Ingredients and Weight:
- Dark chocolate: 500g
- Cream cheese: 250g
- Brown sugar: 100g
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Walnuts or almonds (optional): 1/2 cup, chopped
Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and salt.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the chocolate has cooled, add it to the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Add the flour and mix until just combined. If using walnuts or almonds, fold them into the mixture.
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Form the chilled mixture into small balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly firm to touch.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: 450kcal
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 2g (approx.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich chocolate flavor with a creamy cheese filling.
- Soft and tender texture with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Suitable for a dessert or as a snack due to its sweet and rich flavor profile.
User Comments:
- "These Chocolate Balls are so delicious! The combination of chocolate and cream cheese is perfect." - John Doe, New York, USA.
- "I love how simple yet elegant these Chocolate Balls are. They're perfect for a special occasion." - Jane Smith, Los Angeles, USA.
- "These Chocolate Balls are my favorite dessert! The almonds add a nice crunchy texture." - Michael Johnson, San Francisco, USA.
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that the chocolate is fully melted and cooled before adding it to the cheese mixture to prevent curdling the cheese.
- Use a good quality dark chocolate for the best flavor profile and texture of the Chocolate Balls.
- Adjust the amount of nuts according to personal preference or use other types of nuts like peanuts or pistachios if desired.
