Dark Chocolate Christmas Balls - Recipe

Here's a simple and delicious no-bake recipe for Dark Chocolate Christmas Balls. They are perfect for the festive season and are a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups dark chocolate chips (or finely chopped dark chocolate)

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

- Optional mix-ins: crushed nuts, dried fruits, or coconut flakes

- For coating: cocoa powder, powdered sugar, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chocolate Mixture:

- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter.

- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 1-2 minutes in total.

- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If using any mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits, fold them into the mixture now.

2. Chill:

- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.

3. Shape Balls:

- Once chilled, use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to form small balls from the mixture. Roll them between your palms to make them round.

4. Coat:

- Roll each ball in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut for a festive look. You can also mix and match coatings for variety.

5. Final Chill:

- Place the coated chocolate balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to an hour, to set.

6. Serve or Gift:

- Enjoy your no-bake dark chocolate balls as a delightful Christmas treat. They also make great gifts when placed in decorative boxes or jars.

Tips:

- For a richer flavour, you can add a splash of liqueur like rum, brandy, or orange liqueur to the chocolate mixture.

- Keep the chocolate balls chilled until ready to serve, as they can soften at room temperature.

- Customize the balls with various coatings and mix-ins to suit your taste preferences.

Enjoy your homemade dark chocolate Christmas balls! They're sure to add a sweet touch to your holiday celebrations.

On Remembrance Day in Canada, we pause to pay tribute to our veterans, the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country with honour and selflessness. Their sacrifices and commitment in defending our freedoms and values have shaped the nation and our place in the world.

We remember those who fought, those who fell, and those who returned home forever changed. We honour their courage, their dedication, and their unwavering sense of duty. Each poppy worn, each moment of silence observed, and each story shared is a testament to their legacy - a legacy of resilience, bravery, and a profound love for Canada.

We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. On this day, let us renew our commitment to support them and their families. Let us ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their stories continue to be told. They have given us the greatest gift—peace and freedom—and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Lest we forget.