How about some hand-packaged, home-made truffles for your loved ones this Christmas? So easy, and yet such a lovely gift. Save yourself unnecessary stress by making a few jars to give all those people you have no idea what to get! Rich, delicious, and so much healthier than most other chocolately treats available to buy. Your friends, family and neighbours will be begging you to make them again next year!
For a child-friendly version, simply omit the brandy. Homemade truffles and chocolates using all-good ingredients are much better for them than the ones we tend to buy in tins and selection boxes (which are full of sugar, artificial ingredients and harmful fats).
In reasonable amounts, dark chocolate is actually good for you, especially if you can get a high-quality organic one with at least 70% cocoa. These you can easily make with 85%, as the figs and hazelnuts add sweetness and take away the bitterness of the chocolate.
Hazelnuts, like all nuts, are very good for you as well. They are high in monounsaturated fats, they give long-lasting energy and so you're less likely to snack on other unhealthy things, they are rich in fiber, folate, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, iron and zinc. They are also great for your brain, heart and skin.
What you will need: (Makes about 25)
50g whole or roasted chopped hazelnuts
50g ground hazelnuts
125g 70-85% cocoa dark chocolate
75g butter
125g figs
75g fine wholewheat flour
2 tblsp brandy
50g extra chocolate & 2 tsp ground cinnamon to coat
Method:
For the easiest option you can buy ready roasted and chopped hazelnuts. If, however, you are only able to get whole hazelnuts, just put them in a roasting tray and pop them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Rub off the skins, then chop them finely. I did them this way because I was in the mood to munch on a few straight out the oven as they're delicious!
Set aside.
Chop the figs as finely as you can and set aside.
In a small bowl, melt the chocolate over boiling water, and stir in the butter.
Add both the chopped and ground hazelnuts, figs, brandy and wholewheat flour to the bowl, and mix thoroughly with a spoon. Pop into the fridge to cool for 15-20 minutes.
Finely grate the extra chocolate, and mix with the cinnamon in a bowl
Roll the now-cooled truffle mixture into small balls and roll in the chocolate & cinnamon mixture until well coated. Place them into a suitable tub and store in a cool place or in the fridge. Best consumed at room temperature. Perfect with a glass of wine!
If you would like to give them as gifts, simply decorate jars however you like (I used snowflake stickers and tape).
If you enjoyed this post, please follow me for more seasonal healthy recipes and crafts throughout December!
Many thanks.
All ideas and photos in this post are my own original.
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