Introduction

The Sweet Grazing Wreath is a delightful and festive treat perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or special occasions. With a rich chocolate salami centerpiece surrounded by colorful chocolate jazzies, coins, and fresh figs, this wreath combines crunchy, creamy, and fruity flavors in a stunning presentation.

Sweet Grazing Wreath Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

100g biscuits (speculoos and digestives recommended)
50g pretzels
200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
50g unsalted butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
2 tbsp icing sugar
100g white chocolate
1 tsp hundreds and thousands
Chocolate coins (ruby chocolate recommended)
Pink or gold lustre (optional)
Large figs, quartered
Bay leaves
Finger wafers
Pink sugar mice
Chocolate cigarellos

Instructions

Step 1: Place the biscuits and pretzels in a food processor and blitz to coarse crumbs, or put them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin until coarsely broken.
Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate, butter, golden syrup, and a small pinch of salt. Melt gently in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.
Step 3: Stir the biscuit and pretzel crumbs into the melted chocolate mixture until evenly combined.
Step 4: Spread the mixture onto a sheet of baking parchment and roll it into a log about 6cm in diameter, using the parchment to help shape it. Twist the ends of the parchment around the log to hold its shape and tuck the ends underneath.
Step 5: Chill the log for at least 3 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 6: Remove the chilled log from the parchment and dust it with icing sugar. Use a pastry brush to remove any excess sugar. Dip a sharp knife into boiling water, dry it, and slice the log into 2cm-thick pieces.
Step 7: To make the jazzies, melt the white chocolate following the same method as for the dark chocolate.
Step 8: Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment and spoon small, round blobs of the melted white chocolate (around 40) onto it. Sprinkle the hundreds and thousands over them and chill for at least 30 minutes until set.
Step 9: Unwrap the chocolate coins and, if desired, use a small paintbrush to coat them with pink or gold lustre for added shine.
Step 10: On a round serving platter, arrange the chocolate salami slices, jazzies, chocolate coins, quartered figs, bay leaves, finger wafers, pink sugar mice, and chocolate cigarellos into a circular wreath shape.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and salty biscuits or pretzels to balance flavors.
For a nutty twist, add chopped toasted nuts to the chocolate salami mixture before setting.
Substitute golden syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
Try using different colored sprinkles or edible glitter on the white chocolate jazzies for a festive touch.
Ensure the knife is hot and dry when slicing the chocolate salami for clean cuts.

Storage

Store the Sweet Grazing Wreath in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors. Leftover slices can be wrapped tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and frozen for up to one month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chocolate salami ahead of time?

Yes, the chocolate salami can be made a day or two in advance and kept chilled until serving, which helps the flavors develop and makes slicing easier.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can place the biscuits and pretzels in a strong resealable bag and crush them using a rolling pin or mallet until they reach coarse crumbs.