Celebrate World Chocolate Day with recipes by William Curley

maple mustard chocolate truffles

July 7th is World Chocolate Day, and like anyone with a sweet tooth, we don’t need to be asked twice to talk about this delicious treat.

Some sources say that World Chocolate Day marks the anniversary of chocolate’s arrival in Europe in 1550, though cocoa has been enjoyed in parts of the world for more than 2,500 years. The scientific name of the cacao tree, which cocoa comes from, is theobroma – which quite literally means ‘food of the gods’.

Maple from Canada UK chef ambassador William Curley is a master chocolatier and the perfect person to look to today for some delicious chocolate recipes to help you celebrate World Chocolate Day in style.

William’s passion for gastronomy grew from an early age. He worked his way up working in a number of Michelin-starred establishments and 15 years on, William has received the Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) and been named Best British Chocolatier a record four times.

William’s chocolate creations can be purchased in Harrods, from his Soho store or from his online shop. Alternatively, you can follow his recipes and try to recreate the magic at home.

One of our favourite sweet treats is William’s maple salted caramels, an easy-to-follow recipe that produces tasty results. With vanilla, pure Canadian maple syrup and delicious dark chocolate, these decadent salted caramels are a perfect way to celebrate World Chocolate Day.

Another timeless treat with a maple twist is William Curley’s apricot, maple & mustard truffles. Made with apricot puree, mustard, maple syrup and a mixture of dark and milk chocolate, they’re definitely not ordinary.

Last but certainly not least, we have William Curley’s chocolate maple petit gateaux. This dessert truly is delicious decadence at its finest, with a rich Amedei chocolate mousse, layers of maple almond praline feuilletine, chocolate sponge and maple crème brûlée – definitely a sophisticated tribute to World Chocolate Day.

We hope you have a wonderful chocolate-filled day, and we’d love to see your recipe recreations – don’t forget to post your photos on Instagram and tag @maplecanadauk!

Did you know?

Québec exports its maple products to more than 50 countries

Everywhere it goes, consumers of all ages appreciate maple’s unique flavour.

Scientists are studying maple’s potential health benefits

Studies now underway include those on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols naturally present in maple syrup, with a recent study indicating that maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugar.

Maple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in most recipes

In cake and most dessert recipes, for each 250ml (1 cup) of syrup used, simply reduce the stipulated amount of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) by 60ml (1/4 cup).

A natural source of energy

Maple syrup is a natural source of energy. Check out our recipes for food and drinks before, during, and after exercise.