Description
Indulge in a simple yet elegant treat with these Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Slices. Juicy mandarin segments are dipped in rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy pistachios, creating a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Perfect as a light dessert or a festive snack, these bites are quick to prepare and offer a refreshing twist on traditional chocolate treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Mandarins
- 6 mandarins, peeled into segments
Chocolate Coating
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Topping
- ¼ cup pistachios, shelled and finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with baking parchment ensuring it fits inside your refrigerator for easy chilling later.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the roughly chopped dark chocolate into a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl over a small saucepan containing about ½ cup (120 milliliters) of simmering water on medium-low heat. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Turn off the heat to prevent overheating.
- Dip the mandarin segments: Using one hand, carefully dip each mandarin segment into the melted chocolate to coat it partially or fully as preferred. Place the dipped slices onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add the pistachio topping: Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the chocolate-coated mandarin slices immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet, to ensure they stick well.
- Set the chocolate: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
- Store and serve: Once set, transfer the chocolate-dipped mandarin slices to an airtight container and keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy. Consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh mandarins, tangerines, or clementines; canned mandarins are not suitable as they are too moist.
- Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content is recommended, but semi-sweet or milk chocolate can be substituted based on preference.
- Feel free to swap pistachios with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or try shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor.
- Store chocolate-dipped mandarin slices in the fridge for 2-3 days; avoid leaving them out to maintain chocolate firmness and fruit freshness.
- Additional topping and serving ideas can be explored for variation, as mentioned in the original recipe post.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mandarin segment
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
