Orange Truffles from the Farmhouse

Ingredients

• 3 cups semisweet mini chocolate chips, divided (plus 2 T)
• 2/3 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons butter (no substitutes)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1/3 cup vanilla chip (white)

Directions

1. 1

   Place 1 cup, plus 2 T. choco chips in blender; process about 30 seconds (some of the chips won't pulverize).

2. 2

   In a small bowl, zap cream and butter on high in microwave until ALMOST boiling.

3. 3

   While blender is running, GRADUALLY pour in hot liquid AND EXTRACT over choco chips--steady stream, continue processing until smooth.

4. 4

   Pour out of blender into bowl; chill for 20-30 minutes (firm); roll into 1-inch balls; set aside.

5. 5

   Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper; set aside.

6. 6

   In microwave, zap shortening & remaining choco chips for 1 minute, stir; then in 10-second intervals until melted; stir until smooth.

7. 7

   Dip truffle balls into chocolate; place on waxed paper to harden.

8. 8

   In a zippered baggie, melt vanilla chips for 15 seconds, squeeze to smooth; continue at 5-second intervals.

9. 9

   With a very sharp scissors, cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Drizzle elegantly over truffles.

10. 10

    Store in covered container, refrigerated.