Raffaello (Coconut Balls)

I find it very strange that I like Raffaello - I don't enjoy sweets much, and I generally don't like coconut. I don't know what it is about this glorious candy that makes me adore it so, but I suspect it might be something to do with its creamy milkiness. Anyway, these homemade balls, though they're not the same as the store-bought Ferrero candy, still capture the general taste and idea. These are probably the only dessert I ever crave, and are, luckily, very easy to make.

Ingredients

125 ml or 1/2 cup water
250 g/9 oz butter or margarine
400 g/14 oz sugar
400 g/14 oz powdered milk
250 g/9 oz dried shredded coconut
100 g/4 oz toasted almonds or hazelnuts



Combine water, butter/margarine (margarine might work better because it has a less distinct flavor) and sugar in a pot and boil. Turn off the heat, add the powdered milk and 200 g coconut (leave 50 g/2 oz for decoration) and stir them in. If there are any lumps left, use a handheld mixer to break them. Leave in the refrigerator to cool. Roll 1 inch balls with your palms, placing an almond in the center of each ball, and then roll the balls in leftover shredded coconut.