Mendiants au chocolat

Method

1. 1 The four types of nuts and fruits symbolize the four classes of mendicants; that is the rule of the mendicant.
2. 2 Almonds represent the Dominican order, pistachios represent Augustine, raisins represent Francis, and dried plums represent Carmelites.
3. 3 Heat the chocolate to 45 degrees, then cool it down to 27 degrees, and then raise it back to 31 degrees to let it steep.
4. 4 Properly setting the temperature at these three points is essential for a glossy and crisp surface on the disc; failure to do so will result in a dull and soft surface.
5. 5 Scoop spoonfuls of chocolate onto parchment paper and tap the tray to form flat, round plates.
6. 6 Place exactly one of each type of chocolate on each plate while the chocolate is still wet, then let it set for 2 hours.

With an appliance

• Microwave 37 min

  Replace steps 3–4: heat the chocolate at 500 W in 20-second increments to 45 degrees, stir to cool down to 27 degrees, then heat in 5-second increments to 31 degrees; reduce to about 3 minutes. Without steam from the double boiler, the chocolate is less likely to clump and is easier to achieve the correct temperature at all three points. The step of correctly placing the four nuts remains the same.