzo:**
This recipe combines the sweetness of chocolate with the salty-sweet flavor of caramel.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the ingredients for the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
* Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* Sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the matzo and melt the chocolate according to the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
2. Dip or spread the chocolate on the matzo.
3. Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate-covered matzo.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Chill and harden.
6. Break and enjoy.
**2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Covered Matzo:**
For peanut butter lovers, this recipe is a must-try.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the ingredients for the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
* Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the matzo.
2. Slightly warm the peanut butter to make it more spreadable.
3. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter evenly over the matzo.
4. Melt the chocolate according to the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
5. Dip or spread the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
6. Chill and harden.
7. Break and enjoy.
**3. White Chocolate Raspberry Matzo:**
This recipe offers a bright and fruity twist.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 sheets of matzo
* 12 ounces of white chocolate, chopped
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional)
* 1/2 cup freeze-dried raspberries, crushed
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the matzo and melt the white chocolate according to the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
2. Dip or spread the white chocolate on the matzo.
3. Sprinkle the crushed freeze-dried raspberries over the white chocolate.
4. Chill and harden.
5. Break and enjoy.
**4. Dark Chocolate Almond Matzo with Sea Salt:**
A sophisticated and elegant variation with a satisfying crunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 sheets of matzo
* 12 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional)
* 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
* Sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the matzo and melt the dark chocolate according to the Basic Chocolate Covered Matzo recipe.
2. Dip or spread the dark chocolate on the matzo.
3. Sprinkle the toasted chopped almonds over the dark chocolate.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Chill and harden.
6. Break and enjoy.
**5. Toffee Chocolate Covered Matzo:**
A sweet and crunchy treat reminiscent of toffee bars.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 sheets of matzo
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 12 ounces chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, your choice)
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the matzo on the baking sheet in a single layer.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes until the mixture is a deep golden brown and reaches the hard-crack stage (290-310°F or 143-154°C on a candy thermometer). Be careful not to burn the butter.
4. Immediately pour the toffee mixture evenly over the matzo, spreading it with a spatula if needed.
5. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and the matzo is lightly toasted.
6. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute or two until the chocolate is melted.
7. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
8. Let cool completely. Break into pieces.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** The better the chocolate, the better the final product will taste. Choose chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own.
* **Don’t Overheat the Chocolate:** Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. If using the microwave, use short intervals and stir frequently.
* **Work Quickly:** The chocolate will start to harden quickly, so it’s important to work efficiently when dipping or spreading the chocolate and adding toppings.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Wax Paper:** This will prevent the matzo from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Store Properly:** Store chocolate covered matzo in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days.
* **Kosher for Passover Considerations:** Ensure all ingredients are certified kosher for Passover if you are making this for Passover. This includes the chocolate, toppings, and even the vegetable oil (if using).
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding spices, extracts, or other toppings to create your own unique chocolate covered matzo masterpiece.
* **Consider using a double boiler** Even if you are familiar with microwave melting, a double boiler is more reliable for preventing scorching and achieving optimal smoothness. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can improvise by placing a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. The steam will gently melt the chocolate.
* **Tempering Chocolate (Optional):** For a professional-looking finish with a glossy shine and a satisfying snap, consider tempering your chocolate. Tempering involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals. There are various methods for tempering chocolate; search online for guides and videos to learn more. While not strictly necessary for chocolate covered matzo, tempering will elevate the final product.
* **Preventing Chocolate Bloom:** Chocolate bloom is a whitish coating that can appear on chocolate due to changes in temperature and humidity. While bloom doesn’t affect the taste, it can make the chocolate look less appealing. To minimize bloom, store your chocolate covered matzo in a cool, dry place and avoid drastic temperature fluctuations. Tempering chocolate also helps prevent bloom.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet treat, use dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa solids. You can also reduce the amount of added sugar in toffee variations. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, use milk chocolate or add a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Consider Gluten-Free Matzo:** For those with gluten sensitivities, ensure that the matzo you purchase is certified gluten-free. While traditional matzo is made from wheat, gluten-free alternatives are readily available.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** When placing the matzo on the baking sheet, avoid overcrowding. This allows for even chocolate coverage and prevents the matzo from sticking together.
* **Use a fork for dipping:** When dipping matzo into the chocolate, use a fork to gently lift it out and allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This helps create a cleaner and more even coating.
* **Get Creative with Shapes:** Instead of breaking the matzo into random pieces, consider cutting it into specific shapes before dipping. You can use cookie cutters to create squares, triangles, or even stars for a festive touch.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve chocolate covered matzo as a dessert after a Passover Seder or any meal.
* Package it in small bags as a homemade gift.
* Include it in a Passover dessert platter.
* Enjoy it as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
**Conclusion:**
Chocolate covered matzo is a simple, versatile, and delicious treat that’s perfect for Passover and beyond. With endless variations and topping options, you can create a unique and satisfying dessert that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the process of transforming humble matzo into a chocolatey masterpiece!