The only way I can really describe these treats – kartoshka is translated as potato, as they are playfully shaped to resemble potatoes – is as giant Russian chocolate rum balls. Or giant truffles. Needless to say, they are delicious.
Very traditional and, traditionally, very unhealthy. This is a slightly lighter take on an extremely addictive and nostalgic childhood treat for me.
Traditionally decorated with a buttercream frosting, these are topped with slivers of almonds.
Tips: The original recipe uses what are essentially sweet vanilla breadcrumbs. Here, I added vanilla extract and ground up biscotti/toast cookies, thus eliminating the need for further sugar in the recipe.
Kartoshka
(makes about 10-12)
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup warm 1% or 2% milk
- 2 heaping T cocoa powder + 2 T more for coating
- 119 g butter (one stick), softened and at room temperature
- 162 g (5.7 oz) crushed biscuits (aniseed toasts or other mild sweet italian biscuits work well here)
- 1/4 t vanilla extract
- a handful of slivered almonds
- optional: 1 t brandy or cognac
1. Grind the biscuits finely in a food processor or coffee grinder. Prepare the extra 2 T cocoa in a large plate, easy for rolling.
2. Combine all the ingredients, adding the milk in slowly, until well combined. Shape into ‘potato’ shapes – you can, of course, also shape these into smaller truffles.
3. Roll in cocoa and top with a few slivers of almonds. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
These treats look pretty cute and delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, Uru! Tooooo delicious 🙂
Well this will certainly satisfy my chocolate craving! How fun is this recipe too. Love, love, love. Perfect for Valentines. 🙂
Definitely, Karista! Made into smaller truffled ‘potatoes,’ these would be a wonderful Valentine’s Day treat.
Oh, yum! I was going to make cake balls, but I may make these rum balls instead.
Oh you will love them! Enjoy!
Giant chocolate rum balls! What is not to love! 🙂
Haha exactly 🙂
How did I miss this post? When I was a teen, my parents took me to St-Petersburg and I discovered Kartochki, and absolutely adored them!!! I competed with my brother on who would get his teeth “browner”. I have never eaten one since, and it was a while ago, but I have never forgotten Kartochki! Great post, Ksenia.
A very nostalgic treat for me too! My mom used to make kartoshki at home when I was little, but we have not made them for a very, very long time 🙂
Rum balls the size of potatos!!! I wish I were Russian right about now! They look incredible and a little indulgence (or a lot) is good for the soul. I know quite a few chocoholics who would love to get their hands on one, me included!
hahaha I haven’t had these very often, recently, but as a kid… Let me tell you, they seemed even bigger 🙂