Nut and chocolate coins
Nuts and Chocolate Bites: The Perfect Delight for Sweet Lovers
Who doesn't love a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of crunchy nuts with fine chocolate? Nuts and chocolate bites are an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a summer picnic, a birthday party, or simply a night of personal indulgence. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Let's get started!
Preparation Time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Rest time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 60-62 minutes
- Number of servings: About 20 bites
Ingredients:
*For the bites:*
- 200 g flour
- 100 g ground nuts
- 120 g sugar
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 cold egg
- 100 g cold butter, diced
- Almond essence (a few drops)
- Zest of half an orange
*For the filling and decoration:*
- 120 g milk chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 70 ml liquid cream
Recipe History:
Nuts and chocolate bites are a classic dessert that blends tradition with innovation. This recipe was inspired by pastry sweets, where the combination of chocolate and nuts is often found. The origins of these desserts lie in people's love for combining simple yet delicious ingredients to create dishes that bring joy and impress.
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure the flavors blend harmoniously. Add the cold diced butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Incorporating the Wet Ingredients:
Crack the cold egg into the dough and add a few drops of almond essence. Quickly knead the dough until it becomes smooth and compact. It's important not to over-knead, to maintain the delicate texture of the bites.
3. Shaping:
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape the bites.
4. Preparing the Chocolate Cream:
While the dough rests, you can prepare the cream. In a saucepan, add the broken chocolate, butter, and liquid cream. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until all the ingredients are completely melted and well combined. Allow the cream to cool, but do not let it harden too much.
5. Cutting the Bites:
After the dough has been refrigerated, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use a small glass to cut circles from the dough. Place the bites on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the bites for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Once done, let them cool on a rack, placing them side by side without stacking.
7. Assembling:
Once the bites have cooled, use the chocolate cream to stick them together two by two. With a spoon or piping bag, decorate the top with lines of cream. If the cream has thickened too much, you can reheat it over low heat until it becomes fluid again. Sprinkle the remaining ground nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
8. Serving:
Although these bites are delicious right after preparation, I recommend letting them rest overnight. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld and become truly tasty. You can store them in a metal box, where they will stay fresh for several days.
Practical Tips:
- Use fresh and well-ground nuts for an intense flavor.
- If you want a more sophisticated version, you can replace the chocolate with dark or white chocolate.
- A great serving idea would be to pair the bites with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee for a perfect indulgence moment.
- You can also experiment with flavors by adding a bit of vanilla extract instead of almond essence.
Nutritional Benefits:
These nuts and chocolate bites are not only tasty but also offer nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Additionally, the milk chocolate used in this recipe provides a significant amount of calcium and, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace the butter with another type of fat?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture may vary.
2. How can I keep the bites longer?
Make sure to store them in an airtight container, and the flavors will be preserved.
3. Can I add other ingredients?
Certainly! You can add raisins, white chocolate, or even candied fruits for a touch of freshness.
These delicious cookies with chocolate and nuts are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a real pleasure to make. Whether you try them for the first time or remake them, nuts and chocolate bites will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the coins: 200 g flour, 100 g ground walnuts, 120 g sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, 1 cold egg, 100 g cold butter, almond essence, grated zest from half an orange. For the filling and decoration: 120 g milk chocolate, 50 g butter, 70 ml liquid cream.
