Chocolate candies with nuts and dried plums

Chocolate, Nut, and Dried Plum Candies

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I present a recipe that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the crunchy texture of nuts and the natural sweetness of dried plums. These chocolate candies are not only a delicious snack but also a healthy choice, thanks to the nutritious ingredients they contain. Let's embark on this adventure of making these treats together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20-25 candies

Required Ingredients

For the candies:
- 2 teaspoons ground sesame seeds
- A handful of nuts (approximately 100 g), chopped, plus two chopped nuts for garnish
- A handful of ground almonds (approximately 100 g)
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 150 g dried plums, finely chopped
- 80 g digestive biscuits
- 4-5 teaspoons coconut oil

For the glaze:
- 80 g brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 40 g butter (82% fat), at room temperature
- 25 ml liquid cream

A Brief History

Chocolate candies are a universal indulgence with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. These treats are often associated with festive occasions but can be enjoyed every day. The nutritional combination of nuts and dried plums not only adds a unique flavor but also provides health benefits, being high in antioxidants and healthy fats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure you have a clean and well-organized workspace to facilitate the cooking process.

2. Grinding the ingredients: Use a coffee grinder or blender to finely grind the sesame seeds, nuts, and almonds. They should be finely ground but be careful not to turn them into a paste. The ideal texture should be similar to breadcrumbs.

3. Digestive biscuits: Add the digestive biscuits to the same appliance and grind them together with the nuts and sesame seeds. They will provide a crunchy base and a pleasant flavor.

4. Preparing the plums: Rinse the dried plums thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel. Chop them finely and add them to the nut and biscuit mixture. They will add moisture and natural sweetness.

5. Adding wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder and coconut oil with the dry ingredient mixture. Mix well until it becomes a homogeneous paste. It is recommended to use room temperature coconut oil to facilitate mixing.

6. Forming the candies: With slightly damp hands, shape small balls from the mixture. They should be about the size of a walnut. Place them on a tray or a large plate, ensuring to leave space between them to prevent sticking.

7. Cooling: Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help the candies firm up and maintain their shape.

Preparing the Glaze

8. Caramelizing the sugar: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the brown sugar and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt sugar can ruin the glaze's flavor.

9. Adding hot water: Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully add the hot water. Stir gently to avoid splashing.

10. Finishing the glaze: Remove from heat and add the butter, stirring quickly until it melts completely. Finally, add the liquid cream and mix well until you achieve a smooth glaze.

11. Glazing the candies: Using a teaspoon, drizzle the glaze over each chocolate ball. Allow them to set for 15-30 minutes.

12. Serving: Once the glaze has hardened, place each candy in mini muffin cups or praline papers. They will look perfect and be easy to serve.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These chocolate, nut, and dried plum candies are perfect for serving at a party or as a sweet snack during the day. Pair them with a cup of green tea or a flavorful coffee for a truly comforting experience. They can also be included on a dessert platter alongside other delights like coconut truffles or nut pralines.

Nutritional Benefits

These candies are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy dessert. Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while dried plums are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds beneficial flavonoids for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute coconut oil?
Yes, you can use butter or other vegetable oils, but the flavor will be different.

2. Can I use other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Whether you choose dried apricots, figs, or dates, each option will provide a unique flavor.

3. How can I store the candies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

4. How many calories do these candies have?
One serving (3-4 candies) is estimated to contain approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

5. Can I make the candies vegan?
Yes, just make sure to use plant-based cream and substitute the butter with a vegan alternative.

Recipe Variations

If you want to experiment, add a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the flavor. You can also replace cocoa powder with carob powder for a sweeter and less bitter option.

These chocolate, nut, and dried plum candies are not only easy to make but also a delicious and healthy choice for any time of the day. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: - 2 teaspoons ground sesame seeds; - a handful of walnuts, ground plus two chopped walnuts for glazing; - a handful of ground almonds; - 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa; - 150 grams of dried plums chopped; - 80 grams of digestive biscuits; - 4-5 teaspoons coconut oil; For glazing: - 80 grams brown sugar; - 1 tablespoon hot water; - 40 grams butter 82% fat (at room temperature); - 25 ml liquid cream.