Chocolate-nut Treats

Dark chocolate surrounds a creamy mocha fudge and hazelnut center. Recipe makes about 30 chocolates.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/4 pint (150 ml) cold black coffee
2 1/2 fl oz (75 ml) fresh cream
10 ounces (300 g) dark cooking chocolate
2 ounces (60 g) unsalted butter
8 teaspoons coffee-flavored liqueur
1/4 teaspoon vanilla flavoring essence
2 1/2 ounces (75 g) hazelnuts, finely chopped

Method:

1. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Put the sugar, coffee and cream into a heavy-based saucepan. Place over a low heat, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium and heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 230 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a sugar thermometer. Remove from the heat.
3. Meanwhile, chop 3 1/2 ounces (100 g) dark cooking chocolate finely in a food processor. Add the chopped chocolate, half the butter, liqueur and vanilla to the sugar mixture. Stir together until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool completely and thicken.
4. Using clean cold hands, roll the mixture into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls. Roll in the chopped hazelnuts.
5. Break the remaining chocolate and butter into a heatproof bowl. Place over a pan of barely simmering water and leave to melt.
6. Using 2 forks, dip the balls into the melted chocolate until coated. Put on the prepared baking tray and leave to set.

Tip: Store the chocolates in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within 3 days.