The dried fruit and chocolate treats are a special homage to Mrs. Rossana, a sweet and elegant lady with refined manners and a ready smile. She was my in-laws’ neighbor, and every Christmas she would gift us these delicious dried fruit and chocolate treats. Making them myself was unthinkable, because they were her special gift during the holidays. Unfortunately, Rossana has left us, and I thought of reproducing this recipe in her memory. These simple and delicious treats are perfect for enriching the Christmas table or for gifting to friends and family. With their mix of dried fruit and chocolate, they represent the essence of Christmas: sweetness, tradition, and sharing.
But their goodness knows no season: these treats are also the right idea for other special occasions, such as a communion, a confirmation, a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, an anniversary, or simply as a last-minute gift or indulgent treat to offer after a meal! They are prepared in a flash but leave an impression, thanks to their elegant simplicity and flavor that pleases everyone.
If you are reading this recipe during the Christmas period and are looking for other delicious ideas to bring to the table or give as gifts, also take a look at my Christmas recipes: you will find sweet and savory ideas to make the holidays even more special:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 25 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Christmas
Ingredients
- 7.1 oz almonds
- 7.1 oz whole hazelnuts
- 8.8 oz dark chocolate
- 8.8 oz white chocolate
- as needed colored sprinkles (optional)
Steps
Start by toasting the almonds and hazelnuts in the air fryer at 392°F for about 3 minutes.
Once ready, let them cool completely.
Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave (it will take 2 minutes) or in a bain-marie, being careful not to burn it. Once the nuts have cooled, combine them with the melted chocolate and mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture. Place paper cups on a tray and, with a spoon, distribute the nut and chocolate mixture into the cups. Before the treats completely solidify, decorate the surface with colored sprinkles. Allow the treats to solidify at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
These dried fruit and chocolate treats are a small masterpiece of simplicity and goodness, perfect for the Christmas period. They are made in a few minutes, but the result is elegant and delicious, ideal for enriching the festive table or for packaging and gifting to those we love. Each bite tells a story of sweetness and sharing, perfectly in tune with the spirit of Christmas. Making them allowed me to honor the memory of Mrs. Rossana and to carry on her tradition, hoping that these treats may also become a small holiday ritual for you.
Tips, Storage
You can replace almonds and hazelnuts with other dried fruits of your choice, such as cashews, pistachios, or walnuts. These treats are perfect for gifting during the holidays, especially at Christmas time, and keep well in an airtight container/tin for several days.
