Mashed Potato Truffles: Dark Chocolate and Orange #SP5

Official Contest Entry: Simply Potatoes 5Fix #SP5 Potatoes aren't just for savory dishes--they belong in dessert, too! This is a simple base recipe for indulgent candy truffles. I use chocolate and orange as my flavors here, but you can change flavors easily while keeping the basic amounts the same. For each 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes, you'll want: 1 cup of some kind of chocolate*, up to 2 Tb of fruit juice (zest too!) OR 1 tsp flavored extract like almond, then another cup of something to roll your truffles in (melted chocolate/white chocolate, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, crushed nuts). Want to make things look fancy? Add a few sprinkles, crushed potato chips, or a contrasting chocolate drizzle. *Note that "white" chocolate doesn't set like chocolate does. If you want to use it for your filling, allow 3 hours to chill in a freezer, then thaw and form balls, OR follow the recommended amounts but also add 2 cups shredded coconut to help thicken and chill normally.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4-5
• Yields: 8-10 truffles

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
• 1  navel orange, zest and juice
• 2  cups  dark chocolate chips, divided

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine well the mashed potatoes, the zest of one navel orange, and the juice of half of the orange.
2. Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips either in a double boiler, or by heating in the microwave for approximately 1.5 minutes, stirring every 25-30 seconds.
3. Once the chocolate is thoroughly melted, add it to the potato mixture, stir well to combine, then allow the mix to chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes, or until a scooped portion of the mix can be easily shaped (rolled in your hands).
4. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. You're ready to form the truffles: scoop an approximately tablespoon-sized amount of the filling, and form into a ball by rolling with your hands. Set these on the wax paper, then allow the balls to chill in the refrigerator or freezer for another 30 minutes.
5. Melt the remaining chocolate chips and dip the chilled filling balls to coat completely. The chocolate sets quickly, so work fast, and enjoy! These keep very well in the refrigerator and freezer and make great gifts.