Orange Chipotle Chocolate Truffles

prep time:: 15 min
total time:: 2 hr

Makes 24 truffles

Chocolate with Chile is a Central American aphrodisiac combination dating back further than recorded time. We’ve added orange to augment both the bite of bitter chocolate and the chile’s sweet sting.

ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon chipotle Chile powder
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped evenly
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon chipotle Chile powder

directions

1
Heat the cream sugar, butter, orange zest and 1 teaspoon of Chile powder to a boil over medium-high heat. Be careful not to boil over. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate, liqueur, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
2
Pour into an 8-inch baking pan, cover loosely, and refrigerate until firm.
3
Combine the cocoa, powdered sugar, and additional teaspoon of Chile powder in a shallow bowl. In batches, scoop out teaspoon or tablespoon-size portions of the truffle mixture; roll them into balls and coat them with the truffle mixture. Set the balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container with the cocoa mixture in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze.

Source: Kelly Young