Description
Dark Chocolate Mendiants are elegant, bite-sized medallions made with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate topped with assorted dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. This healthy dessert combines rich chocolate flavor with crunchy and chewy textures for a delightful treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (73% cacao or higher recommended)
Toppings
- assorted dried fruits, chopped in small pieces
- chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans
- seeds like sesame, poppy, hemp, flax, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Lay out a piece of parchment paper, waxed paper, or foil onto a flat surface to place the mendiants.
- Melt the chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again to fully melt. If lumps remain, microwave in short bursts and stir until smooth.
- Form chocolate rounds: Use a spoon to drop small rounds of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to naturally form round shapes, nudging gently if needed. Each round should be about 2 to 2½ inches in diameter.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle each round generously with your choice of chopped dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to decorate and add flavor.
- Set the chocolate: Let the mendiants set at room temperature until firm, or place the tray directly in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
- Store properly: Once set, store the mendiants at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for at least 3 weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage for the richest flavor and health benefits.
- Mix and match dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to customize flavors and textures.
- To speed up setting, refrigerate on a baking sheet for easy transfer.
- These mendiants make elegant gifts or party treats and can be frozen to preserve freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.003 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0.3 mg
