Hidden Treasure Truffles

Ingredients

• 2 (350 g) packages semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 (300 ml) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1 (225 g) package milk chocolate-covered caramel candies (I use Rollos or regular caramels cut in half)

• 1 (225 g) package milk chocolate, white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Directions

1. 1

   Melt semi-sweet chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

2. 2

   Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.

3. 3

   Chill 2 hours. Shape into small balls around Chocolate covered Caramels, about 1 inch diameter.

4. 4

   Chill balls about 1 hour or until firm. Melt chips and shortening together, stirring until smooth. Dip truffle balls, one at a time into melted chocolate to cover completely.

5. 5

   Gently shake off excess coating. Place on waxed paper-covered tray. If desired sprinkle some truffles with chopped nuts immediately after dipping.

6. 6

   Let stand or refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes. If desired, drizzle some truffles with melted chocolate from a spoon or icing bag to decorate. Store loosely covered in a cool dry place up to 2 months.