Pecan Chocolate Truffles /山核桃巧克力松露/ Trufa de Chocolate con Nueces

These decadent treats will satisfy those who are serious lovers of chocolate. They make a gorgeous festive presentation on your Christmas and New Year party table or serve with coffee after a festive feast.

Makes: 25 servings            Preparation Time: 3hrs 30 minutes (included soaking time)  Cooking Time:  No Cooking

Course: Dessert, Christmas Feast

Cuisine: International

Author: Healthy Asian Cuisine

Ingredients

• 50g/1/3 cup raw pecans
• 60g/1/3 cup pitted soft dates e.g Medjool
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 50g/1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 60g/1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 5cm/2inches piece vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon extract
• Strawberry powder or ground almond, for coating

Method

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients

1. Soak pecan nuts in hot water for 2-3 hours then drain.
2. Chop pitted soft dates, set aside.
3. Split and scrape the vanilla pod and set it aside in a small saucer.
4. Gather all other ingredients and set them aside.

Step 2: Mixing the Truffle Paste

1. Combine the soaked pecans and dates in a food processor and process them into a paste. Add the peanut butter and process to combine.  Add the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of water.  Pulse until well combined.  If the mixture is too dry, add another tablespoon of water then blend again.  If it’s too soft, add a little more cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon at a time.

Step 3: Making the Truffle

1. Before shaping the truffle, get ready the strawberry powder on a piece of parchment paper or a small flat plate.    Use your hands to shape and roll a small amount of the mixture into a 2.5cm/1 inch ball.  Roll the truffle ball in the strawberry powder or ground almond until it’s completely covered.
2. Transfer the coated truffles to a plate and refrigerate until firm before serving.

Notes: 1. If you couldn’t get soft dates, sock them in hot water for 20 minutes or so then drain and pat dry before blending.   2. Other coatings such as desiccated coconut or ground peanuts can be used too.

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