Dear reader,
I have some shocking news for you. You may need to sit down. Brace yourself.
I need to tell you something that even I found - still find - hard to believe. Are you ready?
There are, incredibly, some people who do not like prunes. I know. I was astounded too.
Even prunes so plumptious and rich from wallowing in sticky-sweet Tia Maria for a few days. Even prunes made even more decadent by a coating of smooth dark chocolate. Perfectly sinful mouthfuls of oh-my-goodness. But yes, there are some people (and you know who you are) who are not seduced by a prune in all this glory.
I am shocked - but also pleased...
More for me.
Boozy chocolate prunes
Adapted from 'Chocolate Magic' by Kate Shirazi.
- Place 12 pitted prunes in a ceramic or glass bowl and pour enough Tia Maria (or your other favourite chocolate-friendly alcohol) over the prunes to just cover them. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and leave in a cool place or the fridge for a few days. Give the bowl a swirl every now and then to ensure the prunes get evenly soaked.
- When you are ready to make the chocolates, drain the prunes as best you can. Then drink the Tia Maria!
- Once drained, poke each prune with a walnut piece, blanched almond or natural almond.
- Prep a tray or plate wth a sheet of baking paper.
- Now, gently melt 100 gms of Lindt 70% chocolate.
- Using a couple of forks, add each prune to the melted chocolate. Move it around to coat, then lift it, drain any excess chocolate, and place it on the prepped tray. Repeat with remaining prunes. You'll probably have some chocolate left over - pour it over a bowl of good vanilla ice cream. Or just lick the bowl.
- Back to to prunes: allow to set (but don't refridgerate) and keep in a cool dark place. They last surprisingly well, too (all that preserving booze) but I'm sure you will eat them very quickly!
These look really good e! I have just re-discovered prunes after a long break. Subsequently my children have just discovered them and love them too. The Tia Maria and chocolate would be a beautiful addition :)
ReplyDeletehi jane! i'm sure you could make a child-friendly version by soaking the prunes in tea to plump them up ... or just make the adult version and keep them hidden for yourself ;-)
Deletethey are a very nice treat with a good cup of earl grey tea.
Good idea! I think we visited each others blogs at almost exactly the same time!
Deletegreat minds thinking alike :-)
DeleteMmmm, prunes. So delicious, and good for you. Full of iron. And so is dark chocolate. What a match made in heaven!
ReplyDeletei never thought of these as a health food, jo. and with the nut you're getting protein, too. my kind of superfood!
DeleteI'm not one who'd say no to this prunes. You can ship me the whole batch whenever you want to e! The booze idea is a fantastic one, love it!
ReplyDeleteit seems there are more in the 'yay to prunes' camp than 'nay'! thanks, paula.
DeleteI wonder if I can do the same to dates. I am still not convinced I love prunes - so yes definitely more for you! Prunes in savoury dishes only for me.
ReplyDeleteprunes do go well in casseroles, i agree lizzie. maybe the chocolate and the tia maria could convince you to try them sweet? otherwise, wow - yes, i could imagine these little dainties made with those fat medjool dates - out of this world!
DeleteI've finally made it to your prune recipe - and it's amazing!
ReplyDeletefantastic - thank you! they are sinfully good for how easy they are to make.
Deleteoh my! I already love prunes, and the Lindt 70% is my favorite chocolate, so I have to say this looks like the perfect indulgence. I will make some for Christmas!
ReplyDeletegood stuff, gretchenJ! i would make a little secret stash of these just for you, to get you thru christmas!
DeleteSeriously? I've never met such people... well not that I know of anyway. We all love them, I have to keep close control of the prune packet or my girls devour the lot, with predictable results!! However, my sister is probably the biggest prune-lover I know, I'm going to make her these.
ReplyDeletei hope she loves them, barbara! they are truly amazing... in fact, i should make some again, maybe once the weather cools a little. thanks for reminding me!
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