Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
3. Using a spoon, drop small circles of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and dried cranberries on top of each chocolate circle.
5. Allow the chocolate to cool and harden for at least 30 minutes.
6. Once hardened, remove the mendiants from the parchment paper and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 12 mendiants
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dark chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
- Shredded coconut can be substituted with chopped pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Chopped almonds can be substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of each mendiant for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Use different types of dried fruit such as cherries or blueberries.
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother consistency.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the parchment paper is completely flat on the baking sheet to prevent the chocolate from spreading unevenly.
- Use a small spoon to drop the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper to create uniform circles.
- Allow the mendiants to cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper to prevent them from breaking.
Storage instructions:
- Store the mendiants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Reheating instructions:
- Mendiants do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Place the mendiants on a decorative plate or platter for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chopped almonds on top of each mendiant.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delicious snack.
Suggested side dishes:
- These mendiants are perfect as a standalone snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
- If the chocolate is too thin, add more chocolate chips to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the mendiants in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Mendiant is a traditional French confection made with chocolate and nuts or dried fruit.
Flavor profiles:
- The combination of dark chocolate, coconut, almonds, and cranberries creates a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of tartness from the cranberries.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these mendiants as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack during the day.
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Taste: Sweet, Rich, Coconutty, Chocolatey