Dark Chocolate Mendiants are sweets that tell ancient stories and exude French elegance. Originating from monastic tradition, the Mendiant, which means “beggars,” symbolize the four religious orders devoted to almsgiving, represented by the colors of the dried fruits: hazelnuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and pistachios. A small sweet full of meaning, which over time has become a refined artisan treat loved by both young and old.
Perfect to prepare during the Christmas season, but irresistible in every season, these French chocolates demonstrate that with a few quality ingredients, something special can be created.
Shiny, crunchy, and fragrant, Dark Chocolate Mendiants can be easily made at home, requiring just a bit of patience for chocolate tempering, a crucial step for a perfect and shiny finish.
A sweet that combines history, elegance, and simplicity, perfect to give as a gift, serve at the end of a meal, or enjoy in a moment just for yourself.
Let’s prepare these homemade Mendiants together and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of French chocolate.
If you love chocolate desserts, you can also read about Chocolate Truffles with Hazelnut Heart or the Caprese Cake, or White and Dark Chocolate Filled Tiles.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 40 Minutes
- Preparation time: 50 Minutes
- Portions: 30 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Double Boiler, Microwave
- Cuisine: French
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Christmas
- Energy 79.47 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 4.23 (g) of which sugars 1.08 (g)
- Proteins 1.84 (g)
- Fat 6.25 (g) of which saturated 2.97 (g)of which unsaturated 2.99 (g)
- Fibers 1.85 (g)
- Sodium 2.30 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 15 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Mendiants
- 10.6 oz dark chocolate
- 1.76 oz almonds (peeled)
- 1.76 oz whole peeled hazelnuts (toasted)
- 1.76 oz raisins
- to taste rum
Preparation of Dark Chocolate Mendiants
For the raisins and nuts
First, let the raisins soften for about 30 minutes in a bowl with warm water scented with a bit of rum, then drain and dry the raisins well.
Prepare the nuts in separate bowls, halving the almonds and hazelnuts. Also halve the walnuts. Set everything aside.For the chocolate
Chop the dark chocolate and melt 8.8 oz (250 g) of it in a double boiler or in the microwave, making sure it does not exceed a temperature of 122 – 123°F (50 – 51°C).
Remove the bowl from the heat (microwave or double boiler) and add the remaining chocolate, stir until completely melted.
Place the bowl in a cool place and stir until the temperature drops to 79°F (26°C).
Place it again in the double boiler and bring the chocolate temperature to 86°F (30°C).
Now you can use the chocolate and prepare these delicious discs. Take a sheet of parchment paper. Scoop the melted chocolate with a spoon and gently let it drop onto the well-spread sheet of paper until a disc is formed. Add the nuts to your liking and let them harden
