Recipe for cooking orange chocolate meltaways

Desserts to Go with Coffee and Tea :: Chocolate Confections

Orange Chocolate Meltaways

1 (12 ounce) pkg. milk chocolate chips
1 c. (6 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. whipping cream
1 tsp. grated orange peel
2 1/2 tsp. orange extract or flavoring
1 1/2 c. finely chopped toasted pecans

Coating
1 c. (6 ounce) milk chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. shortening

Place chocolate chips in a mixing bowl; set aside.

In a saucepan, bring cream and orange peel to a gentle boil; immediately pour over chips. Let stand for 1 min.. Whisk until smooth. Add the extract or flavoring. Cover and chill for 35 mins. or until mixture begins to thicken. Beat for 10 to 15 seconds or just until mixture lightens in color; do not over-beat. Spoon rounded tsp.ful onto wax paper-lined baking sheets. Cover and chill for 5 mins..

Gently shape into balls; roll half in pecans.

In microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip remaining balls in chocolate. Place on wax paper to harden. Store in refrigerator.

Yield: 6 dozen.