Holiday times can be difficult for some people for many different reasons. For me, it’s the inevitable danger that I associate with them. Undoubtedly, friend and neighbourly generosity will manifest itself in the form of fancy chocolate gifts. Joy and excitement in the air, the soft glugging of something alcoholic being poured and the overall sense of togethernes, I get weak. I start thinking that one or two of the fancy chocolates wouldn’t hurt; there’s so much happiness going round that I’m somehow immune to their lactose-filled hearts of destruction. As usual, I’m wrong and wake up with a headache from chocolate rather than booze like any sensible person in their early twenties. As discussed in a previous post, Arla has opened some doors for me in the last lacto-free year. Armed with this new weapon, I can now fight the poor self control or at the very least, distract it with these amazingly rich Dark Walnut Chocolate Truffles. I built on a recipe I found here.

What You’ll Need:

• 200g (Lacto-free) Cream cheese
• 100g 70% Dark chocolate
• 100 – 150g 60% Dark chocolate
• 100g Walnuts or Hazelnuts
• Icing sugar

Beat the cream cheese until it is, what I can only describe as, “loose”. Then turn your attention to the 70% dark chocolate. In a heat-proof bowl, melt it over some simmering water. Sampling any chocolate at this stage will only lead to scolded fingers and more loathing over poor self-control.

Pour the chocolate deliciousness into the bowl with the cream cheese.

Then mix it all up!

Blend half the walnuts finely and mix them into the now chocolaty paste. When this is well-mixed, spoon out small drops and roll it into small balls. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for an hour-or-so.

After the hour’s up, melt the 60% dark chocolate in the same way as before. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate and cover them completely. You may need to use your fingers to do this to distribute the covering evenly. If you can take the heat, keep it over the simmering water as it prevents it hardening prematurely.

Before the chocolate sets, place walnut halves on top and then put back in the fridge to fully set. Leave for another hour or so and then dust some icing sugar over them all to finish up.

Then dive right in. Try to share.