Almond and chocolate turon hearts for lovers

Almond and chocolate nougat hearts for lovers

This adorable recipe for almond and chocolate nougat hearts is perfect for special occasions, bringing a touch of magic to any moment spent with your loved one. With a fine texture and delicate taste, these treats are ideal for enjoying during the holidays or on any day you want to surprise your partner. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 hearts

Ingredients

For the base:
- 150 g almond nougat
- 100 g flour
- 100 ml milk
- 80 g brown sugar
- 50 g raw almonds (unroasted)
- 50 g chocolate-covered hazelnuts
- 2 eggs
- 30 g Nutella
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 100 g chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa)
- 150 g Nutella
- 4 pieces of figs macerated in rum
- 40 ml rum

For decoration:
- 4 pieces of white chocolate
- a small heart-shaped mold

Preparing the base

1. Preparing the pan: Start by preparing a 30 cm pan, which you will line with parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure that the base does not stick.

2. Grinding the ingredients: In a food processor, grind the almonds and chocolate-covered hazelnuts until you get larger but even pieces. Also, chop the figs into small cubes. These will add a touch of sweetness and an interesting texture to the final product.

3. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the brown sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the incorporated air will make the base fluffy.

4. Adding the wet ingredients: Crumble the almond nougat and add it to the egg mixture, along with the milk, Nutella, ground almonds, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, and fig cubes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until there are no traces of flour. Do not overmix to avoid making the base dense.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 20-25 minutes. It is recommended to stop at 20 minutes for a softer and moister base, perfect for easy cutting.

7. Cooling the bases: When the base is ready, remove it from the oven, place it on a kitchen towel sprinkled with sugar, and turn it upside down. This trick will prevent sticking and make cutting the hearts easier. Let it cool slightly before cutting.

Preparing the glaze

1. Heating the cream: In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream until just about to boil.

2. Melting the chocolate: Add the chopped chocolate and stir well, removing the pan from the heat, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes homogeneous.

3. Adding Nutella: Incorporate Nutella into the chocolate mixture and stir well to obtain a smooth glaze. Allow to cool for a few minutes.

Assembling the hearts

1. Cutting the bases: Use a heart-shaped mold to cut the hearts from the cooled base. It is recommended to cut them as soon as they have cooled to achieve perfect shapes.

2. Glazing the hearts: Take each cut heart and dip it in the chocolate glaze, then place them on a serving platter.

3. Final decoration: Using the white chocolate, you can create small hearts to place on each glazed heart, adding an elegant touch.

Serving and variations

These almond and chocolate nougat hearts can be served as a delicious dessert for a romantic dinner or given as a gift, beautifully wrapped. They pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of sweet wine.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with pecans or Brazil nuts, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the hearts? They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Can I make a gluten-free version? You can replace the flour with almond flour or a special flour for gluten-free products.

Nutritional benefits

These hearts are not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to healthy ingredients like almonds and figs. Almonds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while figs provide fiber and essential nutrients.

Personal note

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the base mixture. This detail will give an even more refined taste and make the dessert memorable. I remember how, in my childhood, every holiday was marked by sweets full of flavors and joy, and these hearts remind me of those happy moments.

Now it's your turn to start cooking! Whether you prepare them for your loved ones or for yourself, these almond and chocolate nougat hearts are sure to bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy!