Delicious Dried Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bites

This delightful recipe combines the flavors of dried plums, apricots, almonds, honey, and chocolate to create a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and tart dried fruits with crunchy nuts results in a satisfying texture that is both chewy and crisp. The addition of honey and lemon juice offers a subtly sweet and tangy contrast, beautifully balanced by the rich coating of chocolate. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a personal snack, these homemade bites are a healthier alternative to store-bought confections. They are naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to different dietary preferences. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Prep is minimal, with most of the time spent waiting for the mixture to chill and the chocolate to set. With a total preparation time of just 90 minutes, you can quickly whip up a batch to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to make a batch of these tasty bites and share them with your loved ones.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 250 g dried plums
• 250 g dried apricots
• 200 g almonds (or walnuts)
• 50 g honey
• 35 g lemon juice (or quince syrup)
• 150 g chocolate

Preparation Time

Total time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Chop the Nuts: Begin by finely chopping the almonds (or walnuts). A food processor can be used to achieve a uniform texture, making it easier to blend with the other ingredients.
2. Prepare Dried Fruits: Similarly, chop the dried plums and apricots into small pieces. Removing as much air as possible from the airtight container ensures freshness when storing these fruits.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried fruits and nuts. Add the honey and lemon juice (or quince syrup) to the bowl.
4. Create a Uniform Mixture: Stir the mixture rigorously until it forms a cohesive, homogeneous mass. All components should be well-incorporated for the best flavor in every bite.
5. Chill the Mixture: Place the mixture in the refrigerator, allowing it to rest for approximately one hour. This helps to solidify the mixture, making it easier to work with later.
6. Form the Balls: Once chilled, remove the mixture from the fridge. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, even-sized balls. Consistent sizing ensures even coating and presentation.
7. Melt the Chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate until smooth and glossy. This can be done using a double boiler or a microwave in short bursts to prevent burning.
8. Coat the Balls: Dip each fruit and nut ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Use a fork or a skewer to streamline the dipping process without messy hands.
9. Allow to Set: Place the coated balls on a lined baking sheet and allow them to dry. The cooling time varies with room temperature, but around 20 minutes should suffice.
10. Enjoy: Once the chocolate has completely set, your delightful chocolate bites are ready to be enjoyed or shared. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips

• Substitution: Feel free to substitute the almonds with hazelnuts or any preferred nuts for varying flavors.
• Additional Flavors: A sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate-coated bites before setting can enhance the flavor profile, making them even more delicious.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness, especially in warmer climates where chocolate may melt.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per serving
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 5g
• Carbs: 16g

Variations

• Use vegan chocolate to create a dairy-free version of these bites.
• Substitute honey with agave syrup for a different sweetener, perfect for vegans.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor in the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a sweet accompaniment to an afternoon tea or coffee.
• Pair with fresh fruits such as apples or berries to create a balanced dessert platter.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch at dinner gatherings.

Best Places

1. Sweet Tooth Fairy - This charming bakery serves a wonderfully varied selection of sweet treats.
   Location: 101 Main Street, London, UK.

2. The Dessert Bar - Known for its innovative dessert creations, a delightful spot for sweet lovers.
   Location: 22 Sugar Avenue, New York, USA.

3. Patisserie Valerie - Offers a classic selection of desserts and chocolates in a chic setting.
   Location: 15 Cherry Lane, Paris, France.

4. Choco Delight Café - Specializes in chocolate desserts from around the world.
   Location: 9 Cocoa Street, Zurich, Switzerland.

5. Bite Sized Heaven - Features bite-sized delights, perfect for sampling various flavors.
   Location: 72 Treat Blvd, Rome, Italy.

6. Sugar Rush - Offers an array of sweets with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
   Location: 50 Confection Lane, Sydney, Australia.

7. Cocoa Beanery - Provides an exquisite selection of chocolate concoctions and beverages.
   Location: 134 Sweet Blvd, Brussels, Belgium.

8. Nuts & Fruits Delight - Known for its range of healthy and innovative snacks.
   Location: 60 Plaza St, Barcelona, Spain.

9. Confection Connection - A family-friendly spot with a range of sweet delicacies.
   Location: 85 Dessert Rd, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

10. Chocoholic’s Corner - A paradise for chocolate lovers, offering a variety of chocolate treats.
    Location: 97 Cocoa Cir, Toronto, Canada.