Dark Chocolate Mendiants Recipe

Introduction

Dark Chocolate Mendiants are elegant French confections that combine rich dark chocolate with an array of colorful dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for snacking or gifting.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70% cacao or higher)
• Assorted dried fruits, chopped into small pieces
• Chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans
• Seeds like sesame, poppy, hemp, or flax

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay out a piece of parchment paper, waxed paper, or foil on a flat surface.
2. Step 2: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir.
3. Step 3: Microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again until the chocolate is completely melted. If lumps remain, microwave briefly and stir until smooth.
4. Step 4: Use a spoon to drop small rounds of melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment. Allow the chocolate to fall naturally into a round shape and adjust slightly as needed. Make each about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle each round with your choice of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
6. Step 6: Let the chocolate set at room temperature, or place the parchment with the mendiants on a baking tray and refrigerate to speed up the process.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor and better texture.
• Mix and match different fruits, nuts, and seeds to create unique flavor combinations.
• For a festive touch, add a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.
• To make vegan mendiants, ensure the chocolate contains no dairy ingredients.

Storage

Store mendiants in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for at least 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk or white chocolate if preferred. Keep in mind that the taste and sweetness will differ from the classic dark chocolate version.

How long does it take for the chocolate to set?

At room temperature, the chocolate usually sets within 30 to 60 minutes. Refrigerating the mendiants will speed this up to about 15 to 20 minutes.

Dark Chocolate Mendiants Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

These Dark Chocolate Mendiants are delightful bite-sized treats featuring rich, high-percentage dark chocolate topped with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. A simple no-bake recipe perfect for health-conscious chocolate lovers looking for a naturally sweet and crunchy snack or dessert.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes (melting chocolate)
• Total Time: 15 minutes including setting time
• Yield: About 20 mendiants (depending on size) 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate

• 8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70% cacao or higher, such as Trader Joe’s 73% Super Dark chocolate bars)

Toppings

• Assorted dried fruits, chopped into small pieces
• Chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans
• Seeds such as sesame, poppy, hemp, flax, etc.

Instructions

1. Prepare surface: Lay out a piece of parchment paper, waxed paper, or aluminum foil on a flat surface to place the chocolate rounds once formed.
2. Melt 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. Microwave again for 30 seconds and stir thoroughly. If there are still lumps of chocolate, heat for an additional short burst and stir until completely smooth.
3. Form rounds: Use a spoon to drop small rounds of melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment paper. Let the chocolate fall naturally from the spoon to form roughly 2 to 2 1/2 inch diameter circles. Adjust shape gently with the back of the spoon if necessary.
4. Add toppings: While the chocolate is still warm and soft, sprinkle each round generously with your choice of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Work one round at a time to ensure the toppings stick well.
5. Set chocolate: Allow the mendiants to set at room temperature until firm. To speed this up, you may place the parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator. For refrigeration, it is helpful to keep the parchment on a baking sheet or tray for easy transfer.
6. Store: Once fully set, store the mendiants at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for at least 3 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen.

Notes

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao for the best flavor and health benefits.
• You can customize the toppings to your liking; experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
• If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the mendiants to help them set faster and prevent melting.
• Store the mendiants in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

Keywords: dark chocolate mendiants, chocolate bites, healthy chocolate snacks, dried fruit chocolate, nut and seed chocolate, no-bake chocolate treats