Rocky road (dessert) facts for kids
Traditional, Australian-style rocky road
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| Course | Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Australia |
| Main ingredients | Milk chocolate, marshmallow |
Rocky road is a super yummy no-bake treat! It's usually made with milk chocolate and marshmallows, mixed with other tasty things. What's inside can be a bit different depending on where you are in the world. You can find it as a chewy slice, like a brownie, or even as a popular ice cream flavor.
To make rocky road, you simply melt chocolate, mix in your favorite ingredients, and then chill it in the fridge until it's firm. Once it's set, you can cut it into squares or bars to enjoy!
Contents
The Story of Rocky Road
People aren't totally sure where rocky road first came from, but one popular story says it started in Australia way back in 1853. Back then, sweets and candies were shipped a long way from Europe, and sometimes they'd get a bit spoiled on the journey. To avoid wasting them, people supposedly mixed these old sweets with local nuts and cheap chocolate to make them taste better.
The name "rocky road" might even come from the bumpy, "rocky" paths that travelers had to take to reach the gold fields in Australia during that time. Some companies in America also say they invented rocky road in the 1800s, so it's a bit of a mystery!
What's in Rocky Road?
The main ingredients in rocky road are usually chocolate and marshmallows, but other things are added to make it special. Here's a look at how it's made in different places:
Rocky Road in Australia
In Australia, traditional rocky road often includes:
- Sweet glace cherries or raspberries
- Milk chocolate (sometimes dark or white chocolate is used too)
- Shredded coconut
- Nuts, especially peanuts
- Marshmallows
One very famous brand in Australia is called "Rocklea Road" by Darrell Lea. This version is known for having bigger marshmallow pieces and more coconut, but it doesn't usually have cherries or raspberries.
Rocky Road in the United Kingdom
When you find rocky road in the UK, it often has:
- Dried fruit
- Biscuits (like digestive biscuits)
- Milk chocolate (dark or white chocolate can also be used)
- Sometimes, it even has Rice Krispies for an extra crunch!
- You might also see a light dusting of icing sugar on top.
This version of rocky road arrived in Britain around 1971.
Rocky Road in America
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In America, the classic rocky road recipe usually has:
The most popular way to enjoy rocky road in the U.S. is as an ice cream flavor! This ice cream has chocolate ice cream, marshmallows (sometimes swirled in), and nuts. You can also find rocky road candy bars or slabs in sweet shops. For example, the Annabelle Candy Company makes a "Rocky Road" candy bar with marshmallow, a thin layer of chocolate, and cashews. Even Betty Crocker has a recipe for it!
