Food TV Challenge Part 2

In the second episode of the Next Food Network Star that I watched, the challenge was titled, “NBA Chocolate Challenge”. The goal was to design a stadium oriented snack that would signify the contestant’s individual style, impress sports fans, and be appropriate for a mid game treat. The winning recipe was a delicious sounding bacon-wrapped mushroom dish. As good as that sounded, I know that I’m more often than not going to choose something that combines the best of both worlds- sweet and salty. But for this challenge, I had chocolate on the brain (perhaps the title was to blame?). The Bittersweet Truffled Almonds fit the stadium bill- they are easy to make, easy to eat (unlike say, a chili cheese dog, which just screams “Tide Bleach Pen” to someone like me) and are unavoidably good.
-Josie

Bittersweet Truffled Almonds

12 oz semisweet chocolate
6 tablespoons butter
2 cups large almonds; blanched, and whole
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

In a small but heavy saucepan melt the chocolate and the butter, stirring constantly until blended and smooth. Remove from heat. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Dip the wide end of the almond into the chocolate mixture and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate. When cold and hardened, dust with cocoa powder.