Bombice

Chocolate balls that remind us of Raffaello only better 'cause they are made with love. These treats have variations around the world and are akin to rum balls sans rum. The recipe here is from a Montenegran friend whose sweets are to die for! Here is the recipe:

Bombice    (Time: 15 minutes)
                                                      1 package of plain tea biscuits (Marie/Ulker biscuits)
                                                      1/2 cup flaked dessicated coconut
                                                      2 tablespoons cocoa
                                                      3 teaspoons of strong coffee
                                                     1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
                                                     1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1. Crush the biscuits in a food processor until it is fine.
2. Combine in a large bowl, the first 5 ingredients and mix well.
3. Then slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk into the mixture. Don’t pour the whole content of the can, pour it in slowly. You know you have the mixture right if the mixture is a dough ball. You should be able to roll them into a ball without being too hard or too soft.
4. Shape the mixture into one-inch balls.
5. Place the coconut onto a flat plate and roll the balls into them.
6. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Enjoy! QG

Chocolate Covered Dates

Hailed throughout the Middle East as one of the best candy treats, Chocolate Covered Dates are the perfect after meal sweet. Especially during the month of Ramadan, when Muslims are fasting from before sunrise until sunset, these are just the right amount of delicious. Fasting stomachs get full easily at iftar time, so a bite of succulant date and chocolate is a perfect end to the meal. Not to mention what a great hostess gift these can make. No bake, no brainer! These gourmet treats are pricey in the Middle East but this version is made for a fraction of the cost. And the finished product, beautiful and yummy! Even my kids liked them! Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Covered Dates (Time: 10 minutes)
16 oz of melting cholocate wafers in dark cholocate or semi-sweet morsels
20 - 25 pitted dates, (Medjool preferred but other brands will do)
Walnuts or toasted almonds (optional)
wax paper
Bamboo skewer

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
2. If you chose the nut option, stuff each date with a nut.
3. Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halway through.
4. Using the bamboo skewer, dip the date in the melted chocolate. Then place on the wax paper.
5. Repeat with remaining dates.
6. Allow dates to set in refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! QG