Rocky Road Candy - Super Easy Candy Making Just in Time for the Holidays
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Where Does Rocky Road Come From?
Take a poll on "What's your favorite candy or ice cream flavor?" and I'm sure several votes for Rocky Road will show up.
Where or when did the unlikely combo of chocolate, marshmallow and other various ingredients become jumbled together and come out on the other side labeled as Rocky Road? Actually, the perennial favorite is older than you think and its origin had a very unlikely beginning.
It seems we have the Aussies to thank for Rocky Road. Back in 1853 merchants needed a way to sell goods, especially confections (expensive candy) that were damaged in the long transport to Australia. At the time there was a gold rush in the Melbourne area so there were many wealthy, but unsophisticated men in the area.
Local merchants took advantage of the newly rich and uneducated palates. They combined their damaged chocolate with marshmallows, nuts and other fillers and sold it to the public as - you guessed it - Rocky Road. The name was a tip of the hat to the rocky road of travel the chocolate and other ingredients taken from vendor to the waiting taste buds of consumers.
What Will You Find in Rocky Road?
Traditionally Rocky Road candy is made up of the basics of chocolate, marshmallows and nuts. But, depending on the country you live in, you may find other goodies tucked away in your Rocky Road.
For instance, in Australia you may find strawberry sauce or glace cherries. The UK may include sultanas and a light dusting of confectionery sugar on top. In the USA the trinity is chocolate, nuts and marshmallows.
A Recipe So Easy It's Unbelievable
Years ago - and I do mean years ago, I began making Rocky Road candy. I came upon a recipe and I tweaked it a little. I would make the candy mainly around the holidays. On occasion I would make enough to fill decorative tins to give as gifts.
When I was a young lass there was an older couple who lived next door to me. Over the years they became surrogate grandparents to me. The candy was such a hit with the elderly gentleman he asked me to teach him how to make it.
I did and he made it any time he had a "hankering" for "Little Bev's" Rocky Road. Yes, it's that easy. And, now I always think of him when I make Rocky Road. You can call it a sentimental favorite now.
What You Will Need
What will you need? Simple. Milk chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans and raisins. That's it. The good news is we now know chocolate can be good are us - in moderation of course, nuts are full of energy, protein, vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. And, raisins, well, we just can't say enough good things about this little health packed morsel.
Health Benefit of Pecans and Raisins
Pecan Health Benefits
| Raisins Health Benefits
|
|---|---|
Has the highest amount of antioxidants of all nuts
| Packed with antioxidants
|
Contains over 19 vitamins and minerals
| contains boron to support better bone health
|
Beta-sitosterol helps lower cholesterol
| Protects against macular degeneration
|
Heart healthy fats
| Increases your energy supply
|
Fiber
|
Source: Healthline and The World's Healthiest Food
Ingredients
- 2 - 11.5 ounce bags milk chocolate chips
- 4 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray.
- In a double boiler or microwave melt the chocolate chips. If melting the chocolate in the microwave check and stir the chocolate about every 30 seconds to prevent the chocolate from scorching. This is important.
- Once chocolate is melted, remove from heat if using a double boiler. Stir in marshmallows, chopped pecans and raisins. Stir until all ingredients are coated.
- Pour into the prepared 13 x 9 pan. Refrigerate until candy it set. cut into squares. Enjoy!!
Rocky Road Candy is perfect for holiday gift giving
A Year Round Candy
You may choose to make this candy only during the holidays.
But, since it's so easy to make you just might find yourself making it year round, especially for special occasions, to cheer up loved ones, office parties, school parties and to give as gifts.
No matter when you make it, this Rocky Road is destined to be a hit.
