If you’re looking to add a touch of Spanish culinary tradition to your Christmas festivities, look no further than the delightful Panallets de Chocolate. These indulgent chocolate almond balls are a beloved treat during the holiday season in Spain. They are not only a joy to make but also a scrumptious addition to any festive table, sure to impress your loved ones with their rich and nutty flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these irresistible Panallets de Chocolate at home.
**Panallets de Chocolate – Chocolate Almond Balls**
**Ingredients:**
– 200g ground almonds
– 100g sugar
– 100g dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 egg
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Cocoa powder, for rolling
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, mix the ground almonds, sugar, chopped dark chocolate, and lemon zest until well combined. The aroma of the almonds and the zest will already start to create a festive atmosphere in your kitchen.
2. Beat the egg lightly in a separate bowl, then incorporate it into the almond mixture. Use your hands to knead the dough gently until it comes together. The dough should be moist but still hold its shape.
3. Preheat your oven to180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. The mixture should yield about 20 to 25 Panallets de Chocolate, depending on your preferred size.
5. Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder until evenly coated, giving them a rich chocolatey appearance.
6. Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
7. Bake the Panallets de Chocolate in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the outside. The scent of chocolate wafting through your kitchen will signal that they are ready.
8. Once baked, remove the Panallets de Chocolate from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The waiting time will be the most challenging part of the process as the irresistible aroma will make them tempting to eat right away.
9. Once completely cooled, your Panallets de Chocolate are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them on a decorative plate or package them in a lovely box to give as homemade gifts to your family and friends.
These Panallets de Chocolate are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to infuse a bit of Spanish Christmas spirit into your home. The combination of chocolate, almonds, and lemon zest creates a flavorful experience that will have everyone reaching for more. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and enjoy the process of making these delightful chocolate almond balls. Have a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and of course, delicious homemade treats like these Panallets de Chocolate!
