Not long ago, a delightful new treasure made its way onto the shelves of Costco, capturing the hearts and taste buds of many: Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolates. Now, if you’re anything like me, experimenting in the kitchen is not just a hobby; it’s an adventure. And what could be more thrilling than recreating the luxurious experience of these famed chocolates right at home?
Table of Contents
How to make Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolate
Costco has recently introduced a new confection called Bouchard Dubai Chocolate, inspired by a viral treat from Dubai. This delicacy features a milk chocolate shell encasing a creamy pistachio-tahini paste and crispy kataifi pastry, offering a harmonious blend of smooth, nutty, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
- 200ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pistachio Filling:
- 100g shelled pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for decoration)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- 300g high-quality milk chocolate, tempered
Equipment:
- Heatproof bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Chocolate moulds or mini cupcake liners
- Piping bag or zip-lock bag
Instructions:
Preparing the Ganache:
- Chop the Dark Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small, even pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Combine: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Mix: Using a silicone spatula, gently stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the ganache set in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
Preparing the Pistachio Filling:
- Mix the Pistachios and Honey: Combine the finely chopped pistachios (reserve some for decoration), honey, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, mixing until well combined.
Assembling the Chocolates:
- Shape the Ganache: Once firm, use a teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out balls of the ganache. Flatten each ball slightly, and add a small amount of the pistachio filling in the center. Wrap the ganache around the filling and roll it into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze the ganache balls for about 30 minutes or until firm.
Coating:
- Temper the Milk Chocolate: Follow your preferred method to temper the milk chocolate. This process is crucial for achieving a shiny and crisp finish.
- Dip the Chocolates: Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each ganache ball into the tempered milk chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently tap off the excess chocolate.
- Decorate: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each chocolate with the reserved chopped pistachios for decoration.
- Set: Let the chocolates set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Matters: The better the quality of your chocolate, the more delicious your final product will be.
- Tempering Chocolate: Take the time to temper the chocolate for coating. This step is essential for a professional-looking finish.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to add your unique twist to the recipe.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush the chilling and setting times. These are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and finish.
What to serve with
While Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolates are a delightful treat on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience and bring out the complex flavors of the chocolate.
Beverages:
1. Coffee: A rich, freshly brewed espresso or a cup of cappuccino can complement the deep flavors of the dark chocolate ganache, with the coffee’s bitterness balancing the sweetness.
2. Tea: A pot of mint tea or a spiced chai can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. The warmth of the tea will also enhance the chocolate’s melting qualities.
3. Dessert Wines: A glass of Port, sweet Sherry, or a late-harvest Riesling pairs beautifully with rich chocolates, their sweetness intertwining with the creamy ganache.
4. Whiskey or Brandy: A neat pour of dark spirits such as a single malt whiskey or an aged brandy can match the intensity of the dark chocolate and provide a warming, slightly spicy complement.
Fruits:
1. Fresh Berries: Serve a bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries alongside the chocolates. The acidity and the burst of fruit flavors can cut through the chocolate’s richness.
2. Dried Fruits: Apricots, figs, or dates offer a chewy texture and concentrated fruit sweetness that pairs well with the crunchiness of the pistachios in the chocolates.
Nuts and Cheeses:
1. Assorted Nuts: A selection of unsalted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, can enhance the nutty flavor profile and add a different crunch.
2. Artisan Cheeses: A cheese platter featuring a variety of textures and flavors, from creamy Brie to a sharp aged cheddar, can balance the sweetness of the Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolate and create a sophisticated taste sensation.
Desserts:
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream provides a cold, creamy base that complements the intense flavor of the Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolate.
2. Pastries: Flaky pastries or buttery shortbread cookies alongside the chocolates can offer a contrasting texture and a less intense sweetness.
Garnishes:
1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can serve as a cloud-like contrast to the dense chocolate ganache.
2. Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Shavings: A light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of whipped cream or dessert plates can intensify the chocolatey presentation.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the sophisticated experience offered by Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolates requires attention to quality ingredients that mirror the luxurious taste and texture of the original.
Chocolate:
Original Ingredient: High-quality Belgian chocolate, often used in premium confections for its smoothness and depth of flavor.
Substitute: If Belgian chocolate isn’t easily accessible, opt for another high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content. Look for brands that specify their cocoa bean sources and emphasize artisanal or single-origin chocolates. For dark chocolate, a cocoa content of 70% or higher is desirable for depth and richness.
Cream:
Original Ingredient: Quality chocolate ganache typically uses heavy cream to achieve a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Substitute: Coconut cream can offer a similar richness and thickness to a non-dairy version. Ensure it’s well-refrigerated so that it whips well, and be prepared for a slight coconut flavor imparted to your ganache.
Sugar:
Original Ingredient: Fine white sugar is commonly used in chocolate for sweetness and texture.
Substitute: To achieve a similar sweetness with a slightly healthier profile, consider coconut sugar or pure maple syrup in adjusted quantities. These substitutes can add depth to the flavor profile but may slightly alter the texture.
Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts):
Original Ingredient: High-quality, roasted nuts are often a feature for added texture and flavor.
Substitute: If you have allergies or are simply looking for a different taste, seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds can be roasted and used as a crunchy, nut-free alternative. Puffed quinoa is another option for crunch without nuts.
Flavorings (Vanilla, Orange Liqueur):
Original Ingredient: Pure vanilla extract or high-quality liqueurs add depth and complexity to chocolates.
Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version, use alcohol-free vanilla flavoring or orange blossom water instead of orange liqueur. These provide flavor depth without alcohol content.
Sea Salt:
Original Ingredient: A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the chocolate’s flavor and add a sophisticated touch.
Substitute: Himalayan pink salt is a good alternative, offering a similar burst of flavor and visual appeal with additional mineral content.
Filling (Caramel, Fruit Preserves):
Original Ingredient: High-quality caramel or fruit preserves can add a delightful surprise to the center of chocolates.
Substitute: For a dairy-free option, homemade caramel can be made using coconut milk and coconut sugar. For fruit preserves, consider making a quick compote or reduction of fresh fruit with a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Final Thoughts
With these instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an indulgent, homemade batch of Costco Bouchard Dubai Chocolates.
More Chocolate Recipes:
- Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Recipe
- Copycat Nuts.com Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe
- M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate Recipe
- Christmas Chocolate Pretzels Recipe
- How to Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate
- 200ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pistachio Filling:
- 100g shelled pistachios
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- 300g high-quality milk chocolate, tempered
Instructions
Preparing the Ganache:
- Chop the Dark Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small, even pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Combine: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Mix: Using a silicone spatula, gently stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the ganache set in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
Preparing the Pistachio Filling:
- Mix the Pistachios and Honey: Combine the finely chopped pistachios (reserve some for decoration), honey, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, mixing until well combined.
Assembling the Chocolates:
- Shape the Ganache: Once firm, use a teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out balls of the ganache. Flatten each ball slightly, and add a small amount of the pistachio filling in the center. Wrap the ganache around the filling and roll it into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze the ganache balls for about 30 minutes or until firm.
Coating:
- Temper the Milk Chocolate: Follow your preferred method to temper the milk chocolate. This process is crucial for achieving a shiny and crisp finish.
- Dip the Chocolates: Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each ganache ball into the tempered milk chocolate, ensuring it's completely coated. Gently tap off the excess chocolate.
- Decorate: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each chocolate with the reserved chopped pistachios for decoration.
- Set: Let the chocolates set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
