The gentle heat supplied by the slow cooker is an effortless way to temper chocolate without having to use a double boiler, standing over the pot to keep careful watch. With the small amount of chocolate required, the recipe works better in a 3-quart slow cooker rather than a 5-quart, for better control over the melting process. The recipe can also be doubled for double the chocolate indulgence.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 18 truffles

　　16 ounces bittersweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips

　　2/3 cup heavy whipping cream

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1/4 cup coffee beans, finely ground

　　2 cinnamon sticks

　　4 whole cloves

　　6 allspice berries

　　1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

　　Confectioners’ sugar, for powdering

　　

Step 1

Combine the chocolate, cream, butter, and coffee in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 40 to 60 minutes, until the chocolate melts. Stir once or twice during the cooking time, just to make sure that the chocolate does not stick to the bottom or sides of the crock. Whisk the mixture vigorously when it is nearly melted.

　　

Step 2

Pour the melted chocolate onto a plate or into a glass bowl and place in the refrigerator for between 1/2 and 1 hour, until it is hard enough to form into small balls.

　　

Step 3

Combine the cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a coffee mill or using a mortar and pestle and grind them to a coarse powder. Transfer to a small bowl, add the cocoa powder, and mix thoroughly.

　　

Step 4

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Using a spoon or mini ice cream scoop, scoop out spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture and roll with your hands into balls the size of walnuts. (This is a great job for kids. Just have plenty of paper towels on hand!) Roll the balls in the cocoa mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

　　

Step 5

Place the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Sprinkle the truffles with the confectioners’ sugar and allow to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Suggested Beverage: A good strong cup of espresso or a lovely sparkling wine from Gruet Winery in New Mexico.

　　The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II