Candies from leftovers

Candy from leftovers: A reinvented delight

Who said leftovers have to be thrown away? With a little creativity in the kitchen, what seems useless to others can become a delicious dessert. This time, we turn our attention to the leftover sweet bread from the holidays, transforming it into irresistible truffles filled with sour cherries from cherry liqueur, glazed in white chocolate. It's a simple recipe that will not only help you avoid food waste but also let you enjoy a gourmet dessert full of flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20-25 truffles

Ingredients

- 1/2 leftover sweet bread (preferably one with cocoa or nuts)
- 2-3 tablespoons rum (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- 100 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa is ideal for a pleasant contrast)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 5-6 tablespoons milk (whole milk for increased creaminess)
- 50 g butter (or margarine, but butter gives a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (for added intensity)
- Sour cherries from cherry liqueur (the amount can vary according to preference)

Finishing

- Egg glaze (Dr. Oetker) or 200 g white chocolate (whichever you choose, both options are delicious)
- Decorative candies (for a festive appearance)

Step by step

1. Preparing the sweet bread: Start by cutting the leftover sweet bread into small cubes. Make sure it is slightly dry, as this will help form a more consistent paste. If the sweet bread is very fresh, it may be helpful to let it air out for a while to dry.

2. Preparing the glaze: In a small pot, add 100 g dark chocolate, 50 g butter, 5-6 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa. Place the pot on low heat and stir constantly until all ingredients are completely melted and a smooth glaze forms. Be careful not to boil the glaze, as it may become grainy.

3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm glaze over the sweet bread cubes and mix well. If you want to add a splash of flavor, now is the time to include the 2-3 tablespoons of rum. Stir until the sweet bread is completely covered with glaze.

4. Forming the paste: Allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then, you can either process it in a food processor or knead it by hand. The goal is to achieve a smooth, slightly sticky paste. If you find it too soft, you can add some crushed cookies or a bit more sweet bread to give it a firmer texture.

5. Filling the truffles: Use a teaspoon to take portions of the obtained paste. Flatten each portion and add a sour cherry in the middle. Wrap the cherry in the sweet bread paste, shaping it into a ball. Make sure the truffle is well sealed to prevent the cherry from leaking out.

6. Glazing: Melt 200 g of white chocolate (or prepare the egg glaze) and dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to help with even coating. Let the truffles drain excess chocolate.

7. Decorating: Place the truffles on a tray lined with parchment paper. You can decorate each truffle with decorative candies or sprinkle cocoa on top for a rustic look.

8. Cooling: Put the tray in the fridge for at least an hour, during which time the chocolate will harden and the truffles will achieve a perfect texture.

Serving suggestions

These truffles are excellent as a dessert at a festive meal or as a sweet snack during the day. You can serve them alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea. For an even more refined experience, try pairing them with a sweet wine or fruit liqueur.

Possible variations

1. Nut truffles: Add ground nuts to the sweet bread mixture for extra texture and flavor.
2. Cream cheese truffles: Replace some of the butter with cream cheese for a creamier taste and a slightly tangy flavor.
3. Orange-flavored truffles: Add grated orange peel or a few drops of orange essence to give a fresh twist to the dessert.

Nutritional benefits

These leftover truffles are a healthier option than many commercial desserts. The sweet bread provides carbohydrates, while sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of flavonoids, which can support heart health. However, keep moderation in mind, as these truffles also contain sugar and fats.

Frequently asked questions

- What can I do if I don't have sweet bread? You can use any other type of leftover cake, such as sponge cake or pound cake.
- Can I freeze the truffles? Yes, these truffles can be frozen. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to avoid excessive freezing.
- How can I prevent the chocolate from sticking? Ensure that the chocolate is well melted and that the truffles are cold when glazing them. You can use cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

These leftover candies are not only a delicious way to recycle food but also a way to add a touch of magic to each day. So, the next time you have leftover sweet bread, don't hesitate to try this simple and tasty recipe!

 Ingredients: 1/2 cozonac 2-3 tablespoons rum 100 g dark chocolate 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 5-6 tablespoons milk 50 g butter (margarine) 1 tablespoon cocoa sour cherries (in syrup) Finishing: egg glaze (Dr Oetker) or 200 g white chocolate (I used both options) decorative candies

 Tags:  chocolate candies