Chocolate Almond Pinecones
Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook
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Our Test Kitchen suggests this clever way of dressing up any winter dessert. Make these "pinecones" when you have some time, then use—and reuse—them on a variety of desserts...or even on a pretty plate piled with candies.
SERVINGS: 6
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD:
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min. + standing
Ingredients:
- 1 tube (7 ounces) almond paste
- 4 ounces sliced almonds
- 1-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Directions:
Divide almond paste into six equal portions. Form each into a cone shape, about 1-1/2 in. tall and 1 in. in diameter. Beginning at the base, insert pointed end of almonds into paste to resemble a pinecone.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Insert a toothpick into bottom of each cone. Holding over bowl, spoon melted chocolate over almonds (if needed, use another toothpick to spread the chocolate to completely cover almonds). Place on a wire rack over waxed paper; let stand until firm. Yield: 6 pinecones.