Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Mother's Day is right around the corner, so I asked my mom what she would like for dessert.  All she told me was that she wanted something small, so I hit my Pinterest board to see what I could come up with.  I found the perfect recipe - chocolate coconut truffles.  Small pieces of dessert made with her favorite flavors.  Perfect!

Ever since I moved home after college, my mom and I have become quite close.  I think very few people can actually say that they are friends with their mom, but I believe I can.  I think it's something that comes with age; as you become older you begin to see things through your parents' eyes and have an easier time relating to them.  Over the past 2 1/2 years, my mom has always been there to help me through my quarter life crisis, so I was very happy to find the perfect dessert for her.

These truffles are incredibly easy to make - the hardest part is melting the chocolate!  I'm going to give you a way to make this whole process even easier: instead of opening up the can of condensed milk with a can opener, puncture two holes in the lid on opposite sides of each other.  Then, pour your condensed milk into your measuring cup!  It makes for a much easier and not so messy way to measure out your condensed milk.  Mix all of the contents together until you get this goopy filling.  Don't worry, we're going to put this in the freezer, so the filling won't fall apart.  But when you're balling the filling, make sure to rinse your hands off regularly.  Your hands will become sticky from the condensed milk and it's much easier to roll the filling if your hands are clean.  See?  This recipe is getting easier by the second.

When you're dipping the filling into the melted chocolate, I would suggest keeping the chocolate over very low heat (or putting it back into the microwave every once in a while).  You'll notice that as the chocolate cools, it doesn't become as smooth anymore, and you won't get that nice round shell on your truffle.  Also, if the coconut filling becomes sticky, stick it back in the freezer for about 5 minutes.

Even though the filling is made with sweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and confectioner's sugar, the filling isn't too sweet at all.  I was extremely hesitant about eating straight sweetened condensed milk, but it acts as a creamy binder for those flakes of coconut.  To be honest, it tastes exactly like a Mounds bar.  This recipe is incredibly easy to make and I highly recommend it for that person in your life that loves coconut.  Happy (belated) Mother's Day Mom!

Also, this recipe was featured on Topsy Turvy Tuesdays!  Thanks so much Ashlee!

Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Yield:  about 2 dozen

Prep Time: 10 min + 25 min freezing time

Ingredients

-     3 c sweetened, shredded coconut (about 7 oz)

-     ½ c confectioner’s sugar

-     1 c sweetened condensed milk

-     1 (12 oz) bag milk chocolate chips (about 2 c)

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the coconut, confectioner’s sugar, and condensed milk and mix until the contents stick together.  Roll small pieces of the filling between your palms and place on the baking sheet.  Freeze for 15 minutes, then remove from freezer and roll between your palms again to smooth out any rough edges.  Place in the freezer for an additional 10 – 15 min.

While the filling is in the freezer for a second time, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or a microwave safe bowl.  Once melted, remove the filling from freezer and dip the balls into the chocolate, using a fork.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Adapted from How Sweet Eats

Posted by Ali B at 10:08 AM