Chef John's Rocky Road

I thought I was gonna show you how to make a famous candy, based on a famous ice cream, but as it turns out, it’s actually the other way around. The ice cream flavor was inspired by an Australian candy that goes by the same name, which used the same signature ingredients–chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. Regardless, this is super easy to make, and would be an absolutely wonderful edible gift for the upcoming holidays. Keep unused portions in the fridge.

Step: 1

Combine dark chocolate chips, butter, and maple syrup in a heat-safe bowl and place over a saucepan filled with about 1 inch of hot water set over the lowest heat setting on the stovetop. Allow mixture to melt; do not stir.

Step: 2

While mixture melts, line an 8x8-inch baking pan with plastic wrap.

Step: 3

Slowly stir melted chocolate mixture together with a spatula until shiny and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows and almonds until combined.

Step: 4

Quickly transfer mixture into the prepared baking pan. Distribute evenly but do not smooth or press down the top–try to preserve a rough texture on the top. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled and firm, about 2 hours.

Step: 5

Sift cocoa over the top and cut into 16 squares.

Per Serving: 181 calories; protein 3.5g; carbohydrates 18g; fat 12.2g; cholesterol 5.7mg; sodium 47.2mg.