Enjoying the warmth of the kitchen and the aromas of holiday cooking are some of the most cherished holiday moments of the season. Before receiving guests and family at your holiday dinner table, pull out your recipe books and add the following holiday baking tips and an easy chocolate truffle recipe to your repertoire. You’ll wow your guests and make your holiday cooking and baking that much easier. Here are the top holiday baking tips for baking and cooking success:1. Test Run - If you’re trying a new recipe be sure to make it once beforehand, before making large quantities for guests and family. This way you’ll have enough time to make adjustments as needed.

2. Chocolate 101 - If you’re working with chocolate this holiday season, remember that chocolate tends to absorb other food flavours, so store it away from strong smelling foods, such as onions or cheese. When melting chocolate, use indirect heat to avoid burning it. One of the best methods to melt chocolate is to break it up into small pieces and place in a stainless steel bowl on top of a simmering sauce pan of water, and stir constantly.

3. Fresh is Best - For great flavour, use the freshest ingredients available. If using dried spices remember that spices lose their potency and freshness within six months to a year from the date they are first opened so check your spice rack and see if you need to re-stock.

4. Maximize Flavour - To further maximize their sweet flavour, serve desserts (including baked goods, cooked fruit desserts, puddings, custards and flans) at room temperature rather than chilled. Even frozen desserts will taste sweeter if served slightly softened.

5. Crisp and Chewy - To keep soft holiday cookies and desserts chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple, which will help moisten the cookies. To keep crisp cookies crisp store them in a can.

More easy, delicious recipes and baking tips are available online at www.splenda.ca.

Chocolate Splenda Truffles

Makes: 60 truffles

Preparation time: 15 minutes and 20 minutes to roll into truffles

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup dark non sweetened chocolate chips (310 mL)

2/3 cup 15% cream (160 mL)

3 tsp Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granular (15 ml)

1/4 cup butter (60 mL)

1/4 cup raisins (60 mL)

1 tbsp orange zest (15 ml)

Enough cocoa for dredging

Directions

Place chocolate in large bowl. Bring cream, Splenda, butter, raisins and zest to a boil. Slowly pour hot cream mixture over chocolate and stir until smooth. Let cool in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Shape mixture into small balls and dredge in cocoa.

Nutritional Information:Amount per Serving:Serving Size: 3 small truffles

. Total Calories: 150

. Calories from Fat: 110. Total Fat: 12 g. Saturated Fat: 8 g

. Cholesterol: 10 mg

. Sodium: 20 mg

. Total Carbohydrates: 8 g

. Fibre : 3 g

. Sugars: 2 g. Protein: 3 gCredit: www.newscanada.com

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