This is an all-time favorite recipe from my cooking classes. A trip to Paris inspired me to experiment more with prunes, and chocolate seemed like the perfect pairing. I think a good PR person could do a world of good for prunes! In spite of their somewhat dowdy reputation, prunes have a sophisticated taste that makes them an interesting recipe ingredient.

　　

Ingredients

makes 2 dozen

　　1 cup unsulfured pitted prunes, coarsely chopped

　　2 tablespoons Armagnac or other brandy

　　1/4 cup heavy cream

　　1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons light agave nectar

　　3 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

　　6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

　　1 tablespoon vanilla extract

　　1 1/2 cups toasted walnuts, finely chopped

　　

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. In a small bowl, combine the prunes with the Armagnac and set aside to steep.

　　

Step 2

In a saucepan, bring the cream, agave nectar, butter, and nutmeg to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the prunes and Armagnac. Freeze the mixture for 20 minutes, or refrigerate for 1 hour, until firm enough to mound onto a spoon. Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with the palms of your hands, then roll it in the walnuts to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet and chill to firm.

　　

Step 3

Remove the truffles from the refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes prior to serving. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

　　Reprinted with permission from Baking with Agave Nectar: Over 100 Recipes Using Nature's Ultimate Sweetener by Ania Catalano. Copyright © 2008 by Ania Catalano; photography © 2008 by Lara Hata. Published by Celestial Arts, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.Ania Catalano is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet School of Cooking in New York and the owner of the Gourmet Whole Foods Catering and Cooking School in Milford, Connecticut.