Red Hot Truffles

Alas, the pink and red holiday of lovey-dove is upon us. While my more pragmatic side tells me that this is a holiday invented by Hallmark and dentists, my more romantic side says (in a sing-song voice) that it's a wonderful warm-fuzzy day, where everyone deeply loves one  another and showers their respective beloved with jewels, candies and tokens of their undying affection. And a chunky little cherub lingers in the shadows ready to shoot you in the ass with a love arrow. Whatever you think, it's a good excuse to eat chocolate and smooch I suppose.

Nothing says "I  love you oh so much"  for Valentine's Day than homemade treats in my opinion, so I made little batches of my Red Hot Truffles for my man and friends this year.

Red Hot Truffles

-1/3 cup heavy cream

-6 T unsalted butter cut into bits

-1 3/4 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

-1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

-1 t. cinnamon

-1 1/2 T. red pepper flakes

 -1/4 t. cayenne pepper

- cinnamon candies for garnish

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Directions:

-In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and pour into a shallow bowl. Stir in cinnamon, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.

-Cool, cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, at least 2 hours.

-Using a  small spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.Garnish with cinnamon chips. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Hot damn, these are good!  

A little spice with chocolate is a perfect way to spice you your Valentines Day. For the more adventurous spice lover you can up the ante  on the cayenne as much as you want, but I find just 1/4 t. is good for me.

I've also garnished these with a Hot Tamale candy or the red pepper flakes. The little candy garnish is a nice touch on these little fireballs o' burning love. I made mine sort of large to give 3 as presents in little boxes.  Have a great Valentines day, no matter how you celebrate!