Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Fruit and Nut Mixture

   Place the 170g dried pitted blue plums and 170g walnuts into a food chopper. Process the mixture in two batches until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Ensure it's not over-processed into a smooth puree, as a slightly coarser consistency enhances the taste of the bonbons.

2. 2.Form the Bonbons

   Take small portions of the plum and walnut mixture and roll them between your palms to form round balls, approximately the size of a small walnut. Place the formed bonbons on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.

3. 3.Melt the Dark Chocolate

   Place 100g of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler) ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate continuously until it is completely melted and smooth.

4. 4.Coat the Bonbons in Chocolate

   Using two toothpicks, carefully dip each bonbon into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently tap the bonbon against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Transfer the coated bonbon back to the silicone mat.

5. 5.Decorate with Edible Gold Dust

   While the chocolate coating is still wet, lightly sprinkle edible gold dust over the coated bonbons using a small sieve and a spoon. This step is optional but adds a festive and elegant touch.

6. 6.Drizzle with Remaining Chocolate

   Transfer any remaining melted chocolate into a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle thin lines of chocolate over the bonbons to create additional decorative patterns.

7. 7.Chill to Set

   Place the decorated bonbons in the refrigerator for approximately 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has completely hardened. Once set, they will easily detach from the silicone mat.

8. 8.Serve and Store

   Once the chocolate is firm, carefully place each bonbon into small paper cups. Arrange them in a decorative box for serving or gifting. Store any remaining bonbons in an airtight container in the refrigerator.