A Simple (and Sexy) Confection Courtesy of Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge

Chocolate and nuts – what can possibly equal the anticipation, the pleasure, the satisfaction? (that’s a rhetorical question we’ll let you answer for yourself). If you have experienced the joy of such a combination you may have an idea of what the following recipe can do for you and someone you love. Its simplicity hides the fabulous and many-layered taste, and that’s one of the joys of easy and handmade aphrodisiacs, the thought and longing included. This very easy bite of joy can be a follow-up after a romantic dinner, or it can stand alone as a prelude to.... (you fill in the blank).

½ cup whole almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
4 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate
1 tablespoon almond pie filling
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon strong hot coffee
1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur

Chop the nuts (in a food processor if possible) until they are coarsely ground. Remove half the nuts to coat the truffles later. Add the chocolate to the food processor and process until finely ground. Add the almond pie filling and almond extract, process until the mixture begins to come together. With the motor running, add the coffee and liqueur. Process until the mixture thins slightly and becomes smoother. Refrigerate 1 hour to harden slightly.

To roll the truffles, chill your hands by rubbing them with an ice cube or dunking them in ice water periodically, and then patting dry. Roll the chocolate mixture into ¾ inch balls, and then roll in the ground nuts. Place on a waxed paper tray or plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy in every possible way!