Chocolate Raspberry Bonbons

As Valentine's Day approaches, we often find ourselves bombarded with an overwhelming selection of sugary treats and commercialized gifts. However, this year, I decided to create something more meaningful and healthier: Chocolate Raspberry Bonbons. These delightful confections not only satisfy your sweet tooth but are also a fun and creative way to express your love and appreciation.

The process of making these bonbons is surprisingly simple and enjoyable. Start by melting rich, dark chocolate over low heat. As you carefully paint a thin layer of chocolate into candy molds, you'll feel like an artist creating a masterpiece. After refrigerating the molds to allow the chocolate to set, you can unleash your inner pastry chef. Fill each chocolate cup with a dollop of luscious raspberry jam and expertly cover it with another layer of chocolate. The final step is a quick trip back to the freezer to ensure your bonbons reach the perfect consistency. Once chilled, gently pop them out of the molds and savor the moment as you admire their glossy finish and enticing aroma.

Step-by-step

• Melt chocolate in a small pan over very low heat; you can use a double boiler if you wish and temper the chocolate.
• Using a small paint brush, coat the bottom and sides of a candy mold.
• Place mold in freezer for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to harden.
• Remove mold from freezer.
• Spoon a scant teaspoon of raspberry jam into each chocolate lined candy mold cup.
• Paint chocolate over raspberry jam to cover and make final layer.
• Place in freezer for 10 minutes to harden.
• Remove from freezer, turn mold upside down and pop candies out of mold.
• Serve.