Receta Chocolate, Fruit and Nut Bites...
There is no other explanation for this post than this: These are dangerously delicious. Aaaand addictive. Aaaand fun to make. Aaaand they are the most wonderful surprise to find in the bottom of your purse or the glove box of your car or your nightstand or wherever you think to stash them. Aaaand...IF you are dieting, or pretending to diet or you just need a little fix...these will fit the bill without truly side-lining everything because hello?!? they have fruit and nuts!! You can use semi-sweet chocolate if you choose, but if you use a dark chocolate, well then, that's a game changer! These go from a really good snack to a healthy good-for-you power treat! Just think of all those antioxidants that will be coursing through your veins lending superhuman strength so you can leap tall building in a single bound!
Dried apricots are a favorite, so I make sure I always put those on first - but you can use whatever dried fruit you like. In this batch I used dried blueberries, cherries, dates and apricots. Don't over do the fruit because you need to leave room for nuts! I used pecans but almonds work great and really, any nuts will do.
Once the chocolate is melted in the microwave, the fruit and nuts are added - these could not be easier! And you can use whatever fruit and nuts you like - so really, this is a personalized treat! (When chocolate is melted without being tempered it takes a really long time to firm back up so you don't have to work quickly, you'll have plenty of time to add whatever fruit and nuts you want.)
One batch makes about 20 to 22, depending on how big you make them. Unlike most things where bigger is better, in this case, think smaller - they will be prettier and really, 3 or 4 bites is just the right amount for an emergency dose of chocolate. And these make lovely gifts for your chocolate loving friends - who also happen to like fruit and nuts!
- Chocolate, Fruit and Nut Bites - Pots and Pins
- 12 oz. really good semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1/2 cup dried dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces (or you can use whatever nuts you like)
Put chocolate in a microwaveable bowl in microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Return to microwave for an additional 30 seconds, remove and stir until melted completely and smooth. On a sheet of parchment, spoon out a heaping tablespoon of chocolate and swirl into a circle, about 2 inches across. Add dried fruit pieces and nuts, pushing into chocolate gently. (I make 4 circles at a time, add the fruit and nuts to them, then make 4 more, etc., until chocolate is gone. Don't ask me why, it's just what I do!) Allow to set until chocolate is firm and completely cool, about 1 hour. Keep in plastic bags/container to keep fresh, or wrap individually. Makes about 20 to 22.