Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
Special equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the chopped walnuts and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over low heat until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
6. Spoon small circles of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and drizzle the maple syrup over the chocolate circles.
8. Let the chocolate cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
9. Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the mendiant from the parchment paper and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 12-15 mendiant
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips.
- You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- You can substitute the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apricots.
- You can substitute the pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds or chopped pistachios.
Variations:
- You can add a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty flavor.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the toasted nuts for a warm and spicy flavor.
- You can use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a spoon or a piping bag to make the chocolate circles.
- Make sure the toasted nuts and seeds are cooled before adding them to the chocolate circles.
- Drizzle the maple syrup lightly to avoid making the mendiant too sweet.
Storage instructions:
- Store the mendiant in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- There is no need to reheat the mendiant. Serve at room temperature.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the mendiant on a platter or a tray.
- Place them in a gift box or a tin for a homemade gift.
Garnishes:
- You can garnish the mendiant with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
Pairings:
- Serve the mendiant with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the mendiant as a dessert or a snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
- If the chocolate is too thin, add more chocolate chips to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the nuts and seeds are not burnt or rancid before using them.
- Wash your hands and utensils before preparing the mendiant.
Food history:
- Mendiant is a French confectionery made with chocolate and nuts. It originated in the 14th century as a way for the mendicant orders to receive alms during their travels.
Flavor profiles:
- The mendiant has a rich and chocolatey flavor with a nutty and fruity crunch. The maple syrup adds a sweet and earthy note.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mendiant as a dessert or a snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Maple, Crunchy, Maple-Flavored