Chocolate cereal bar

The perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and beyond: Chocolate Cereal Salami

Who doesn't want a dessert that makes your heart dance with joy? Chocolate cereal salami is an ideal choice for those moments when you want to treat family and friends to something special. This recipe, adapted from a specialty magazine, combines the intense flavors of chocolate with the crunch of cereals and nuts, all in an easy-to-make and unpretentious package. Get ready to discover how to create this delight!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 200 g butter
- 150 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 50 ml prosecco (or any sparkling wine, optional)
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 140 g cereal (suggestion: fruit cereal from Sano-Vita)
- 100 g raw cashews
- 75 g walnuts
- 140 g mixed dried fruit (figs, cranberries, dates, roughly chopped)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Helpful tips about ingredients:
- The butter should be at room temperature for easier mixing with the sugar and to achieve a fluffy cream. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, you can cut it into small cubes and let it soften for a few minutes.
- Choose a high-quality chocolate – the higher the cocoa percentage, the more intense the flavor.
- If you don't have prosecco, you can omit this ingredient or replace it with orange juice for an exotic taste.

History of the dessert:
Although it is a modern dessert, the inspiration behind chocolate cereal salami comes from traditional homemade sweet recipes that used simple and accessible ingredients. This dessert has evolved over time, adapting to the culinary preferences of each generation. Today, you can customize it with various ingredients such as cereals, dried fruits, or nuts to create the perfect combination.

Preparation:
1. Start by preparing a large bowl where you will mix the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer to combine the two ingredients until you achieve a fluffy and airy cream (about 5-7 minutes at medium speed).
2. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to incorporate them well before adding the next one. Don't worry if the mixture seems to curdle – it will smooth out when you add the other ingredients.
3. In the butter and egg mixture, add cocoa, prosecco, and salt. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
4. Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave. If you choose the bain-marie option, make sure the water does not touch the bowl with the chocolate. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then incorporate it into the egg and butter mixture.
5. In a food processor, chop the cereals, but do not turn them into powder; you want to keep large pieces for texture. Add them to the chocolate mixture.
6. Roughly chop the nuts and dried fruits, then add them to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Shaping and cooling:
7. Place a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and spread a double layer. Use a spoon to transfer the mixture to the center of the wrap. Roll the wrap to form a "salami", making sure to tightly secure the ends to prevent the filling from leaking out.
8. Tie the ends of the wrap and place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. This step is essential to allow it to set and hold its shape.

Serving:
9. After it has cooled, unwrap the salami and tie it with kitchen twine for a rustic look. Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on top and cut it into thick slices. These delicious slices pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a fragrant tea.

Possible variations:
- Replace the cereals with biscuits or granola for a different texture.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits – almonds, hazelnuts, or raisins will provide a unique taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white chocolate? Yes, but the taste will be different. I recommend adding a bit more cocoa to maintain the intensity.
- Does it keep its flavor if I make it a few days in advance? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors will meld better after a few days in the fridge.
- Is this dessert suitable for vegans? You can create a vegan version by replacing the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with an egg substitute (e.g., banana puree or a flaxseed mixture).

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of chocolate cereal salami contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dessert is rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate and provides healthy fats from the nuts. Additionally, the dried fruits add fiber and vitamins, making it a more nutritious treat than many other desserts.

Looking for a simple, quick, and flavorful dessert? Chocolate cereal salami is the perfect choice! By experimenting with ingredients and techniques, you can create a customized recipe that reflects your culinary style. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and share this delicacy with your loved ones!