Almond Joy Bites: I *Always* Feel Like a Nut
I really wanted to make a new candy for my son's healthier Easter basket and I decided to go for one of my own faves: an Almond Joy. Chocolate, coconut and almonds—what's not to like? Well, in the commercial version, what's not to like is icky stuff like corn syrup (the first ingredient listed) and partially hydrogenated oil.
My version makes some changes (such as swapping milk chocolate for the more nutritious dark chocolate), but retains the spirit—rich, tropical, sweet—of the original. And my technique is very much the same as for my Homemade Peppermint Patties. If you've made those, you know they're pretty darn easy.
Ingredients
(yield: 12 bites)
- about 2.5T shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 2T raw honey* (preferably local)
- about 4.5 oz. dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa (I used a 72%)
- 12 whole, raw almonds
*Remember that raw honey is not recommended for infants under one year of age because of the rare risk of botulism.
In a small bowl, mix the honey and coconut until fully combined.
I used my silicone mini-muffin pan; if you don't have a silicone pan, you might want to try using paper liners for easier removal of the candies once they're done.
Melt the chocolate—about 1.5 ounces should do to for this first step—and drizzle about a 1/2 teaspoon of it in the bottom of each spot in your mold. Chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes until the chocolate becomes firm. Then, spoon the coconut-honey mixture into the center of each, evenly distributing among the 12 cavities of the muffin pan.
Press an almond into the top of each.
Melt the rest of the chocolate and spoon over each one, covering the tops and sides to seal in the soft filling.
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| I wouldn't be a very good cat burglar - check out my fingerprint on the top of my candy! Oy. |
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Happy holidays, friends!
Update: This recipe has been included by Roxana's Home Baking at her an amazing recipe round-up of 100 Chocolate Recipes. Go check it out!
Genius. I'm totally going to make these. Thank you so much for sharing and I'm so excited about the 'good' ingredients. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Would love to hear how you like them, if you get a chance to come back and post a review :-)
ReplyDeleteThese look divine, where do you find the silicon muffin pans?
ReplyDeleteThank You
Definitely passing this one along! A little sweet treat for the afternoon. Thanks for your good work. lynda for Northern Naturals.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynda, what a lovely comment :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't remember where I got mine (I think Bed Bath & Beyond..?) but I just found these: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Wilton-Easy-flex-Silicone-Mold-12-cup-Mini-Muffin-Pan/4282103/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&adtype=pla&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D
ReplyDeleteYou can get them on Amazon, too, but they seem to be more expensive there.
I made these for Easter brunch and they were a hit! Everyone was impressed and enjoyed them very much. It was awesome to have some homemade candy vs. buying a bag at the store. Thanks for this easy and delicious recipe! This method can certainly be applied to a variety of homemade candy. This one is going into my recipe box. YUM!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for trying out the recipe - i'm really glad you and your friends/family enjoyed them :-)
ReplyDeleteI made a similar recipe that was delish!! I used coconut manna instead of the coconut flakes and I added a little vanilla. So yummers!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike!
ReplyDeleteFinally made these today--so delicious! Mine didn't come out looking as good as yours but who cares as long as they're yummy. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for substance over style any day! Thanks so much for trying and posting a review :-)
ReplyDeleteWith this you get the nut & dark chocolate! The real candy bars you have to choose, nut or dark chocolate. Almond Joy is milk chocolate & Mounds is dark chocolate. Great recipe!
ReplyDeleteI love almond joy and your homemade bites look great! Thanks for sharing, just linked to them in my 100 chocolate recipes round-up
ReplyDeletehttp://www.roxanashomebaking.com/100-chocolate-recipes/
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I am just now seeing your message. Sorry for the delay but THANK YOU!
ReplyDelete