Chocolate fig slice
makes 40 small squares
I am a big fan of slices, especially those that can be cut up and kept in the refrigerator. To make life easier you can buy hazelnuts that have already been roasted and their skins removed. You will find fresh dates at your greengrocer or in the fresh produce section of your supermarket.
Ingredients
| 500 g | Dried figs (Main) |
| 300 g | Fresh dates |
| 100 g | Pitted prunes, soft |
| 1 | Orange, grated zest and juice |
| ¼ cup | Grand Marnier |
| 1 Tbsp | Liquid honey |
| 250 g | Dark chocolate, cut into small pieces, I used Whittaker's Dark Ghana 72% |
| 100 g | Roasted hazelnuts, skins removed and cut in half |
| 1 sprinkle | Cocoa powder, dark, to dust |
Directions
- Line a swiss roll tin or similar with baking paper.
- Thinly slice the figs. Remove date stones and slice flesh, then slice the pitted prunes. Place in a large bowl with the orange zest, juice, Grand Marnier and honey. Cover and leave to stand in a cool place for at least 1 hour.
- Place chocolate in a small heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water, and allow to melt. Take it off the heat when there are still small lumps then gently stir until completely smooth.
- Stir the hazelnuts and melted chocolate into the fruit mixture and mix well. Spoon into the lined tin and spread, leaving the mixture 2.5-3cm in thickness. (You may not fill the tin.) Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to firm up.
- To serve, cut into about 40 small squares and dust with cocoa. This slice will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week — if you are lucky!