Here in Slovenia (and I dare say the entire region) we have a very different dessert under the name of “hedgehog”. While the basic ingredients are the same, the cookies (or sponge cake) are crushed into “flour” and the dessert is shaped like a tiny hedgehog or a larger truffle/praline rather than a slice. Oh and did I mention my version contains no sugar?
They are super easy to make!
Ingredient:
125 g sugar free spelt cookies (or any other butter cookies; they can even contain sugar if you don’t mind)
3 – 4 tbsp sugare free jam (I used strawberry but apricot would work great too)
1 tsp soft coconut oil
1 – 2 tbsp cocoa powder
70 g sugar free chocolate (I used the kind sweetened with Stevia)
1 tbsp Sukrin (optional and depends on your taste)
ground hazelnuts for sprinkling
Preparation:
In a food processor, grind the cookies into flour. Transfer to a bowl and add the cocoa powder, jam and coconut oil. Mix well and then knead with your hands until you get a mixture that will keep its shape if you squeeze it together. The amount of cocoa powder depends on how chocolaty you want the bites to taste. Add some extra sweetener if you like and mix well again. Form small balls (like truffles or pralines) and refrigerate.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a microwave or over a water bath. Dip the “hedgehogs” into the melted chocolate to cover them generously, then place them on a plate and sprinkle with ground hazelnuts. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set.
