Hallowe'en Treats for the Grown-Ups

We've all done it - we've all raided our kids' candy stashes after they've gone trick-or-treating for Hallowe'en. We'd hang our heads in shame, but we're actually performing a mitzvah ("good deed") by saving our precious children's teeth from extra sugar and premature rotting. Be proud of your efforts! You've done well!

But, quite frankly, you can do better ... better than the sickly sweet mass-produced candies that are handed out, that is. (Don't even get me started on the party poopers who nobly give those little mini boxes of raisins; that is not an option!)

I'm here to tell you that you don't have to steal from your kids, because you can have luscious chocolates of your very own. And the kids can't have any of these, because of the alcohol used for flavoring. They're all yours!

While traditional chocolate truffles are rolled in cocoa powder, the confectioners' sugar gives these a bit of a ghostly aura. A few Hallowe'en-themed sprinkles tossed into the coating just makes the candies a bit more fun.

Hallowe'en is a festival of sugar and frivolity. There's no reason adults can't celebrate along with their children, but with a treat that's a bit more sophisticated than what the kiddies will be hauling home from their rounds.

And after the chaos of getting the kids' costumes ready, schlepping them around the neighborhood, and then trying to get them to bed despite the sugar high, don't you deserve a reward when it's all over???

More Hallowe'en Ideas:

Jack-o'-Lantern Pizza
Hallowe'en Dipped Marshmallows
Sweet 'n' Salty Caramel Corn Mix
Jack-o'-Lantern Cheeseburgers


Chocolate Truffles

(With many, many thanks to my friend Doris, who's recently moved to California but who left me with some priceless food-related gifts - including the cherry cordial - to remember her by whenever I cook with the lovely items ....)

1 cup chocolate chips
3 tablespoons whipping cream
2 tablespoons cherry cordial (or other flavoring)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon seasonal sprinkles
12 paper candy cups, optional

Melt the chocolate, whipping cream, cordial and butter together in a small saucepan; whisk until smooth. Pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap against the chocolate; chill until firm, 2 hours.

Combine the confectioners' sugar and the sprinkles in a small bowl. Using a 1" scoop, scoop balls of chocolate. Roll each ball into the confectioners' sugar mix until lightly coated, then place into paper candy cups. Refrigerate, then let the truffles sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to take the chill off before serving.

Makes 12 truffles.

Note: The cherry cordial is a lovely complement to the chocolate, but you could also use Kahlua or rum or even non-alcoholic options like coffee or the juice from a jar of maraschino cherries.