Saturday, September 23, 2006

Chocolate Chile Truffles

by Carol Slinker

Both dark chocolate and spices provide health benefits. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, chiles boost metabolism and they both provide vital antioxidants, if taken in moderation, of course.

This addictive chocolate creation contains few ingredients - butter, cream cheese, sugar, and a kiss of brandy - but they all combine to create a sublime texture which highlights the pure flavor of the ancho & chipotle chile powders. A great modern dessert.

The ingredients are simple, although you may have to go to a specialty market for the ancho or Chipotle chile powders.

Start with

16 ozs of dark chocolate, broken or chopped
1 cup suger
16 ozs cream cheese
1 cup cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons brandy
¼ teaspoon ancho chile powder
¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder

You'll need a double boiler, a bowl and a parchment lined cookie sheet.

First, in the bowl, soften the cream cheese with a large spoon until the water boils.

Melt the broken chocolate over the double boiler and add the sugar when the chocolate is almost melted. When the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and add the softened cream cheese to the chocolate-sugar mixture. Then add the remaining ingredients.

Mix into a soft dough and break off a small amount at a time to form into the truffles, about 1 teaspoon or ½ oz each. Place the truffles on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
The list of toppings for these truffles is endless, as for most truffles, but a dusting of Chipotle chile powder, paprika or even shredded coconut makes for a truly new and exciting flavor blend.

Of course, for some, there must be nuts!
Go crazy with chopped pistachios, chopped almonds or walnuts.

This recipe makes about 95 ½ oz truffles. Refrigerate completed truffles for at least an hour before serving.

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