Apricots

Recipe for Delicious Apricot Balls with Chocolate Cream

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 135 balls

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and captivating recipe for apricot balls, filled with a smooth chocolate cream. These treats are not only a quick and simple dessert but also a perfect choice to impress guests at a party or to indulge yourself on a relaxing afternoon. Let's get started!

A brief history of the recipe:
The origin of these apricot balls is shrouded in mystery, but they are believed to be inspired by homemade candy traditions that combine citrus flavors with chocolate. These desserts are often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality, bringing family and friends together around the table.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup lard (at room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Grated zest of one orange (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (adds a savory taste)
- Flour (approximately 700g, sifted)

*For the cream:*
- 350 ml milk
- 270 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (for an intense chocolate flavor)
- 180 g butter (80% fat, for a rich cream)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the cream)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (ensures a unique flavor)
- Food coloring (yellow, green, red)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling the balls)

Nutritional information:
Each apricot ball contains approximately 80 calories, making it a delicious yet moderate choice. The butter and eggs provide healthy fats and proteins, while the cocoa offers beneficial antioxidants.

Step by step: Preparing the dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the lard is at room temperature so you can mix it easily. This step is essential for achieving a uniform dough.

2. Mixing the lard and sugar: In a large bowl, add the lard and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to combine them until you achieve a creamy mixture.

3. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help emulsify the dough.

4. Activating the baking soda: In a small bowl, add a teaspoon of lemon juice over the baking soda. Let it react for a few seconds, then add it to the lard mixture.

5. The flavors: Incorporate the grated orange zest and rum essence. These flavors will give a wonderful taste to your balls.

6. Adding the flour: Start adding the sifted flour gradually, mixing with your hands until you obtain a sandy dough that does not stick to your hands. It is important not to add all the flour at once; it should be adjusted according to the consistency of the dough.

7. Forming the balls: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread a little margarine on a large tray and line it with baking paper. Break off small pieces of dough and shape them into balls, placing them on the tray, leaving space between them.

8. Baking: Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until they become lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them!

9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool completely. Use the tip of a knife to gently hollow them out without breaking them.

Preparing the cream

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the cocoa, cornstarch, and sugar. Mix well to avoid lumps.

2. Adding the milk: Pour the milk into the saucepan and stir constantly.

3. Thickening the cream: Place the saucepan over medium heat, and once it starts to boil, stir frequently for 20-25 minutes until the cream thickens.

4. Flavoring: Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add the butter and rum essence. Mix well until smooth.

5. Cooling the cream: Cover the cream with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

Assembling the balls

1. Filling the balls: Using a teaspoon, fill each apricot ball with the chocolate cream. Cover with another ball to form a half.

2. Letting them stick: Place the filled balls on a tray and let them sit for about an hour to stick well.

3. Coloring: In three separate bowls, put water and a drop of food coloring in each. Dip the balls in the coloring and then in the granulated sugar. Do this quickly so they do not dry out.

4. Arranging on the tray: Arrange the colored balls on a tray without overlapping them.

Serving and final suggestions:
These apricot balls are perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also use them as decor for a dessert platter at a party, adding a touch of color and creativity.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the chocolate cream with vanilla cream or nut cream. You can also add ground nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use margarine instead of lard?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste will be different. Lard provides a flakier texture.

2. How can I make the balls less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and cream, thus adjusting the final sweetness.

3. Can I store the balls in the fridge?
Yes, you can store the balls in the fridge, but make sure they are covered so they do not dry out.

Enjoy and happy cooking! These apricot balls are an excellent choice for any occasion, and their taste will transport you back in time, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments.

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 cup sugar 1 cup lard 2 eggs 1 pinch of salt 1 teaspoon baking soda grated orange peel 1 teaspoon essence flour (about 700 g) For the cream: 350 ml milk 270 g sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 180 g butter 80% fat 1 teaspoon starch 1 teaspoon rum essence yellow, green, red food coloring granulated sugar for coating