Here is the test batch of pretzel bites. Just a test batch, and I would like to “temper” the chocolate, but I like the crunchy and salty and am leaning this way. So far I couldn’t get coconut cream for the truffles. I assume this is the can with the sugar for cocktails and not the “cream of coconut” brick I use for “peas and rice”. I know husband would prefer the truffles.
I guess this is “creamed coconut”
Yes, the canned coconut cream, as you would use in tropical drinks. It can usually be found with the mixers (tonic water, Bloody Mary mix, etc) Coco Lopez is what I used.
The pretzel looks delicious, BTW.
Thank you! It scratched my usual dipped pretzel itch, but has the potential to appeal to a different crowd.
I don’t think I’ve ever bought canned coconut cream, but I’m used to seeing it, and my go-to Lucky’s grocery store said they stopped carrying it! What’s up with that? SOMEONE must be buying it!
Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut milk or cream
I would love to figure out if I can use the unsweetened versions that I have.
I love this idea as long as alcohol is not an issue with anyone in the office.
Husband says the pretzel bites are going to pull out dentures. I WOULD be going for a less chewy caramel (lower final temp?) for the final product, and I LOVED the crunch and salt, but I’m about to try some truffles.
I’m using a mix of milk (about 1/3) and semi-sweet chocolates ( mostly 72 percent) from three or four sources, so I’m asking for trouble, and I want to triple a recipe that calls for 8 ounces of chocolate. I don’t have coconut cream nor liquor, and am trying. Sally’s Baking Addiction proportions. She says don’t double; make separate batches, so I will.
Any words of caution?
BTW, I am under no obligation to make this work; if it doesn’t, husband will be happy to make it to away.
If you use your unsweetened coconut milk or cream, you’ll need to compensate for the sugar in some way; my only other words of caution would be to take care melting the chocolate, and to chill the mixture well before rolling into truffles. If the mixture gets too cold, however, you will need to let it sit out a bit at room temperature before proceeding. Grease up your hands so the chocolate doesn’t stick as bad. Put on waxed or parchment paper. Have fun!!
Thank you!
I made three batches with 8 oz chocolate, 2/3 cup heavy cream, 1Tb butter, and 1 tsp vanilla. Plan is to let it cool at room temp before scooping balls (with my new scoop!),
“The classic formula is to use two parts chocolate to one part cream. Eight ounces of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate and ½ cup of cream will make about two-dozen truffles”
" Whisk the mixture vigorously until it’s thick and smooth, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl and incorporating all the cream and chocolate. If you have one, an immersion blender helps make sure the emulsion is stable.
“Chocolate with a cacao content of about 60% works best with this formula, though you try out other kinds of chocolate and tweak the proportions slightly. For chocolate with 70% cacao, I’ve had to increase the cream by about a tablespoon or two. I decreased the cream when using milk or white chocolate”
If the ganache shows signs of breaking at this point (if it looks curdled or oily), you can add a few drops of cream to help re-emulsify it. A well-emulsified ganache should look like chocolate pudding: thick, smooth, and glossy. Leave it in a cool spot to firm up for at least four hours, ideally overnight."
Those turned out so nicely!
Thank you! It was well received, but I need more savory, and more crunch or different textures.
Salted, chopped pistachios would be a fantastic topping
Very nice homemade assortment. I enjoy those small bites especially with nut toppings.
Thanks everyone! I took some to another party today and people REALLY like them. Who knew?!?
Looks good! Some of your pepper jelly in there?
Thank you, and yes!
And my garlic is up!
Oh, great about the garlic! I’m getting anxious for spring planting already. The primroses should be in the markets soon, if not now, for outdoors.
Anticipation!
I’ve got lenten roses, Sasanqua Camelia, sweet peas and sugar snaps growing, but I’ll put that in a different thread.
