Faux Bordeaux Candy

These candies are extremely similar to the famous Bordeaux chocolates found at See's.   These are really easy, impressive and can be made as truffles or as a block shaped candy.  In fact, these might be even better than the ones from the mall.

Line a loaf pan (9" x 5") with parchment paper or foil.  Spray lightly with non-stick baking spray.  This is important so the finished candy centers will remove easily.

Place 1/4 c. cream in a small saucepan.  Add 1/2 T. espresso powder, 1 T. corn syrup, 1/2 c. granulated sugar.  Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture begins to boil.

Once the boiling begins, cover the pan with a lid and set the timer for three minutes.  Uncover the pan and check the temperature.  You want it to reach 240 degrees.  It if is, remove from heat, otherwise boil a bit longer.

Place the sugar mixture aside to cool for about 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, place 1/4 c. cream in a small saucepan.  Heat until cream begins to steam.  With this small amount it is very quick.  Then add 1 cup white chocolate  chips and let sit for a couple of minutes.

After a couple of minutes of the white chocolate chips sitting in the heated cream beat vigorously.  White chocolate will resist the beating, but do it anyway.  Soon it will be smooth and shiny.  Then add the previously cooled sugar mixture and mix well.

Pour the newly blended candy into the prepared pan.  Take 1/2 T. unsweetened cocoa and add 1/2 t. espresso powder and blend.  Sprinkle that mixture over the candy.  Pop the candy into the refrigerator for at least four hours to firm up.

Once the candy has set up prepare the chocolate coating.  Add 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips to a deep glass container (such as a 2-cup measuring glass).  Add 1 T. vegetable shortening.  In 30 second increments microwave the chocolate, taking it out and stirring between blasts.

Remove candy from pan.  Cut the sheet of candy into about 20 squares.  Here you can either leave the candy as squares, or take a square and roll it into a ball.  Take the piece of candy and spear it onto a fork.  Dunk the fork into the chocolate, coating all sides the best you can.   Shake off any extra chocolate.  Place the chocolate on a piece of waxed paper.  Sprinkle with chocolate jimmies (sprinkles) and let dry.