How to Make Handmade Cream Filberts: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Civil War Era Candy and 1800s Candy
Introduction
Imagine indulging in a sweet treat that not only satisfies your chocolate cravings but also brings a delightful crunch with every bite. Handmade cream filberts are a delicious candy you can easily make at home, perfect for special occasions or as a simple snack. These treats combine roasted hazelnuts with a creamy filling, all coated in a layer of milk chocolate or dark chocolate. They offer the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy, making them an irresistible choice for any candy lover.
Why settle for store-bought confectionery when you can craft a gourmet-inspired treat right at home? This easy recipe not only allows you to flex your baking skills but also gives you full control over the ingredients. Handmade cream filberts were a popular treat during the American Civil War and are still cherished today as part of the 1800s candy tradition. These sweets provided comfort and indulgence, offering a nostalgic connection to a simpler time.
Ready to try making this classic treat yourself? Let’s dive into the world of candy making and craft your very own batch of handmade cream filberts in just five easy steps!
I. What Are Handmade Cream Filberts?
Handmade cream filberts are a classic cookie-like candy that combines the richness of chocolate and the satisfying crunch of roasted hazelnuts. These treats are a great balance of sweet and crunchy, offering a smooth finish with each bite. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts has been a popular pairing for centuries, and it remains a favorite in the world of candy making.
Originally, cream filberts were a popular treat during the 1800s candy period, often made at home using simple, accessible ingredients like sugar, butter, and heavy cream. These treats were typically served at family gatherings and holidays, offering comfort during times of struggle, especially during the American Civil War. The rich taste of chocolate paired with the crunch of hazelnuts made these confections a favorite among both soldiers and civilians alike.
Today, handmade cream filberts are still cherished, with variations that incorporate milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even white chocolate. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or incorporated into desserts like cakes or pies, these treats remain a delicious and nostalgic part of our candy heritage.
II. Why Make Cream Filberts at Home?
Making your own handmade cream filberts offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, it allows you to enjoy the freshest ingredients possible. When you make candy from scratch, you can avoid the preservatives and artificial flavorings often found in store-bought sweets. Instead, you get to use fresh ingredients like milk chocolate, sugar, and hazelnuts, ensuring that your treat is as flavorful as it is fresh.
Another great reason to make cream filberts at home is the ability to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Want to add a pinch of salt or cinnamon to the filling? How about a drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of peanut butter for an added twist? You can experiment with flavors and textures, ensuring that your homemade cream filberts are exactly what you want.
Homemade treats also allow you to be creative with the glaze or coating. While the classic recipe calls for a chocolate bar coating, you can swap that out for a white chocolate finish or even try rolling the candies in powdered sugar or cocoa powder. The possibilities are endless!
III. Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own batch of handmade cream filberts, gather the following ingredients:
- Filberts (Hazelnuts): These are the star of the treat, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Hazelnuts are the perfect addition to any candy, whether you’re making a classic cookie, a decadent cake, or candy like these. Roasting them enhances their flavor, making them a key component of the treat.
- Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate to coat the hazelnuts. Chocolate bars like those from The Hershey Company or your preferred chocolate bar brand are the best choice to ensure smooth, rich chocolate. The type of chocolate you use will affect the overall taste, so choose according to your preference.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy filling is made from heavy cream, which adds a rich, smooth texture. This ingredient was a luxury in the 1800s and was used to create confectionery that had a rich, velvety finish. It's key to achieving the smooth, indulgent filling of the cream filberts.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetening the filling, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the hazelnuts. It helps to create the perfect texture in your filling and makes your candy irresistible.
- Butter: Adds richness and ensures a smooth, creamy filling. Butter is a staple in many baking recipes and is essential in giving your cream filberts the luxurious texture that makes them so delightful.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, adding a hint of warmth and depth to the filling. Vanilla was commonly used in candy making during the 1800s and remains a key ingredient today.
Optional ingredients:
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the chocolate and hazelnuts
- Cinnamon or Other Flavorings: Feel free to experiment with cinnamon, a squeeze of lemon, or even peppermint to personalize your homemade cream filberts.
IV. How to Make Handmade Cream Filberts in 5 Easy Steps
Now that you have everything prepared, follow these 5 simple steps to make your own batch of handmade cream filberts:
- Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnuts Start by roasting the hazelnuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even roasting. They’re ready when the skins begin to crack. Once roasted, let the hazelnuts cool slightly, then rub them between a clean towel to remove the skins. You can leave the skins on if you prefer a rustic finish.
- Step 2: Make the Filling In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly before using it to coat the hazelnuts.
- Step 3: Coat the Hazelnuts Once the filling has cooled, dip each hazelnut into the creamy mixture, ensuring each one is fully coated. Place the coated hazelnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set for 20-30 minutes. You can also refrigerate the sheet for quicker results.
- Step 4: Melt the Chocolate While the hazelnuts are cooling, melt your chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and fully melted. You can use your favorite chocolate bar or a specific type of chocolate based on your preference (milk, dark, or white.
- Step 5: Coat the Hazelnuts in Chocolate Once the hazelnuts are firm, dip them into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift each piece, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated hazelnuts back on the parchment paper to harden. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or refrigerate them to speed up the process. Once hardened, your handmade cream filberts are ready to enjoy!
V. Tips for Perfecting Your Cream Filberts
To ensure your handmade cream filberts turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Get Creative with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try new flavor variations. Add a pinch of salt, a touch of honey, or a bit of lemon zest to give your cream filberts a personalized twist. You can also experiment with different chocolate types, such as dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a smoother taste.
- Coating Options: While the traditional coating for handmade cream filberts is chocolate, you can get creative. Try rolling them in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or even crushed almonds to create a unique texture. This can add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor to your homemade treat.
- Storage: Store your homemade filberts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Refrigerating them can extend their shelf life to a month. Just be sure they are fully set before storing them to maintain their shape and texture.
- Make Ahead: These treats are perfect for making in advance for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or family gatherings. They also make excellent homemade gifts—just wrap them in a nice package for an added touch of thoughtfulness.
VI. The History Behind Cream Filberts Candy
Cream filberts candy has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s candy tradition. These delectable treats have been enjoyed by generations, offering a perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnuts (also known as filberts). The origin of cream filberts is rooted in confectionery practices that became popular during the early years of the American Civil War, when people sought comfort in sweet indulgences during times of hardship.
Cream filberts were often made at home, using basic ingredients like hazelnuts, sugar, butter, and chocolate. These candies became a cherished part of holiday traditions and family gatherings. They were easy to make and provided soldiers and civilians with a momentary break from the daily struggles of war. As chocolate became more widely available in the 1800s, treats like cream filberts were among the first to incorporate this rich, smooth ingredient.
While cream filberts remain the star of this confectionery family, they are part of a broader family of candies that share similar ingredients and production methods. Here are some related confections:
- Necco Wafers: Although different in form and flavor, Necco wafers share a connection to the simplicity of 1800s candy. Like cream filberts, they were produced using affordable ingredients, offering a compact, portable sweet treat. Necco was a favorite in candy shops across the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Rock Candy: Another treat popular during the Civil War era candy period, rock candy is closely related to cream filberts due to its similar crystalline structure and ease of preparation. Made from sugar and water, rock candy has been a staple of candy making for generations, serving as both a sweet treat and an energy boost for those enduring difficult conditions.
- Chocolate-Covered Nuts: Just like cream filberts, other confections that coat nuts in chocolate have been popular for decades. Toffee-coated almonds, chocolate-covered peanuts, and even pecan pralines draw inspiration from the same nostalgic appeal of combining chocolate and nuts. These candies became synonymous with sweet indulgence, offering comfort and joy to anyone who tasted them.
- Taffy: While a bit different in texture, taffy is another candy related to cream filberts in terms of its long shelf life and popularity during 1800s candy times. Both taffy and cream filberts were commonly sent as care packages during wartime and have since remained beloved American treats.
- Peanut Butter Cups: As a modern take on the idea of chocolate and nuts, peanut butter cups have become a worldwide favorite, following the footsteps of cream filberts in offering a sweet, crunchy bite. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate mirrors the same nutty and chocolate-coated appeal that made cream filberts such a treat in the 1800s candy landscape.
- Mothball Candy: Often called mothball candy due to its round shape and white appearance, cream filberts shared a similar aesthetic with some candies that gained popularity during the 1800s. While mothball candy may have fallen out of favor in the modern era, it remains part of the nostalgic collection of old-fashioned sweets that were common during the American Civil War period.
Susan Benjamin, a noted historian and expert in candy making, has helped revive many of these historical candies, including cream filberts, ensuring that these old-fashioned treats remain a beloved part of modern-day candy making. Whether you are enjoying cream filberts today or savoring a piece of rock candy or Necco wafers, you are experiencing the timeless charm of 1800s candy that has stood the test of time.
Conclusion
Homemade handmade cream filberts are a fun and flavorful way to bring a piece of history into your kitchen. Whether you're craving a sweet treat for Christmas, a special occasion, or just a classic candy that combines hazelnuts and chocolate, this recipe is a must-try. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a timeless Civil War-era candy in your own home.
Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and soon you'll have a batch of cream filberts that are sure to impress. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging in on your own. Happy candy making!
Additional Insights:
What is the history of cream filberts candy?
Cream filberts candy has its roots in the 1800s candy traditions. Popular during the Civil War era, these treats were often homemade as a comforting snack for soldiers and families alike. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts (also known as filberts) became a staple of homemade confectionery. Soldiers enjoyed them as part of care packages, and they were also a special treat during holidays and family gatherings.
Today, handmade cream filberts are enjoying a resurgence as people reconnect with historic candy traditions. The revival of these sweets is part of a broader movement to rediscover and preserve candy making methods from past centuries.
What makes cream filberts different from other chocolate-coated nuts?
The key difference between cream filberts and other chocolate-covered nuts lies in the creamy filling. While many chocolate-coated nuts are simply dipped in chocolate, cream filberts are coated in a smooth cream filling made from heavy cream, sugar, and butter, then dipped in chocolate. This extra step gives cream filberts a unique texture, as they have both a creamy interior and a crunchy exterior. Additionally, hazelnuts (or filberts) are often used in cream filberts, while other nuts like almonds, peanuts, or pecans are more common in other chocolate-coated nut candies.
Can cream filberts be made in different flavors?
Yes, handmade cream filberts can be easily customized to suit your flavor preferences! You can try adding cinnamon, lemon zest, or vanilla extract to the cream filling to create unique flavor profiles. Some people enjoy adding a pinch of salt for contrast, while others may experiment with infusing their chocolate coating with flavors like mint or orange. Caramel, peanut butter, and even butterscotch are also excellent additions to the filling for a new twist on this classic candy.
How do you store homemade cream filberts?
To store your handmade cream filberts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a month. Be sure the chocolate has fully set before storing them to prevent smudging or losing shape. For longer storage, you can also freeze cream filberts, though it’s best to allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
What other classic candies are similar to cream filberts?
- Necco Wafers: Like cream filberts, Necco wafers were popular 1800s candy and enjoyed for their simplicity and portability. Though different in texture and flavor, both share a nostalgic connection to the era of homemade treats.
- Rock Candy: Made with sugar and water, rock candy shares the tradition of easy-to-make treats that were enjoyed during times of conflict or hardship, similar to cream filberts.
- Chocolate-Covered Nuts: Many other candies also combine nuts and chocolate. Toffee-coated almonds and pecan pralines are similar to cream filberts in texture and appeal.
Can cream filberts be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cream filberts are a great make-ahead treat. In fact, they often taste even better after resting for a day or two as the flavors have time to meld together. After making them, simply store them in an airtight container and let them set in the fridge. This makes them an ideal choice for holiday gifts, special occasions, or just to have on hand for a sweet treat.
Handmade Cream Filberts Quick Guide
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Step/Ingredient
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Details
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Main Ingredient
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Hazelnuts (Filberts) – Roasted for crunchiness and flavor
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Chocolate Coating
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Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or White Chocolate
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Cream Filling
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Made with heavy cream, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract
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Optional Add-ins
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Salt, cinnamon, honey, lemon zest
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Tools Needed
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Baking sheet, parchment paper, microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate
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Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to 1 month
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Similar Candies
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Necco Wafers, Rock Candy, Chocolate-Covered Nuts, Peanut Butter Cups
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Historical Connection
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Originated in the 1800s candy tradition, popular during the Civil War era
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Step-by-Step Process
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Step
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Action
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Step 1
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Roast the hazelnuts at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, then rub off the skins.
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Step 2
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Make the Filling with heavy cream, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
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Step 3
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Coat the hazelnuts with the creamy filling, set on parchment paper.
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Step 4
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Melt the chocolate until smooth.
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Step 5
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Coat the filled hazelnuts with chocolate and allow to set.
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