Homemade candy is one of my all-time favorite things to make. I started making my own candy at home about 5 or 6 years ago and have loved it ever since. In the beginning, I even took a couple of classes through a local college in town, which was a lot of fun and I definitely managed to pick up some good tips that I still use to this day. Part of what I love about making candy (and even baking) is that there really is a science behind it…ingredients have to be weighed and measured properly, mixing of ingredients has to occur in a certain pattern and temperatures have to be just right to get the kind of candy you want, whether soft, chewy, hard, etc.
It all sounds kind of intimidating at first but all it takes is a little reading and testing out a few recipes and before you know it you’ll be making your own homemade caramel, marshmallows, peanut brittle or whatever candy you crave and impressing everyone you know!
So today I’m sharing a very simple recipe for Almond Joy Truffles. This was one of the first things I made in my candy making class years ago and I still love it. These little coconut bites taste just like the candy bar you can get in your local grocery store…only without all the extra junk they tend to put in. I put toasted almond slivers on top of mine but if you’re not a nut fan, sprinkle them with toasted coconut or drizzle with white chocolate. Very pretty and tasty. Enjoy!
- 2½ c. Dessicated (Unsweetened) Coconut
- ¾ c. Light Corn Syrup
- 1 lb. Good Quality Milk or Dark Chocolate Coating
- Slivered Almonds, toasted (or toasted coconut, white chocolate, etc)
- Place coconut in a medium bowl. Bring the corn syrup to a boil over high heat. Pour the corn syrup over the coconut and gently mix to coat. Let this sit for at least one hour.
- Melt chocolate in a bowl in the microwave at 20 second intervals, stirring between each time until completely smooth and melted. Roll the coconut into small balls and dip in the chocolate. Top immediately with one almond sliver (or whatever you are using) and let dry completely on foil.