Marylee’s Italian Chocolate Balls

By Marylee

This recipe came from my father's sister, Lucy Grasso.

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 4-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of each: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt
• 1-1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 3 lightly beaten eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 small can frozen orange juice (defrosted)
• 12 ounce package chocolate chips
• 12 ounces chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup raisins

Preparation

Step 1

1) Mix first four dry ingredients and set aside

2) Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs and orange juice.

3) Slowly add dry ingredients and mix enough only to blend.

4) Add nuts and fruits.

5) Form small balls and bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.

Frosting

5 tablespoons butter 2 pounds confectioners sugar

2 squares melted baker’s chocolate 1 teaspoon vanilla

When cookies are completely cooled, dip each in the frosting to coat. Leave bottom of cookies unfrosted.

Notes: I line my cookie sheets with Sil-pat silicone sheets. Nothing sticks and cookies have an even bottom. Also, the frosting may need to be cut with milk if too thick.