These are perfect for placing on the holiday table. They remain stable at room temperature. Great chilled as well.
If desired you could add some real rum or rum extract to taste or even bourbon. I think the rum extract is very subtle used in these and I like that, but I am not typically in favor of a boozy treat, personally speaking. Or you could go for a peppermint flavor, using peppermint extract or peppermint oil or use almond extract or simply vanilla extract. To be honest, I am not sure I would like a peppermint flavor in these, so I would suggest one of the other options rather.
Coming in a nice little package, they are portion controlled for those of your friends who are careful with how much they eat in the way of sweets. Fortunately, these are pretty much guilt free as well.
These could also make a great homemade gift. Wrap in pretty, colorful plastic wrap with a bow at the top to seal the homemade bag and you have a nice gift to take to a friend's house, for instance.
This is a super quick and easy treat to make and have ready for company over Christmas. Just one extra sweet treat to have on hand. Who needs packaged chocolates, when you can make your own? These are as nice as I remember Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Which brings me to another idea. You could use chopped hazelnuts instead of chopped pecans, if desired.
If you like, instead of rolling these balls in cocoa and shredded coconut, you can dip them in melted chocolate (melt chocolate and add a tbsp of melted butter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet - then freeze briefly until the chocolate sets.
To make
these, I used a cookie scoop which made it easier to form the pecan pie
balls recipe. I used cocoa and shredded coconut for the garnish. Just
mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and go from there. The texture
of these is simply delightful; great for the holiday season. You can
chop the pecans in a food processor, if desired, and then sieve to get
rid of the ground bits. I chopped mine using my hands to break them up.
These
Chocolate Pecan balls should last at least a month in an airtight
container in the refrigerator and longer if frozen. These are great to
keep in the freezer for holiday parties or parties in general. They are
bound to be a huge hit. These are more than bite-sized treats - more
like several bites! Keep them in the fridge for a firmer pecan ball or
at room temperature for a softer set, but it is not overly soft, so not
to worry. It is just perfect either way.
Instead
of crushed graham crackers in this recipe, I used almond flour. These
pecan pie balls are sure to be enjoyed by your friends and family around
the holidays. In a pinch, they could also serve as dessert. If you
are making them a good deal of time before serving, you can freeze them
in an airtight container, separated by wax paper between layers for
longer storage.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (250 mL)
2 tbsp honey substitute (30 mL)
2 tbsp heavy cream (30 mL)
Liquid sweetener, to taste
1 tsp rum extract, optional (5 mL)
1 cup almond flour (250 mL)
1 cup chopped pecans (250 mL)
2 tbsp vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder (30 mL)
Half maraschino cherries for centers
(optional) 0.9 g carbs for half
a cherry,
Coating for Chocolate Pecan Balls:
Cocoa
Shredded coconut
In
microwaveable bowl, nuke chocolate in 30 second increments until it is possible
to stir it all together until completely smooth. Stir in honey substitute, heavy cream and
liquid sweetener to taste (keep in mind you want to sweeten the other
ingredients that are added next).
In
medium bowl, combine almond flour, pecans and whey protein powder. Add the chocolate mixture and stir until
mixed well. If you would like a softer
mixture, you can add up to 2 more tbsp (30 mL) heavy cream. The mixture will get stiffer as it sits;
however, it is easy to form balls. Using
a 2-tbspful (30 mL) cookie measure or measuring spoons, make balls from the mixture and
roll in cocoa or shredded coconut or both.
If desired, cut the ball in half, insert half a cherry or even a cashew and form the ball around the half cherry. It looks pretty when you cut or bite into it, and it is always nice to have a sweet surprise in the middle of a chocolate ball. I made some with and some without as my husband is strictly low-carbing. Roll in cocoa or shredded coconut.
Yield: 14 choc pecan balls
1
large chocolate pecan ball
186.4
calories
3.7
g protein
14.6
g fat
2.0 g fiber
4.0
g net carbs
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