There are a lot of great things about being adventurous with chocolate, though the stacks of dishes generated as a result is not one of them. To keep myself inspired when I’ve managed to use nearly every measuring cup and spoon in my kitchen, I consider the great things. Great things like discovering unique but delicious additions to chocolate treats.
Like lime. Remember those thumbprint cookies? My grandmother even specifically requested some at Christmas. That’s how delicious they were. So when I saw that this month’s “We Should Cocoa” challenge, hosted by Chele, dared us to create a chocolate treat that involved lime, I knew what I needed to do.
Tropical truffles. Yes. Coconut and lime. And, obviously, chocolate.
Just for kicks, I also made them vegan. You may wonder how I did this. It’s simple, really. Read on.
Vegan Tropical Truffles
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (Scharffen Berger 70% cocoa bittersweet)
6 ounces unsweetened coconut flakes
Zest of four limes, divided
¾ cup white sugar
Begin by melting the chocolate over low heat; set aside. Run the coconut flakes through a food processor until smooth. According to my experience and Heather’s directions on how to use this trick that she pioneered, this takes about 15 minutes.
The great thing about this homemade coconut butter is that it serves two functions. The first, and most obvious, is that it gives the truffles a subtle coconut flavor. The second is that it serves as a cream replacement for these vegan treats.
To complete the ganache, add the melted chocolate to the coconut butter, pulse several times until the mixture is uniform. Add ¾ of the lime zest to the bowl, pulse a couple of times to incorporate. Chill the ganache, stirring frequently, until it is firm enough to hold shape; roll into ½ inch diameter balls.
Combine the sugar and the remaining lime zest. Roll each ganache ball in the sugar mixture until well-coated.
These beautiful, vegan treats are ready to enjoy immediately.
Thanks for the challenge, Chele. And I do believe that we should cocoa again next month.
Have you made vegan truffles? How did you replace the cream?
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