PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
8 oz chocolate candy coating
Edible flower petals and/or lavender buds (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a heavy small saucepan, bring whipping cream just to boiling. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, stirring until combined. Add chocolate pieces, stirring until melted and smooth. Transfer mixture to a 2 quart baking dish. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until firm.

2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to shape truffle mixture into 1 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and freeze 30 minutes or until firm.

3. In a heavy small saucepan, melt candy coating over low heat stirring constantly until smooth. Using a fork, quickly dip truffles one at a time into coating. Draw the fork across the rim of the saucepan to remove excess coating. Return truffles to baking sheet. Let stand 30 minutes or until coating is set.

4. Store truffles tightly covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving. Garnish each with edible flower petals or lavender buds if desired.

YIELD: About 45 pieces