Decadent Spiced Chocolate Medley
Indulge in the rich, complex flavors of this festive chocolate medley, a chewier take on the traditional panforte hailing from Siena, perfect for the holiday season. This delightful dessert combines melted chocolate, a hint of caramel from Tootsie Rolls, and a symphony of spices to create a truly irresistible treat. The warmth of cinnamon and cardamom mingles with the robust essence of cocoa, while the tartness of the figs and apricots balances the sweetness. With its satisfying texture and an alluring combination of nuts, seeds, and mincemeat, this creation is a delightful addition to any cheese and cracker platter to impress your holiday guests.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1/3 cup (none)
honey
1/2 cup (none)
butter
50 g (cut into pieces)
miniature Tootsie Rolls
100 g (unwrapped)
bittersweet chocolate
70 g (chopped)
mincemeat
300 g (none)
flour
1 cup (sifted)
ground almonds
2/3 cup (none)
cocoa powder
1 cup (sifted)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
orange zest
1 (grated)
mixed nuts
300 g (chopped or whole)
dried figs
50 g (chopped)
dried apricots
50 g (chopped)
salt
1 pinch (none)
icing sugar
to dust (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang to make it easier to lift out later.
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, honey, butter, miniature Tootsie Rolls, chopped bittersweet chocolate, and mincemeat. Stir gently for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved.
3
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, ground almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground cardamom, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
4
Add the grated orange zest, mixed nuts (or seeds), chopped dried figs, chopped dried apricots, and the melted mixture from the saucepan into the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined; the dough will be thick and somewhat sticky.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or cling wrap placed over the surface to help you press the mixture down evenly into the corners and flatten the top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The panforte is done when the surface appears firm and dull, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7
Allow the panforte to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cutting board. Remove the parchment paper and dust the top generously with icing sugar.
8
Once completely cooled, cut into 36 pieces. For the best flavor, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and let them age at room temperature for 1 day. Afterward, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
2.8
Fat
10
Carbs
1.1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Spiced Chocolate Medley?
It is a festive, chewy dessert inspired by traditional panforte from Siena, featuring melted chocolate, Tootsie Rolls, nuts, and warm spices.
What temperature should I bake the panforte at?
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) before baking.
What size baking pan is required?
A 9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper is recommended.
How long does it take to melt the chocolate and sugar mixture?
It takes approximately 3-5 minutes over low heat until the mixture is smooth.
What is the texture of the dough before baking?
The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How do I flatten the sticky dough into the pan?
Place a piece of parchment paper or cling wrap over the surface to help press the mixture evenly into the corners.
How long does the Decadent Spiced Chocolate Medley need to bake?
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface appears firm and dull.
How do I test if the panforte is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
How long should I let it cool before cutting?
Allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a cutting board.
When should I apply the icing sugar?
Dust the top generously with icing sugar after removing the parchment paper from the inverted cake.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 36 individual pieces.
Does the panforte need to age before eating?
Yes, for the best flavor, wrap the pieces in plastic and let them age at room temperature for 1 day.
How should I store the finished chocolate medley?
Store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this dessert stay fresh?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The recipe uses cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper.
What kind of chocolate is used?
The recipe calls for 70g of chopped bittersweet chocolate.
Why are Tootsie Rolls included in the recipe?
Miniature Tootsie Rolls add a hint of caramel flavor and contribute to the chewy texture.
What dried fruits are used?
The recipe includes chopped dried figs, dried apricots, and mincemeat.
Can I use seeds instead of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute mixed nuts with seeds depending on your preference.
How many calories are in one piece?
Each piece contains approximately 67 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2.8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each piece has 10 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each piece?
There is 1.1 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for the grated zest of one orange.
What is the role of mincemeat in this dessert?
Mincemeat adds a complex fruit and spice profile that complements the chocolate and nuts.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the flour and cocoa powder should be sifted to ensure a smooth texture.
What type of nuts should I use?
The recipe suggests 300g of mixed nuts, which can be left whole or chopped.
How should this dish be served?
It is excellent on its own or as part of a cheese and cracker platter for holiday guests.
Is honey used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of honey is used as a sweetener and binder.
What makes this different from traditional panforte?
This version is specifically designed to be chewier and richer through the addition of chocolate and Tootsie Rolls.