Walnut Stuffed Chocolate Covered Prunes Recipes

CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRUNES

Steps:

• Stuff each plum with an almond or walnut half. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Add peanut butter; mix well. Dip prunes and place on waxed paper to harden. Store in the refrigerator.

WALNUT-STUFFED CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRUNES.

Steps:

• Slit prunes with a small sharp knife and remove the stones.
• Place pitted prunes in a small bowl and cover them with the cognac and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Open up each prune and insert a walnut half and then press it closed again. The cut sides should stick together and the walnut be completely enclosed.
• Repeat with all prunes.
• Melt chocolate in double boiler and dip each stuffed prune into the melted chocolate with a pair of tongs.
• Place onto a foil-lined tray and sprinkle with remaining walnuts that have been finely chopped.
• Allow to set at room temperature (avoid refrigeration as it takes away the glossy finish and makes them look dull).
• Each piece can be put into a pleated paper cup for an attractive presentation.
• Dried apricots can be substituted for prunes but they are a little drier and harder to stuff.

MY GRANDMA'S NATURAL REMEDY FOR CONSTIPATION (STEWED PRUNES)

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, place prunes, water, and orange juice. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Prunes will absorb most of the water, and the remaining water will thicken into a consistency of syrup. If there is a lot of liquid remaining, simmer, uncovered, for a few minutes until sauce reduces.
• Transfer hot prunes and syrup to a bowl. Pour cold milk over the prunes to cover. Eat with a spoon.
• HINT: This remedy should work within 24 hours and can be safely eaten as often and as long as needed.
• NOTE: If you do not have constipation and just like the taste of stewed prunes, you may add 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the prunes mixture before cooking (Cinnamon, oranges, and prunes pair well together.) However, do not add the cinnamon if you are using this for constipation because cinnamon is used as a natural cure for diarrhea and will have the opposite effect of a laxative.
• One cup prunes contains 1274 mg of potassium, which prevents muscle cramps, and 12 grams of fiber to relieve constipation.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED MARZIPAN AND WALNUT PRALINES

Steps:

• Knead marzipan with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, chopped walnuts, rum, and maraschino liqueur on a clean work surface until smooth.
• Sprinkle remaining powdered sugar on a clean work surface. Roll out marzipan and cut out circles, squares, or rectangles.
• Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set a wire rack on top.
• Place 3/4 of the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining dark chocolate until smooth.
• Stick a toothpick or metal skewer into each praline and dip into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Set onto the wire rack. Allow chocolate to set a little, then place 1 walnut half on top of the chocolate.
• Allow chocolate to harden completely. Store pralines in airtight containers.

PRUNES STUFFED WITH WALNUT CANDY

Steps:

• 1. Put a small bowl of cold water next to the stove. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the sugar and bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble. Add the orange juice and bring to a brisk boil, stirring, until the mixture makes a soft ball in cold water, about 5 minutes. (Test by dropping a very small amount of the syrup off the spoon into the water, and if it holds together when you pinch it, its ready, or if it registers 236° on a candy thermometer. 2. Remove the pan from the heat and cool the syrup without stirring, until lukewarm, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the confectioners' sugar until completely blended. The mixture will be thick and stiff. Stir in the nuts and vanilla. 3. Using your hands, form the nut mixture into small rounds to stuff into the prunes. Arrange on a plate. Cover and let sit overnight at room temperature, or store in a covered container for 3 to 4 weeks.From "1,000 Mexican Recipes." Copyright 2001 by Marge Poore. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PRUNES STUFFED WITH WALNUTS IN ORANGE JUICE

Steps:

• Make the hole in each prune a little wider with your finger and stuff each with a walnut half. Put them in a pan, cover with orange juice, and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft, adding a little water if they become too dry. Serve chilled as they are, or with the topping.
• For the optional topping, whip the cream until it thickens, and add sugar and rose water. Pour all over the prunes and chill together before serving, or pass round in a bowl for people to help themselves.
• Variation
• Instead of orange juice, use a half-and-half mixture of water and red wine. This was done in Jewish households.