Luckily, I’ve rarely had to deal with hospitals for myself or my loved ones. Still, I clearly remember one worrying-sounding moment that turned out to be nothing serious: when Claudia was almost five and still a very energetic child, she spent fifteen days in the children’s hospital in Siena because of a tonsil infection. The condition itself required little concern, but a fortnight in hospital was a critical challenge for such a lively little girl.
One bright memory from that time is how the hospital volunteers helped lift Claudia’s spirits. I can still picture her with her mouth wide open in a hearty laugh when volunteers sat with her and entertained her for a while. A few moments of play, two friendly chats and a smile were enough to erase the bored look and bring back a shining, sparkling expression. Those small human gestures mattered more than anything clinical during that stay.
That memory came to mind when I learned about a blog event organized to raise awareness for a children’s foundation. The call was simple: a child-friendly recipe to support children’s care. How could I refuse? I chose to make truffles — one of the first recipes Claudia and I ever made together. Truffles are simple, child-friendly, and after all, who doesn’t love chocolate?
I have long enjoyed the combination of chocolate and tahini. When I first made a tart that paired chocolate with tahini I promised myself there would be more recipes exploring that match. These truffles were an idea that lingered in my head for a long time until I finally gave them form: small, intensely flavored pieces with a slightly bitter outer layer and a creamy, silky center. They are uncomplicated to prepare, which makes them ideal for cooking with children. The most fun part is getting your hands — and perhaps your mouth — pleasantly messy with chocolate. Expect aprons, chubby faces, chocolate mustaches and huge smiles.
Chocolate & Tahini Truffles
Author: Giulia
Ingredients
- 300 g dark chocolate (around 60% cocoa)
- 200 ml cream
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder for dusting
Yield
Makes about 60 small truffles (depending on size)
Instructions
- Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a small, thick-bottomed saucepan over very low heat. Warm the cream separately and add it a little at a time to the chopped chocolate, whisking gently until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter until fully incorporated. Mix in the tahini, folding it gently into the chocolate mixture so the flavor spreads evenly. Pour the ganache into a bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to firm up.
- When the mixture is cold and set, prepare a large shallow dish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder. This is a great moment to involve children: have them roll up their sleeves, put on aprons and enjoy the tactile experience. Using a teaspoon or small melon baller, scoop small portions of the ganache roughly the size of a hazelnut. Dust hands with cocoa powder and roll each portion between the palms to form neat little balls. Place them on the dish and roll them again in cocoa to coat.
- Arrange the coated truffles on a tray and return them to the refrigerator for another two hours to firm up fully. Once set, the truffles are ready to enjoy or to wrap as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Tasting notes: Tahini adds a deep, nutty, and slightly toasted note to the truffles that complements the chocolate’s richness. It enhances the ganache’s creamy, velvety texture and elevates the overall chocolate flavor without overpowering it. The contrast between the slightly bitter cocoa dusting and the silky interior makes every bite satisfying and well balanced.
These truffles are an excellent project for family baking. They are straightforward enough for children to participate in almost every step — from scooping the ganache to rolling and dusting — while the finished result feels indulgent and special. If you enjoy experimenting, try adjusting the chocolate percentage or adding small accents like flaky salt or a pinch of orange zest to customize the flavor. But even in its simplest form, the chocolate and tahini combination delivers a memorable and comforting treat that invites sharing.
Small acts of care — whether a volunteer’s time with a child in hospital or a batch of homemade truffles shared with loved ones — have a way of making difficult times more bearable. These truffles are my small way of remembering that kindness and celebrating the comforting power of good food.