How to Make Dark Chocolate-Dipped Prunes: A Cosy Cottagecore Recipe

Slow living teaches that the simplest pleasures often bring the most joy. Whipping up simple desserts is a delightful pastime, especially for those enchanted by cottagecore vibes or embracing their soft girl era. It's about finding joy in the little things, like the wholesome goodness of dark chocolate and prunes. These ingredients are not just tasty; they're packed with health benefits, making each bite a guilt-free pleasure.

I wouldn’t be a candle maker if I didn’t recommend making this recipe while burning "Cosy Cottage" candle nearby, infusing the air with warmth and comforting scent of magnolia & cherry, perfectly complementing the rich, indulgent flavours of the dessert.

Ingredients:

• 100g of high-quality dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 150g of prunes (about 15-20, depend on their size)
• 10 grams of walnuts, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Break the chocolate into pieces and gently melt it. You can use a microwave, giving it short bursts and stirring in between, or melt it over a pan of simmering water (a bain-marie). 

2. Stir in the teaspoon of honey into the melted chocolate for that cosy sweetness, mixing well. 

3. Lay out a sheet of baking parchment on a flat surface—this is where your dipped prunes will rest.

4. One by one, dip the prunes using two forks into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated.

5. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the dipped prunes with the chopped walnuts or any other nuts.

6. Allow the chocolate to settle and harden. You can pop them to the fridge to speed up the process.

I hope you'll enjoy this wonderfully simple recipe that combines the natural goodness of prunes with the rich indulgence of dark chocolate, all finished with a sprinkle of walnuts for that extra special touch. It’s a recipe that celebrates slow living, the joy of simplicity, and the warmth of a cosy cottage life. Enjoy these treats as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the most pleasure.

Some more slow living thoughts:

Prunes in dark chocolate (often called "plums in chocolate," even though it's prunes that are used, not fresh plums!) are a traditional Polish dessert. I have a Romanian surname thanks to my husband, but I'm originally from Poland. In my teenage years, when I lived in Poland, I never enjoyed them.

As an adult, many moons ago, I attended a yoga workshop here in the UK. An Irish yoga teacher prepared a delicious meal for us that included chocolate-covered prunes. Recently, making this dessert made me reflect on how quick we are to dismiss things that are ordinary and simple, and "close to home," looking for novelty and excitement elsewhere. Being adventurous and discovering new tastes and places is definitely a great thing in life, but it's just as important to also appreciate what we already have.

Adriana x