The word “coffee” can kickstart my day with energy. Whether it’s a steaming cup of espresso or a quick instant coffee fix, most rely on that morning caffeine kick to get us going. Caffeine exerts incredible energy in keeping us awake and energized throughout the day. But what if I told you that you could take that daily joy in your pocket in the form of a tasty bar of chocolate? Yes, I’m talking near-pocket coffee, a convenient and fun way to enjoy the rich flavors of espresso on the go.
The Italian Coffee Connection
Italian coffee is renowned worldwide for its robust and flavorful taste. Traditionally, it was crafted using Arabica beans, but over time, Robusta beans have become the star of Italian coffee, contributing to its thick and strong character. Coffee civilization runs deep in Italy, with coffee lines dotting the roads, offering Italians a daily dose of caffeinated bliss. When it comes to Italy, not only is it noted for its coffee, but it’s also home to some of the finest chocolate labels in the world, including names like Ferrero and Venchi. Italians use only the finest cocoa beans and purest ingredients, making their dark chocolate exceptional. And it’s from this chocolate haven pocket coffee emerges, offering you a pocket-sized shot of Italian espresso.
What Is Pocket Coffee?
As the name suggests, pocket coffee is chocolate with a hidden pocket filled with coffee goodness. It’s like having an espresso shot right in your mouth. This delightful creation comes from the renowned Italian chocolate brand Ferrero, famous for its iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolates. However, pocket coffee distinguishes itself with its unique shape and texture.
The Birth of Pocket Coffee
The idea of pocket coffee was born in the 1960s when there were limited options for coffee on the go. It was primarily aimed at people working long hours who needed a quick caffeine fix. This chocolate packs the power of two potent ingredients: coffee and chocolate.
Pocket coffee, though, isn’t readily available year-round. It tends to disappear during the warmer months to prevent melting, as its center holds a concentrated, syrupy coffee filling surrounded by a chocolate shell. Despite the strong coffee taste inside, the flavor is sweet and creamy, thanks to the chocolate coating.
Why Pocket Coffee?
The beauty of pocket coffee lies in its portability and convenience. Imagine being late for work and missing your morning coffee – no worries if you have pocket coffee on hand. Just pop one into your mouth for an instant energy boost. Its ease of transport and authentic espresso taste make it a winning choice for coffee lovers on the move.
Can You Make Pocket Coffee at Home?
Carrying pocket coffee is convenient, especially for coffee addicts who can’t function without their morning fix. But what if you’re on a road trip and can’t find a coffee bar? Pocket coffee comes to the rescue. While it can’t replace your daily coffee, it’s an excellent alternative for those moments when you desperately need a caffeine boost.
Pocket coffee hits your taste buds quickly, leaving behind a sharp coffee flavor enhanced by the chocolate coating. Since pocket coffee is primarily seasonal, making it at home becomes a practical option. You can enjoy fresh batches and tailor the taste to your liking. The process, though with its challenges, allows you to take control of the recipe and experiment with different techniques.
Ingredients and Tools for Homemade Pocket Coffee
Here are the ingredients and tools you’ll need to make pocket coffee at home:
Ingredients:
- One ¾ cup of chopped dark chocolate
- ¼ cup of instant coffee
- ¼ cup of cocoa powder
- ½ cup of thick cream
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
Tools:
- Saucepan
- Silicone mold for the chocolate
- Heatproof bowl
- Food thermometer
- Pastry brush
Making Homemade Pocket Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pocket coffee may sound like a culinary challenge, but it’s surprisingly simple and quick. Pay close watch to the initial steps to ensure a perfect final product.
Step 1: Start by positioning a saucepan on low heat and calculating cocoa powder, coffee, milk, and sugar. Shift for about 3 minutes until the sugar liquefies. Gradually add cream and increase the heat to medium. Allow the mix to boil for about three more minutes, then pull from the heat and let it chill. This mixture will be the coffee filling for your pocket coffee.
Step 2: Using a two-boiler, soften one-third of your shady chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Be careful not to let the water feel the bowl; overheating can affect the chocolate’s surface and preference. Use a thermometer to confirm the chocolate reaches around 57 grades Celsius before removing it from the warmth.
Once removed, add the remaining two-thirds of the chocolate to the melted portion and stir vigorously. Ensure there are no unmelted chunks left. Let the chocolate relax to around 27 phases Celsius before putting it back on the dual boiler. Once it reaches around 31 degrees Celsius, it’s prepared for use.
Step 3: Retrieve your chocolate mold, preferably silicone, for easy release. Spread a thin coating of thawed chocolate to the mold utilizing a pastry brush, securing complete coverage. Transfer the decay to the refrigerator and let it cool for roughly 20 minutes.
Step 4: After solidifying the initial layer, use a second coating of softened chocolate to the mold. Hold the same consistency as before. Replace the mold in the refrigerator and exit it for another 20 minutes until the chocolate covers become well.
Step 5: Carefully pull the chocolate shots from the mold. Now, it’s time to fill them. Take the coffee and cream mix you prepared earlier and fill each body, leaving a bit of room at the top. Refrigerate the filled shells for about five to seven minutes to harden the filling slightly.
Step 6: Retrieve the mold from the refrigerator once more. Using a pie brush, seal the pockets with another coating of melted chocolate. Replace the mold in the fridge for around 20 minutes. Ensure the shells are excellent before removing them from the mold.
Nutritional Information
Pocket coffee doesn’t contribute significantly to your daily calorie intake. Each piece contains around 80 calories, making it a guilt-free joy for most. However, due to its sugar and cream scope, it’s best enjoyed in temperance. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of pocket coffee:
- Calories 84 calories
- Carbohydrates 13.8mg
- Protein 0.9g
- Fat 3.2g
- Saturated Fat 2.2g
- Sodium 10mg
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g
- Total Sugars 12.7g
- Potassium 52mg
- Calcium 23mg
- Cholesterol 4mg
In Conclusion
In the world of sweet delights, pocket coffee stands out as a charming way to consume coffee. While it can’t replace the ritual of your daily cup of joe, it offers a quick and easy solution for moments when making coffee seems impossible. The combination of coffee and chocolate is a classic and pocket coffee is a delightful embodiment of this pairing. If you ever find yourself in Italy, take advantage of the chance to savor a pocket coffee from Ferrero. And for the adventurous home cooks, try making them yourself and share your unique twists in the comments below!
FAQs
How Do You Use Pocket Coffee?
Pocket coffee can be enjoyed as a standard dessert or with other treats. It makes for a delightful after-meal indulgence. You can also experiment by incorporating it into various coffee-based recipes for that extra chocolate and coffee twist.
What Is Pocket Coffee From Italy?
Pocket coffee is a unique Italian creation, where coffee is infused into chocolate pockets. Unlike other coffee-flavored chocolates, pocket coffee delivers a liquidy shot of espresso inside its chocolate cover. Due to its liquid center, it’s not easily found during the warm summer months in Italy.
What Is Ferrero Coffee?
Ferrero, a renowned Italian chocolate brand, offers a convenient coffee solution called Ferrero pocket coffee. This chocolate initially targeted those who work long hours and need a quick and accessible coffee option. It combines the pleasure of chocolate with the practicality of consuming coffee on the go.
How Much Caffeine Does Pocket Coffee Have?
Each part of pocket coffee contains around one-third the amount of caffeine in a regular espresso cup. It bears a quick and sharp taste of coffee, making it suitable even for those who aren’t ardent coffee lovers.