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Showing posts with label Pecan Butter Chocolate Truffles w/Sea Salt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pecan Butter Chocolate Truffles w/Sea Salt. Show all posts

Monday, May 14, 2018

Meatless Monday

It's time for another foray into Meatless Monday. Are you ready to try a few vegetarian recipes? (I hope so!) If so, here are six meatless recipes to help you through the day, including Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta and Pecan Butter Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt. Enjoy!

SWEET POTATOES ANNA WITH PRUNES

This comes from Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This layered sweet potato gratin comes out of the oven caramelized on the edges and glistening with butter. The potatoes in the center are soft, their layers embedded with prunes; the ones around the edges are so crisp and sweet from the port, they taste candied. Slice the potatoes thinly — use a mandoline if you have one — and check the potatoes after 35 minutes in the oven. By 40 minutes, ours were perfect.”

Yield: 6 to 10 servings; Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes.

This was featured in “Home Cooks Rethink Sweet Potatoes” and can be viewed online here.

Also helpful is “How to Cook Potatoes”, a guide from The New York Times food writer, Julia Moskin.

Note: I don’t keep alcohol around the house, so I plan to use either water or maybe fruit juice - possibly plum or prune juice?

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup port

10 pitted prunes

5 to 6 small sweet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Clarify the butter: In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter. Skim off any foam, then pour the clear liquid into a bowl, leaving behind the solids.

Heat the port to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the prunes, turn off the heat and let them soak until plumped, about 20 minutes. Drain and chop the prunes coarsely.

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Brush a layer of clarified butter onto your favorite 8- or 9-inch round baking dish or ovenproof frying pan.

Arrange a layer of potatoes, overlapping in circles, in the dish. Brush with the clarified butter and season with salt and pepper. Arrange another layer of potatoes and sprinkle with about half the prune pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Brush with clarified butter. Repeat with one more layer of potatoes and prunes, then end with a layer of potatoes. Remember to brush each layer with clarified butter and salt and pepper. You can do four layers of potatoes or six; it’s up to you. Pack the potatoes tightly by pressing down on them with your palms. If there’s a little butter left at the end, it’s no big deal.

Bake until crisp and tender, 35 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then flip the cake onto a serving plate and cut into wedges. If desired, finish with a dusting of sugar and a couple of minutes of broiling, for a brûlée top. It can also be made using apples and prunes, or just apples.

INDONESIAN TOFU AND VEGETABLE STEW

This recipe begins, “With a light coconut lime flavor, this recipe features green beans, bell peppers and zucchini. If you have other fresh veggies on hand, then you can add them as well.”

Yield: 8 servings.

Serving Size: 1 cup

Source: Patricia Chuey, RD

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1251

View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1251.shtml

Ingredients

1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger

Juice of one medium sized lime

1 1/2 Tbsp canola oil, divided

1 (12 oz) block of firm or extra firm tofu, diced into cubes

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 cup sodium-reduced vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup light coconut milk

2 cups green beans, cut in 2 inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro

Directions

In a bowl, marinate tofu with the ginger, lime juice and 1/2 Tbsp canola oil. Toss well to coat. This can be done about 30 minutes ahead of time and up to overnight in the refrigerator.

In a large saucepan, no lid required heat remaining 1 Tbsp canola oil. Add onion and cook for about 6 minutes or until softened and slightly browned. Add garlic, cumin, coriander and cloves and stir for 2 minutes.

To saucepan, add stock and coconut milk. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add green beans, bell pepper and zucchini and cook for about 10 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Add marinated tofu and cook an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro. Serve over steamed brown rice or quinoa, if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 290 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g

SPINACH MACARONI AND CHEESE

There are probably as many variations of mac and cheese as there are American cooks. This one is from Lori Mama on Food.com. On her Food.com page, Lori wrote, “It's all my father's fault I like to cook and I thank him for it. Ever since he taught me how to fry an egg, it's been a happy adventure ever since.” Works for me!

Of this recipe, Lori added, “Made for my husband.” Makes 4 servings; Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes.

To view this yumminess online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni pasta, cooked

1 cup chopped cooked spinach

2 cups hot milk

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons horseradish

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425.

In medium sized pot, over medium heat, melt butter.

Add the flour and cook for 3 minutes.

Pour in the hot milk and cook until thickened.

Add the spinach, cheese, seasonings, horseradish and mustard.

Mix well.

Combine with the cooked pasta.

Place in a greased cassarole dish.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until bubbling.

PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT

This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 12 muffins.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients (for the pecan butter)

2 cups pecans

10 Deglet dates, pitted

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Ingredients (for the coating)

2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.

Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.

To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.

Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.

TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA PASTA

This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 45. Makes 4 to 6 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.

Ingredients

1 lb. pasta, such as rigatoni

5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

5-6 small tomatoes, chopped

8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Freshly ground black pepper

Grated Pecorino cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine oil, garlic, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and parsley, and gently toss. Drain pasta, add to bowl, and toss to coat, adding more oil if necessary. Season with pepper to taste, and top with cheese. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 4): 789; Protein: 26 g; Carbs: 88 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 12 g; Sodium: 157 mg

FROZEN BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST BARS

This comes from Tablespoon.com, and begins, “Get your yogurt and granola in a frozen bar that you can ‘grab and go’ for breakfast or for a snack any time of day.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Servings: 10

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm® organic oats & honey granola

1/4 cup butter, melted

3 containers (5.3 oz each) *Yoplait® Greek blueberry yogurt

1/4 cup fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons Cascadian Farm® organic oats & honey granola, coarsely crushed

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups granola and the melted butter. Firmly press in bottom of ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on cooling rack. Freeze about 5 minutes or until cold.

Spoon yogurt over crust; gently spread to cover. Sprinkle with blueberries and crushed granola. Freeze about 3 hours or until firm.

Remove from freezer 10 minutes before cutting. To make bars, cut into 5 rows by 2 rows. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Store in freezer.

*Yoplait is a registered trademark of YOPLAIT MARQUES (France) used under license.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are today's six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Peanut Butter Balls and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!

HIGH-ALTITUTDE BISON MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE

This dinner recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 80, and begins, “In a rush? Simply sauté meatball ingredients minus the almond meal and egg.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 4 servings.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1 cup finely minced kale (about 4 leaves), stems discarded (a food processor works great for this)

1/4 cup almond meal or almond flour or fine bread crumbs

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 lb. ground bison or ground beef (preferably not lean)

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Prepared marinara sauce

12 oz. dried spaghetti (gluten-free if sensitive)

8 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together the egg, Parmesan, kale, almond meal, garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the bison (or beef) and use your hands to combine the meat. Form the mixture into 12 2-inch meatballs, rolling each meatball firmly in your hands.

In a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer without crowding them, and cook, turning the meatballs so they brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as you go. If using ground beef, pour out all but 1 to 2 Tbsp. of the fat prior to adding the sauce.

Add marinara sauce to meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 30 to 45 minutes. Cover and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 pasta bowls and arrange the meatballs on top, along with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Makes 4 servings.

PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT

This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 12 muffins.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients (for the pecan butter)

2 cups pecans

10 Deglet dates, pitted



1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Ingredients (for the coating)

2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.

Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.

To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.

Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.

SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE

This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose baking mix

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F.

Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.

Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

This is from Gale Gand on The Food Network show Sweet Dreams. If I wasn’t getting hungry just thinking of the show’s name, reading this recipe will do it.

Total Time: 1 hr 3 min; Prep: 1 hr; Cook: 3 min; Yield: 32 balls

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peanut-butter-balls-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

18 ounces peanut butter, recipe follows

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar

1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

12 ounces milk chocolate, melted

Peanut Butter:

3 cups peanuts, shelled, unsalted and dry roasted

Peanut oil, if necessary

Directions

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and butter. Mash together until combined. Form the mixture into balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and set inside mini paper cupcake forms. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Peanut Butter:

Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the peanuts until smooth. With the motor of the food processor running, add peanut oil if necessary, and puree until the peanuts are the consistency of peanut butter.

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

Servings: 12

Source: The Diabetic Newsletter

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/32.shtml

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal

3/4 teaspoon salt substitute

1 cup flour

1 medium egg, slightly beaten

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup skim milk

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together.

Add egg and milk, mix well.

Pour into 12x8-inch pan which has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable spray.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Cut into 12 squares.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 81; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread

ENGAGEMENT ROAST CHICKEN

This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 5 min; Yield: 3 servings; Level: Intermediate.

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/engagement-roast-chicken-recipe.

Ingredients

1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 lemons

1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise

Good olive oil

2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.

Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Friday Recipes

It's Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. And if you're in an area that follows Daylight saving time, it's that time of spring again when we'll move the clocks forward. (Remember the old ditty of "spring forward, fall back".)

There was one newscaster in the Tampa Bay area of Florida who would get up at 2:00 a.m. during the time change - both spring and fall - to set his clocks to the appropriate time. He has since retired, but he was beloved by coworkers and viewers to the point that his coworkers are known to mention him during the days leading up to each time change.

Anyway, here are today's six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Peanut Butter Balls and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!

HIGH-ALTITUTDE BISON MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE

This dinner recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 80, and begins, “In a rush? Simply sauté meatball ingredients minus the almond meal and egg.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 4 servings.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1 cup finely minced kale (about 4 leaves), stems discarded (a food processor works great for this)

1/4 cup almond meal or almond flour or fine bread crumbs

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 lb. ground bison or ground beef (preferably not lean)

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Prepared marinara sauce

12 oz. dried spaghetti (gluten-free if sensitive)

8 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together the egg, Parmesan, kale, almond meal, garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the bison (or beef) and use your hands to combine the meat. Form the mixture into 12 2-inch meatballs, rolling each meatball firmly in your hands.

In a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer without crowding them, and cook, turning the meatballs so they brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as you go. If using ground beef, pour out all but 1 to 2 Tbsp. of the fat prior to adding the sauce.

Add marinara sauce to meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 30 to 45 minutes. Cover and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 pasta bowls and arrange the meatballs on top, along with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Makes 4 servings.

PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT

This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 12 muffins.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients (for the pecan butter)

2 cups pecans

10 Deglet dates, pitted



1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Ingredients (for the coating)

2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.

Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.

To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.

Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.

SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE

This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose baking mix

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F.

Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.

Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

This is from Gale Gand on The Food Network show Sweet Dreams. If I wasn’t getting hungry just thinking of the show’s name, reading this recipe will do it.

Total Time: 1 hr 3 min; Prep: 1 hr; Cook: 3 min; Yield: 32 balls

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peanut-butter-balls-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

18 ounces peanut butter, recipe follows

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar

1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

12 ounces milk chocolate, melted

Peanut Butter:

3 cups peanuts, shelled, unsalted and dry roasted

Peanut oil, if necessary

Directions

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and butter. Mash together until combined. Form the mixture into balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and set inside mini paper cupcake forms. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Peanut Butter:

Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the peanuts until smooth. With the motor of the food processor running, add peanut oil if necessary, and puree until the peanuts are the consistency of peanut butter.

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

Servings: 12

Source: The Diabetic Newsletter

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/32.shtml

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal

3/4 teaspoon salt substitute

1 cup flour

1 medium egg, slightly beaten

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup skim milk

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together.

Add egg and milk, mix well.

Pour into 12x8-inch pan which has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable spray.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Cut into 12 squares.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 81; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread

ENGAGEMENT ROAST CHICKEN

This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 5 min; Yield: 3 servings; Level: Intermediate.

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/engagement-roast-chicken-recipe.

Ingredients

1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 lemons

1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise

Good olive oil

2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.

Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Friday Recipes

Finally, it's Friday. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Peanut Butter Balls and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!

HIGH-ALTITUTDE BISON MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE

This dinner recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 80, and begins, “In a rush? Simply sauté meatball ingredients minus the almond meal and egg.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 4 servings.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1 cup finely minced kale (about 4 leaves), stems discarded (a food processor works great for this)

1/4 cup almond meal or almond flour or fine bread crumbs

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 lb. ground bison or ground beef (preferably not lean)

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Prepared marinara sauce

12 oz. dried spaghetti (gluten-free if sensitive)

8 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together the egg, Parmesan, kale, almond meal, garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the bison (or beef) and use your hands to combine the meat. Form the mixture into 12 2-inch meatballs, rolling each meatball firmly in your hands.

In a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer without crowding them, and cook, turning the meatballs so they brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as you go. If using ground beef, pour out all but 1 to 2 Tbsp. of the fat prior to adding the sauce.

Add marinara sauce to meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 30 to 45 minutes. Cover and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 pasta bowls and arrange the meatballs on top, along with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Makes 4 servings.

PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT

This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 12 muffins.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients (for the pecan butter)

2 cups pecans

10 Deglet dates, pitted

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Ingredients (for the coating)

2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.

Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.

To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.

Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.

SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE

This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose baking mix

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F.

Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.

Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

This is from Gale Gand on The Food Network show Sweet Dreams. If I wasn’t getting hungry just thinking of the show’s name, reading this recipe will do it.

Total Time: 1 hr 3 min; Prep: 1 hr; Cook: 3 min; Yield: 32 balls

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peanut-butter-balls-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

18 ounces peanut butter, recipe follows

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar

1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

12 ounces milk chocolate, melted

Peanut Butter:

3 cups peanuts, shelled, unsalted and dry roasted

Peanut oil, if necessary

Directions

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and butter. Mash together until combined. Form the mixture into balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and set inside mini paper cupcake forms. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Peanut Butter:

Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the peanuts until smooth. With the motor of the food processor running, add peanut oil if necessary, and puree until the peanuts are the consistency of peanut butter.

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

Servings: 12

Source: The Diabetic Newsletter

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/32.shtml

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal

3/4 teaspoon salt substitute

1 cup flour

1 medium egg, slightly beaten

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup skim milk

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together.

Add egg and milk, mix well.

Pour into 12x8-inch pan which has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable spray.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Cut into 12 squares.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 81; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread

ENGAGEMENT ROAST CHICKEN

This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 5 min; Yield: 3 servings; Level: Intermediate.

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/engagement-roast-chicken-recipe.

Ingredients

1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 lemons

1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise

Good olive oil

2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.

Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Friday Recipes

Finally, it's Friday! Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including two different recipes for Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Enjoy!

MARCELLA HAZAN’S TOMATO SAUCE

This is also from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This is perhaps the most famous recipe created by Marcella Hazan, the cookbook author who changed how Americans cook Italian food. It also may be her easiest. Use your favorite canned tomatoes for this and don’t be scared off by the butter. It gives the sauce an unparalleled velvety richness.” Time: 1 hour.

To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015178-marcella-hazans-tomato-sauce.

Ingredients

2 cups tomatoes, in addition to their juices (for example, a 28-ounce can of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes)

5 tablespoons butter

1 onion, peeled and cut in half

Salt

Preparation

Combine the tomatoes, their juices, the butter and the onion halves in a saucepan. Add a pinch or two of salt.

Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing any large pieces of tomato with a spoon. Add salt as needed.

Discard the onion before tossing the sauce with pasta. This recipe makes enough sauce for a pound of pasta.

MARCELLA HAZAN’S BOLOGNESE SAUCE

This also comes from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “After the death in 2013 of Marcella Hazan, the cookbook author who changed the way Americans cook Italian food, The Times asked readers which of her recipes had become staples in their kitchens. Many people answered with one word: 'Bolognese.' So here it is: Ms. Hazan's classic, go-to Bolognese sauce, which one reader called 'the gold standard.' Try it and see for yourself.” Time: at least 4 hours; makes 2 heaping cups, for about 6 servings and 1 1/2 pounds pasta.

To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015181-marcella-hazans-bolognese-sauce.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 tablespoons butter plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the pasta

1/2 cup chopped onion

2/3 cup chopped celery

2/3 cup chopped carrot

3/4 pound ground beef chuck (or you can use 1 part pork to 2 parts beef)

Salt

Black pepper, ground fresh from the mill

1 cup whole milk

Whole nutmeg

1 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 cups canned imported Italian plum tomatoes, cut up, with their juice

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds pasta

Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese at the table

Preparation

Put the oil, butter and chopped onion in the pot and turn the heat on to medium. Cook and stir the onion until it has become translucent, then add the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring vegetables to coat them well.

Add ground beef, a large pinch of salt and a few grindings of pepper. Crumble the meat with a fork, stir well and cook until the beef has lost its raw, red color.

Add milk and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it has bubbled away completely. Add a tiny grating -- about 1/8 teaspoon -- of nutmeg, and stir.

Add the wine, let it simmer until it has evaporated, then add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients well. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, turn the heat down so that the sauce cooks at the laziest of simmers, with just an intermittent bubble breaking through to the surface. Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours or more, stirring from time to time. While the sauce is cooking, you are likely to find that it begins to dry out and the fat separates from the meat. To keep it from sticking, add 1/2 cup of water whenever necessary. At the end, however, no water at all must be left and the fat must separate from the sauce. Taste and correct for salt.

Toss with cooked drained pasta, adding the tablespoon of butter, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan on the side.

APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS

Servings: 12

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/170.shtml

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=170

Ingredients

1-1/4 cup oat bran cereal; uncooked

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup apple, peeled, cored, diced

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.

Coat 12 medium-size cups with vegetables oil or line with paper baking cups.

In a medium bowl combine oat bran cereal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt.

In large bowl combine applesauce, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in apple.

Fill prepared muffin cup almost full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1 Fat; 1/2 Fruit

APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS

Years ago, there was a show on (I think) The Food Network called Breaking Bread with Father Dominic. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. YIELD: 24 rolls

Dough

5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter or margarine

3 large eggs

Apple Filling

2 large cooking apples, chopped

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, & salt. Heat water, milk, & butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add eggs & 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into 12 x 8-inch rectangle. Spread Apple Filling evenly over dough. Beginning at long end of each, roll up tightly as for jelly roll. Pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 equal pieces. Place, cut sides up, in greased 9-inch round pans. Cover, let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar Topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pans; serve warm.

Apple Filling: Combine chopped apples, flour, sugar, & butter in medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cook 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low; cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly until thick. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Cool completely.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until well-blended.

SLOW-COOKER CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN

This comes from tbsp.com and begins, “Simple, easy, and kid-friendly, and easy on the wallet, this slow-cooker chicken recipe is easy to customize with your favorite flavors and add-ins. Reduced-fat ingredient substitutions work well, too.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 0 minutes; Makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup

1 can (10.75 oz.) chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

6 cups hot cooked rice or egg noodles

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and place in bottom of slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine soup and broth and mix well. Add garlic powder and pour mixture over chicken. Cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.

Fifteen minutes before end of cook time, remove chicken from the slow cooker. Break softened cream cheese into chunks and add to slow cooker, whisking until the sauce is smooth.

Shred chicken if desired and return to slow cooker. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chicken over hot rice or egg noodles and top with sauce.

PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT

This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”

This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.

Makes 12 muffins.

This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.

Ingredients (for the pecan butter)

2 cups pecans

10 Deglet dates, pitted

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Ingredients (for the coating)

2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.

Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.

To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.

Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.