Trendy “sweet pops” (sweets on a stick) are exploding into the culinary scene. Everything from brownie pops to cakes pops are showing up in sweet shops and bakeries. This recipe is the perfect sweet appetizer to end the evening.

Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips
2/3 cups whipping cream
3 tsp granulated sugar
¼ cup butter
¼ cup raisins, chopped
1 tsp orange zest
Cocoa for dredging truffles

Place chocolate in large bowl. Bring cream, sugar, butter, raisins and orange zest to boil. Slowly pour hot cream mixture over chocolate and stir until smooth. Let cool in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

Scoop by the teaspoonful, then shape into balls and dredge in cocoa. Insert each truffle with a sucker stick. (Available at cake supply and decorating stores). Makes 30 truffles.

Variation: Dip truffles in chocolate and sprinkle with nut meal.