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Chocolate Mendiants (pronounced MEN-dee-ants) are a popular French Christmastime confection. Traditionally, these chocolate discs are topped with dried figs, raisins, almonds, and hazelnuts. Each ingredient representing a different monastic order. Today, they are made with a variety of toppings by those not feeling bound by Catholic tradition.
Aside from being delicious and beautiful, chocolate mendiants are ridiculously easy to make and a fun kitchen project for kids (and grown-ups). If you use disposable piping bags and parchment-lined sheet pans, they are mess-free too! That’s right, mess-free! You can make about 150 of these in 30 minutes with no dishes. Move over Christmas cookies.
Easy Chocolate Mendiants
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: about 150 mendiants
- Category: Sweets
- Method: Prep
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beautiful, delicious and easy Chocolate Mendiants make for perfect DIY Christmas gifts!
Ingredients
3.5 lbs Chocolate Chips or Baking discs (I use TCHO 81% dark)
Toppings of your choice prepped and in individual cups or piles. Here are some ideas:
- lavender, pistachio
- maldon sea salt
- toasted coconut, dried cherry and hazelnut
- toasted almond and dried cherry
- instant espresso powder or whole coffee beans
- toffee bits
- pepitas and chili powder
- garam masala powder
- candied walnuts
- crushed candy cane
Instructions
Fill your disposable piping bags with chocolate, leaving enough room to securely tie the bag. You will need about 5 bags for this size recipe.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss the tied-off chocolate-filled piping bags into the water. Turn off the heat and cover for 15-20 minutes or until all the chocolate is completely melted. Smoosh it around gently and make sure there’s no hard bits hiding in the center.
When all the chocolate is melted, remove the bags from the water. Dry them off thoroughly with a towel (water drips on your chocolate will make them ugly).
Line baking trays with parchment or silicone mats. Snip the tip of the piping bag. You want the opening to be about 1/8-1/4″ wide. Any larger and it will be difficult to control the flow of the liquid chocolate. Gently squeeze the chocolate out making discs 1 1/2-2″ in diameter.
While the chocolate is still melted, top the discs with your toppings. Let cool to room temperature or refrigerate.
Enjoy sharing these with friends and family!
This is such a simple and delicious DIY Christmas treat! Made this with my kids and they had the best time!
Thanks for introducing such a delicious and easy Christmas recipe. It’s always fun to try something new.
I love that the kids can help me make these. And the no-mess is a total bonus!
My mouth is literally watering. My family would love this especially my son!
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this one.