Sweet snacks are often the downfall of those trying to curb their sugar intake, with tempting treats lining supermarket shelves. But opting for snacks made from whole ingredients, as recommended by the NHS, is a healthier choice than ultra-processed options, even if they contain some sugar. Baking extraordinaire Mary Berry has a delicious recipe for a satisfying sweet snack, and it only requires two simple ingredients: fruit and dark chocolate.
In her recipe for lemon Madeira cake, Mary suggests topping it with just three strips of lemon peel. She then recommends using any leftover candied peel as a delicious treat by dipping it in dark chocolate. This delightful snack is perfect for grazing and can be made in the form of candied fruit slices if you have more than leftover peel in your kitchen.
To make candied fruit slices, you’ll need two fresh lemons (or oranges), two cups of granulated sugar, and one and a half cups of water. Start by making a simple syrup by combining the lemon and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar granules dissolve into a slightly thick liquid. Stir over medium heat on the hob and bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring it’s lightly bubbling but not boiling to prevent the sugar from burning.
Slice the fruit into very thin slices, around one-eighth of an inch thick. Arrange them in a single layer in the pan of sugar water and simmer for another 15 minutes until the rinds soften and become slightly translucent. Carefully remove the slices from the pan, allowing the excess syrup to drip off.
Cover a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the fruit slices in a single layer at room temperature. Leave them to dry until they are dry but still slightly tacky to the touch. You can then dip them in granulated sugar or, following Mary’s suggestion, coat them in melted dark chocolate.
To melt the chocolate, break up some 70 percent dark chocolate (or stronger if you prefer) and melt it in a bowl in the microwave at 10-second intervals, being careful not to burn it. Dip the fruit slices in the melted chocolate and place them on the baking tray. Refrigerate or freeze them for up to an hour to cool. Enjoy these candied fruit slices on their own or as a topping for a delicious sweet dessert.
