RAFAELLO

Rafaello: Delicious Coconut Candy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 balls

Rafaello is a dessert that reminds us of festive days and moments spent with loved ones. These coconut candies, easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, are perfect for adding a touch of joy to any day. Whether you're making them for a party, to treat the family, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will impress you with its simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients:

- 200 g soft butter (make sure it's at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 150 g powdered sugar (will provide the necessary sweetness without being overwhelming)
- 150 g milk powder (choose a quality milk powder for a richer taste)
- 100 g shredded coconut (for an attractive appearance and intense aroma)
- 2 packets of vanilla or vanilla extract (for an inviting scent)
- A little rum essence - optional (adds a special twist)
- 4 tablespoons of cream (for a creamier texture)
- Shredded coconut for decoration (150 g, amount may vary depending on the size of the balls)
- Nuts or walnut halves - optional (to add a crunchy note inside the candies)

Preparation Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the mixture
Start by placing the soft butter in a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix well with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until you achieve a smooth cream. Gradually adding the powdered sugar helps prevent lumps from forming.

Step 2: Infusing flavors
Add the milk powder and mix well. At this stage, you can add the vanilla extract and, if you like, the rum essence. These will provide a distinctive taste. Continue mixing until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Cream and coconut
Incorporate the cream, mixing gently. Then, add the shredded coconut, saving a little for decoration. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky mixture.

Step 4: Cooling the mixture
Place the bowl with the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to form the balls.

Step 5: Forming the balls
Once the mixture has cooled, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your skin. Take a small portion of the mixture and form a ball. If desired, you can place a nut or a walnut half in the center of each ball to add a crunchy surprise.

Step 6: Decorating
After forming all the balls, roll them in shredded coconut. Make sure they are evenly covered for an appetizing appearance.

Serving and Storage:

Rafaello is served cold, directly from the refrigerator. It is an ideal dessert to enjoy alongside a fragrant coffee or a warm tea. If you have leftover candies, don’t worry! You can place them in a bag and freeze them. When you crave something sweet or have guests, take them out of the freezer and enjoy them after just 5 minutes.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

Each Rafaello ball contains approximately 60-70 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. Coconut is an excellent source of fiber and healthy fats, while nuts provide protein and essential fatty acids. This dessert can be a healthier alternative to commercial candies due to the natural ingredients you use.

Variations and Useful Tips:

- You can experiment with different types of coconut, such as toasted coconut for a more intense flavor.
- Instead of nuts, you can try adding chocolate chips or dried fruits inside the balls.
- If you want to give a festive appearance, you can add food coloring to the mixture or use colored coconut for decoration.
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I replace the butter with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use margarine or vegetable butter, but the final texture may be different.

What can I use instead of cream?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based yogurt or a nut-based cream.

Can I add other flavors?
Of course! You can experiment with orange or lemon flavors for a fresh taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Rafaello will surely become a favorite among everyone around you. Enjoy every moment of the process and savor the final result!