Rocky Road

Asked by vinomother. Answered on 24th December 2010

Full question

I make Rocky Road every year but want, this year, to give it as a present. (It is the recipe with two lots of chocolate and brazil nuts and cherries). Can I freeze it or has it a long shelf life, perhaps in the fridge?

Our answer

The Rocky Road does keep fairly well as it does not contain any particularly perishable ingredients, however it is best to dust the bars with icing sugar (confectioner's sugar) just before serving. Once you have made the bars, store them in an airtight box in a cool place for 1-2 weeks. You can store them in the refrigerator but you may find that over time they start to go a little more chewy as the marshmallows will start to dissolve slightly and the amaretti can soften a little (due to fridges being cold but generally very slightly damp) but will still be fine to eat.

You can also freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) and a layer of foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When you want to eat them, unwrap the bars and put in an airtight box then leave to thaw overnight in a cool place.

If you are giving the bars as gifts then wrap them in greaseproof paper (parchment paper) before putting them in a box or gift wrapping them to reduce greasy marks on your paper. Make sure they are left in a cool place as they can soften very easily in a warm environment.