Homemade Ferrero Rocher

One of my brother’s favorite treats is Ferrero Rocher so I wanted to try making a homemade version with clean and simple ingredients. He has a major sweet tooth so I wanted to make sure these fulfilled that but could also sneak some nutrients into him. I said to use dark chocolate in the recipe below because it’s a bit healthier and I made a couple for myself with it and they turned out well. For the majority of them I used milk chocolate instead because it makes them taste more like actual Ferrero Rochers and my brother doesn’t like dark chocolate, I have to accept that I have to take baby steps with him (last time I saw him make himself lunch it was a white bread sandwich with Nutella and three Oreos on the side)- so that is an option for pickier eaters. The hazelnut butter in the inside and the walnut pieces on the outside provide some healthy fats and vitamins and minerals. I used millet puffs to simulate the crispiness on the inner part of actual Ferrero Rochers, but I didn’t mention that until both my brothers and dad had tasted these and given their final approval. Millet is a small, round grain like quinoa with a more subtle flavor, when it is puffed it is basically a healthier version of Rice Krispies with more nutrients still intact. They can be found in the cereal section in health food stores but you could also use puffed quinoa or even puffed brown rice, if they are easier to find, to get the same cripsy effect. Whole grains are always a better option than a refined version that has been stripped of all the good stuff.

While these are not something I recommend daily, they are a good way to have a treat. This time of year when there is baking and festive food everywhere I like to have some healthier options around that still taste decadent. Nourishing ourselves is about more than just what we put in our bodies. Sharing and coming together over food is a way we have loved each other and bonded for thousands of years, and it is an integral part of the Christmas season. If we can add a bit more nutrients into what we share, we will be the better for it.

Homemade Ferrero Rocher
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 12 pieces
INGREDIENTS:
  • Center
  • ½ cup hazelnut butter
  • ½ cup millet puffs (or quinoa puffs)
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate coating
  • 1 100g bar of dark chocolate
  • Topping
  • ½ cup walnuts, very finely chopped
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Mix together the hazelnut butter, almond flour, maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully blended and then mix in the millet puffs. Take 1 tablespoon at a time and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Before melting the chocolate set up the dipping station- place the chopped walnuts on a small plate and then have a clean plate next to it for the final product.
  2. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a small pot on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until melted, it's best to do it slowly over low heat because it can burn easily. If it gets too hot it will be very thin and hard to work with so if that happens set it aside for a few minutes to cool.
  3. One by one dip the hazelnut balls in the chocolate, let any excess drip off and then roll them in the chopped walnuts and place on the clean plate. Let them firm up for 20 minutes or so before serving or place in the refrigerator for around 10 minutes to speed up the process.

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