The No-Bake Swedish Chocolate Balls

Allhallowtide. The kids have a school break this week. I suppose they have had Halloween parties with loads of sweets. One of the first things small Swedish children learn to make are chocolate balls.

There are different ways to make chocolate balls. For instance, there is no need to melt the butter first. Softened butter works well. The chocolate balls can also be rolled in chocolate sprinkles, sesame seeds, finely chopped almonds or nuts just as well as coconut flakes. I like the taste of coconut best of all.

This is my favorite - a no-bake child recipe which is super easy.

INGREDIENTS:
25 - 30
* 100 g butter
* 1 dl (100 ml) sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
* 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
* 3 dl (300 ml) rolled oats (porridge oats)
* 3 tablespoons cold strong coffee

GARNISH:
Coconut flakes

METHOD:
1. Melt butter in a saucepan, let it simmer on low heat for ab. 30 seconds.
2. Mix sugar, vanilla, cocoa, oats, coffee, and butter.
3. Put the batter into the refrigerator for 1 - 2 hours.
4. Place coconut flakes on a small plate, or in a bowl.
5. Pinch off small amounts of batter.
6. Roll between your hands to make small balls.
7. Roll the balls in the coconut flakes.
8. Refrigerate them 2 hours or more to become firm, or put them into the freezer.

Halloween is not at all that big of a deal in Sweden. Even though it's a big deal in the United States, Great Britain and Ireland, it has no solid roots here. We celebrate All Saint's Day. This year it´s on the 3rd of November. It´s supposed to be a quiet day in honor for those who have passed away. We are visiting graves of loved ones, lighting candles, laying wreaths and flowers on family graves.

Now ghosts, witches, pranks and masquerades have become part of Allhallowtide. Larger stores sell Halloween things and kids have Halloween parties. So, old pagan customs and beliefs about evil spirits and the souls of the dead have attached themselves to this evening in Sweden.