Fig Balls

Step 1

Place the walnuts  in a medium pan and toast on the stove over medium heat. Stir with a spoon or swirl the pan to prevent them from burning.   When they give off their strong aroma, take the walnuts from the stove. Spread them on a baking sheet and let them cool before grounding. If you like you can toast the walnuts in the preheated oven at 350°F(177°C).   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Place the walnuts in a single layer. Toast until it gives the fragrance.  It may take up to 10 minutes depending on the size of the walnuts. Check your oven after 4-5 minutes and give a stir with a spoon.  When they give their aroma they’ll be ready.

Step 2

Remove the stems of the dried figs.  Cut them into pieces, this step makes the machine works easily.  If your food processor is not too powerful, you can cut into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 3

Once the walnuts are cool,place them into the food processor and ground them.

Step 4

Add in the chopped dried figs and mix until they form a paste. The mixture shouldn’t be dry so you can decide if the mixture needs water.    If needed, start with 1 teaspoon of water, and then mix again. Then add more water if needed. (Even if your figs are not dry but your machine is not too powerful, a little bit water helps it to process easily.)

Step 5

Roll the paste into 2 teaspoon big (15 gram) balls.   Alternatively, you can divide the dough equally into 15 pieces and roll each into a ball as this recipe makes 15 balls. Place them on a baking sheet that is covered with parchment paper.

Step 6

Melt chocolate over a bain-marie: Place the chopped chocolate into a heat proof bowl that sits over a pan of simmering water. Stir often. Remove the bowl from the heat when melted.Melt chocolate in the oven: You can melt the chocolate in the oven at 210°F (100°C). Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. You should check the oven often and stir when it starts to melt. If there are some pieces not melted, continue melting in the oven and stir again.

Step 7

Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip the balls one by one into the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off by gently tapping the fork or dipping tool on the side of the bowl. Place the balls on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet so the balls won't stick to the sheet when they cool.  You can sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.  If you like, before sprinkling the walnuts you can dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the chocolate covered balls. Then you can sprinkle walnuts on top. Let them cool in the fridge for 25-30 minutes.