Hamdi Saidani This Chocolate Dessert Salami is a rich and chocolatey no-bake recipe, which is made with semisweet chocolate and crunchy walnuts. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, ready in about 4 hours, including chilling time.
Chocolate Dessert Salami Ingredients
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (2 1/2 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (2 1/2 ounces)
- Two 5 inch long plain biscotti, coarsely crushed
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
- One 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (about 1/2 medium orange)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
How To Make Chocolate Dessert Salami
- Toast the nuts and biscuits: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds, walnuts, and crushed biscotti in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until lightly toasted. Let them cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate base: Put the butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof medium bowl and place the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (a bain-marie). Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the mixture: Stir the brewed coffee into the melted chocolate until smooth. Add the toasted almonds, walnuts, biscotti pieces, and orange zest, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the mixture is firm but still moldable.
- Form the salami logs: Divide the chilled chocolate mixture in half. Place one half on a large piece of plastic wrap and use a spatula to form it into a log, about 7 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Roll up the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Roll it on your work surface a few times to make it evenly round. Repeat with the other half of the mixture. Refrigerate the logs for at least 1 hour, until firm.
- Coat and serve: Spread the confectioners’ sugar on a plate. Unwrap the firm chocolate logs and roll them in the sugar until they are fully coated. Use a pastry brush to brush away any excess. Let the logs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing into ½-inch-thick rounds to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the perfect salami shape? Rolling the chilled mixture tightly in plastic wrap and twisting the ends is the key. This compacts the mixture and creates the classic round salami shape.
- Can I use different nuts or biscuits? Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You could use pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds and walnuts. Crushed shortbread or amaretti cookies would be a great substitute for the biscotti.
- Can I make this without a double boiler? Absolutely. You can melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. The recipe notes that the finished logs can be frozen for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature for about 25 minutes before slicing.
What To Serve With Chocolate Dessert Salami
This rich, sliceable dessert is a perfect treat to serve with coffee or after dinner.
- A cup of hot espresso or a cappuccino
- A small glass of dessert wine, port, or brandy
- As part of a larger dessert platter or cheese board
How To Store Chocolate Dessert Salami
- Refrigerate: Store the finished logs wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, the logs can be well-wrapped and frozen for up to one month.
Chocolate Dessert Salami Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 2-3 slices
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is there any actual salami in this?
No, not at all! It’s a sweet, chocolate-based confection. It gets its name from its resemblance to a traditional cured salami, especially with the powdered sugar coating that looks like the salami’s casing.
Why did my chocolate mixture get grainy?
This can happen if the chocolate gets too hot or comes into contact with water while melting. Melt it very gently over barely simmering water, and make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry.
Do I have to use the orange zest?
The orange zest is optional, but it adds a lovely, bright citrus note that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
Chocolate Dessert Salami Recipe
Description
A rich, no-bake chocolate and nut confection that’s cleverly shaped to look like a salami, perfect for slicing and serving as an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the almonds, walnuts, and crushed biscotti in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes; cool completely.
- Gently melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a bowl over simmering water until smooth.
- Stir in the coffee, then fold in the toasted nut mixture and orange zest.
- Chill the mixture for 1.5 to 2 hours, until firm but moldable.
- Divide the mixture in half and shape each half into a 7-inch log on plastic wrap. Roll up tightly, twist the ends, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Unwrap the firm logs and roll them in confectioners’ sugar to coat.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Toasting the nuts and biscotti is a key step that adds a wonderful depth of flavor and crunch.
- Don’t skip the chilling times; they are essential for the mixture to become firm enough to shape and slice.
- This is a perfect homemade gift for the holidays.
- For easy and clean cutting, use a sharp, serrated knife.
