Recipes

Candy Cane Truffles Be the first to rate & comment Print This Save This Not Registered?Sign up to enjoy enhanced features like these. December 2, 2008 Life sure is sweet. Keep things yummy and fuss-free all season long with this delicious winter holiday dessert. Whip up this easy recipe for entertaining, homemade gifts or last-minute guests. And with a dessert this simple and scrumptious, you just might be tempted to keep a batch for yourself - don't worry, your secret's safe. Get in the spirit with this oh-so-easy chocolate truffle dessert dusted in festive cocoa and crushed candy canes. Servings: 36 Prep time: 30 minutes Chill time: 4 ½ hours INGREDIENTS 8 ounces chocolate chips ½ cup heavy cream 2 teaspoons peppermint extract ½ cup cocoa powder for dusting ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermints INSTRUCTIONS 1.Place the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl. 2.In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup, combine the peppermint extract and heavy cream, then heat in your microwave on full power for 1 minute. 3.Pour the hot peppermint-cream mixture over the chocolate chips, then whisk (don’t beat) until smooth and well blended. Cover the mixture and refrigerate until firm, at least three hours. 4.Line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Using a teaspoon, drop small, rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. 5.Place your baking sheet in the freezer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rounds are firm. Remove your sheet from the freezer and quickly roll each spoonful into a ball with clean hands. 6.Place the cocoa powder in a small dish. Gently roll each chocolate ball in the dish to coat it with cocoa powder. 7.Chill the chocolate pieces in the freezer until firm. 8.Next, place the crushed candy canes or mints in a small dish. Remove the chocolate balls from the freezer and roll each in the crushed candy canes. 9.Chill the truffles again until firm and repeat candy cane coating for a second time. 10.Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving. Place the truffles in paper candy cups and serve. Tip: Stored in an airtight container, your truffles will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or an entire month in the freezer. Be sure to let truffles stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving. Presentation Tip: Add dimension and whimsy to your dessert presentation with stackable cake stands and footed trays. Try mixing and matching assorted sizes, styles and colors for a funky, stylish effect. Get eclectic by browsing local flea markets and vintage shops for one-of-a-kind pieces. If you’re giving treats to family, friends or neighbors, pump up the charm and place them in a gift-wrapped box or bag. Whatever the occasion, add sweet charm to the winter holiday with this unique dessert that is sure to please and impress.