Coconut chocolate balls a family favourite

Every family has at least one of these – a go-to recipe that is a reminder of family gatherings and fun times with friends. For Expat Living staffer Juliet Keys, a recipe for coconut chocolate balls has been passed down through several generations. “This is an old family favourite of my husband’s. His grandmother always had a jar of ‘choc balls’ in the lolly cupboard for the kids, and my daughter now loves to make them with her friends. They are a great hit with adults, too – and, to give them a special kick for dinner parties, I add some Baileys liqueur to the recipe.”

Makes 20 to 30 balls, depending on size

Ingredients

• 1 packet (250g) Milk Arrowroot biscuits
• 1 tin (395g) condensed milk
• 1 /3 cup (40g) cocoa powder
• 1 /2 cup (45g) desiccated coconut
• Extra-fine desiccated coconut for rolling

Tip: You can reduce the amount of coconut to cocoa in the mix if you prefer a more chocolatey flavour.

Optional for adults: 4-6 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream.

Instructions

1. Crush the biscuits in a blender (or, for more fun with the kids, place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin) and place in a mixing bowl.

2. Add cocoa powder, coconut and condensed milk, and stir well. This is the point where Baileys Irish Cream can be added to the mixture.

3. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll into a ball between palms.

4. Roll the ball in the coconut to coat.

5. Continue with the rest of the mixture.

6. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate for one hour before serving.