Last week I had the privilege of giving a brief presentation to our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in Springfield, MO. I shared two recipes with them, one healthy and one definitely not healthy. I was a little nervous because I have never tried doing a cooking demonstration AND talking at the same time, but everyone was very nice and made me feel very comfortable!
The first recipe I shared was this one for my No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites (chocolate version). I actually made this one in front of the group with a little help from two lovely assistants. They were passed around so everyone could try them and the general consensus was “yum!”. Everyone seemed to love the fact that these were healthy, easy to make and tasted delicious (I describe them as tasting just like a no-bake cookie!). I was sooo relieved that everyone liked them!
The second goodie I shared were my Cappuccino Truffles. There are a few candy recipes that I have made many times in the past and NEVER shared and this was one o them. When I find recipes that people rave over and are willing to pay me to make, it’s hard for me to let go of them, but it was time! I had these done ahead of time and did a few with coffee bean decor and some with gold luster dust. It was so fun to pass these out and watch while people tasted them…the look of sheer pleasure on their faces was priceless. Yep, they’re good.
I make mine with bittersweet chocolate ganache that has a hint of cinnamon and coffee and has been enrobed in a yummy white chocolate. They are absolutely divine. If you are looking at candy recipes for this holiday season and just don’t know which one to choose (there are MANY out there) I would highly encourage you to make this one! They will be gone in seconds wherever you take them.
Needless to say, I had a fantastic time with the MOPS group of girls. They were so fun and had lots of questions which I actually really enjoyed answering! I’m definitely thinking I might be ready for my own cooking show….
Enjoy!
- 1 lb. Bittersweet or Dark Chocolate, finely chopped (I prefer Ghirardelli 60% Bittersweet Bars)
- 1½ c. Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 T. Instant Coffee Granules (or espresso powder)
- ½ t. Ground Cinnamon
- 1.25 lbs White Chocolate Candy Coating
- 60 Coffee Beans, for decoration
- Place the bittersweet/dark chocolate in a large bowl. Place the instant coffee in a small bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy whipping cream to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir 3 tablespoons into the instant coffee, to dissolve the granules, then blend this mixture back into the rest of the cream. Stir in the cinnamon, then pour the cream into the bowl with the bittersweet chocolate. Let the mixture stand for one minute, then stir together until thoroughly blended and smooth. Let cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until thick but not stiff, about 2 hours.
- Line a large cookie sheet with foil. With a melon baler, scoop out about 1” balls onto the foil-lined pan. Place in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove from freezer and roll into balls with the palm of your hands. Place back in the refrigerator while you melt the white chocolate.*
- Melt the white chocolate candy coating in the microwave at 20 second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. Dip each truffle in the white chocolate and place on foil. Top immediately with a coffee bean.
