CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE CANDIES

These Christmas chocolate candies are perfect not only for indulging during the holiday season but also for bringing to gatherings, school fairs or simply wrapping up as an edible Christmas gift. Of course, these treats can be enjoyed all year round, not just during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 15 Medjool dates

• 100 g of chopped walnuts / hazelnuts / pecans

• 100 g of cranberries

• 200 g of dark chocolate (I prefer at least 70% cocoa)

• A pinch of salt

• For decoration: orange zest / freeze-dried berries / chopped nuts

Instructions

I soak the dates and cranberries in warm water for about 10-15 minutes.

I chop the nuts and toast them in a non-stick pan until they are golden brown (I stay close to the stove because if I leave them unattended, there's a high chance they'll burn).

Once the nuts are toasted, I add the chopped dates and cranberries to the same pan. I continue to toast everything together for another 5-7 minutes.

I let the mixture cool down.

I melt the chocolate using a double boiler method. I fill one pot with water, and when it boils, I place a smaller pot on top and add the dark chocolate to it for melting. If I put the chocolate pot directly on the heat, it will burn, harden and melt unevenly.

From the resulting mixture, I form small candies.

I dip them in the melted chocolate and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. I repeat the process until the mixture and chocolate are used up.

I decorate the candies with orange zest, nuts or freeze-dried berries.

I place the candies in the refrigerator for at least a few hours until the chocolate sets.

BON APPETIT!