There is a certain amount of class in going ‘against the grain’…like wearing white in winter.

To me, this element of surprise adds a certain elegance…the same holds true in creating food…

This is the feeling that is captured in the coconut lime truffles made from white chocolate that I am creating for Valentine’s Day giving.  Although my Valentine’s Day confections may look like little snowballs, the flavor is more reminiscient of a tropical locale.  The white chocolate is a refreshing departure from the typical Valentine’s Day choice.

A photo of a Valentine coconut lime truffle… sure to steal a heart :)

If you haven’t made candy before, don’t despair…even a novice candy maker can have excellent results with truffles…no candy thermometer is needed, and there is plenty of room for creativity.  Try substituting your own favorite flavors and coatings.  If you don’t like coconut, you can try crushed gingersnaps as a coating – I have tried them  also and the flavor combination with the lime is great.

Valentine Coconut Lime Truffles Recipe (makes 12,  1  1/4″ truffles)

• 7 oz. of good white chocolate (Ghiradelli or Lindt)
• 2 Tablespoons of heavy cream
• 2 Tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 1 cup flaked,  sweetened coconut (spread onto a plate for easy clean up)

Melt the chocolate, very slowly, in a double boiler.  Remove from heat and whisk in cream and lime juice.  Put into fridge until firm enough to roll into balls (about 2 hours).  Roll into 12 balls – then rolling each into coconut to cover.  Store in the fridge, but be sure to let sit a little before serving so they will melt in your mouth :)

Funny that I buy 4 oz. bars of chocolate and my recipe calls for 7 oz. ;)

What better way to a heart than a homemade truffle?  Enjoy.

 Thanks so much for visiting.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. I am sharing this recipe at Pinch of Joy, Blissful Whites Wednesday, The Well Crafted Home, and The Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush.