Chocolate truffettes

 

       These are interesting confections with a surprising ingredient...oatmeal! When stored in a covered container, they taste like the richest, creamiest chocolate truffles. When allowed to dry out, they're crisp and fudgy. Either way, they're delicious.

Makes 3 dozens

• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2 cups chopped toasted pecans or almonds (reserve 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or ½ teaspoon almond extract

1. Combine sugar, butter and milk in a large saucepan and bring to boil over low heat ; simmer 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa, oatmeal, 1 cup nuts and vanilla ; chill mixture for about an hour.
3. Shape into 36 balls and roll in remaining nuts ; refrigerate in covered container or allow to dry at room temperature.

BON APPÉTIT