Imagine a snack that perfectly balances rich, velvety dark chocolate, crunchy toasted almonds, and a tantalizing hint of sea salt - a combination so irresistible that you'll be unable to stop at just one bite! These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds are not just a simple treat, but a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a luxurious snack, or create a homemade gift that screams sophistication, this recipe is your golden ticket to snacking nirvana.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the raw almonds and enhance their natural flavor.
- Spread the raw almonds evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to ensure uniform toasting.
- Place the almonds in the preheated oven and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning. The almonds should become fragrant and develop a light golden color.
- Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the dark chocolate chips to the glass bowl and stir gently as they melt, maintaining a low and steady heat to prevent scorching.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, remove from heat.
- Carefully dip each toasted almond into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat evenly and tap off excess chocolate.
- Place the chocolate-coated almonds back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over each almond to create a delicate seasoning.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set completely, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Once set, transfer the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds to an airtight container for storage.
- Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain chocolate's crisp texture. Consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Tips
- • Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the most intense flavor • Ensure almonds are completely cool before chocolate dipping to prevent chocolate from becoming streaky • Use a fork when dipping to allow excess chocolate to drip off cleanly • Sprinkle sea salt immediately after dipping while chocolate is still wet • For a more professional look, use a chocolate dipping tool or small kitchen tongs • Store in a cool environment to prevent chocolate from melting or developing a whitish bloom • Experiment with different salt types like Himalayan pink salt or fleur de sel for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
