CHOCOLATE ALMOND PINECONES

Chocolate Almond Pinecones image

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.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 6 pinecones.

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

1 tube (7 ounces) almond paste
4 ounces sliced almonds
1-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Steps:

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 447 calories, Fat 31g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 7mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein.