Chocolate candies with nuts and dried plums - Recipe no. 50

Chocolate, Nut, and Dried Plum Candies - Recipe No. 50

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, you've come to the right place! These chocolate, nut, and dried plum candies are a perfect blend of the intense flavor of chocolate and the natural sweetness of dried fruits, enriched by the crunchy texture of nuts. This recipe will not only delight you but also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 15-20 candies

A Brief Story
Inspired by moments of waiting, when thoughts wander and creativity is born, this recipe was created from the desire to combine favorite ingredients in a unique way. These chocolate, nut, and dried plum candies are not just a dessert; they are an explosion of flavors and textures that will indulge your taste buds and bring joy with every bite.

Necessary Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground sesame seeds
- A handful of nuts, ground (about 100 g) plus 2 chopped nuts for garnish
- A handful of ground almonds (about 100 g)
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 150 g dried plums, finely chopped
- 80 g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 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

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by grinding the sesame seeds, nuts, and almonds. For the best results, you can use a grinder or a blender. Make sure to achieve a fine texture, but not so fine that it turns into powder. This will add a pleasant texture to your candies.

2. Crushing the Biscuits
Add the digestive biscuits to the same appliance and grind them until they become a fine powder. They will provide a crunchy and delicious base for the candies.

3. Preparing the Plums
Wash the dried plums and pat them dry with a paper towel, then chop them finely. The plums add a sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.

4. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: sesame seeds, ground nuts, almonds, cocoa, plums, and crushed biscuits. Add the coconut oil and mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. You can use a spatula or simply your hands to ensure every ingredient is well combined.

5. Forming the Candies
With wet hands, form small balls (about the size of a walnut) from the mixture. Place them on a tray or a large plate, leaving a little space between them. Now, it’s time to prepare the glaze!

6. Preparing the Glaze
In a pan, add the brown sugar and cook it over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it starts to turn golden. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly! Carefully add the hot water and stir gently. Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, stirring quickly. Finally, incorporate the liquid cream and mix until it becomes a smooth glaze.

7. Glazing the Candies
Use a teaspoon to drizzle a portion of the glaze over each candy ball. Let them set for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator so that the glaze firms up.

8. Serving
Once the glaze has set, place the candies in mini muffin cups or on a plate to present them attractively. These candies are perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings with friends.

Helpful Tips
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can replace some of the nuts and almonds with pecans or pistachios.
- Substitute the plums with other dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, to create delicious variations of the recipe.
- These candies store well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits
These candies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Nuts and sesame seeds are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Dried plums are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, unsweetened cocoa has heart-healthy benefits and can improve mood.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa? Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and add it to the mixture for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Are these candies vegan? If you use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based cream, the candies can be vegan.
- How can I improve the texture of the candies? If the mixture is too dry, add a little more coconut oil or a tablespoon of water to help it bind.

What Drinks Pair Well?
These candies pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. You can also try serving them with a glass of sweet wine or a banana smoothie for a little indulgence.

I hope you enjoy making and tasting these chocolate, nut, and dried plum candies! Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. So, put on your apron and start your culinary adventure!