These splendid, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles make wonderful gifts from your kitchen, and definitely add finesse to a holiday candy tray.

Chocolate Holiday Truffles

Truffles:

1 (8-ounce) package semisweet baking chocolate
4-ounces (1/2 of an 8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) container nondairy whipped topping, thawed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Suggested coatings:

Chocolate or colored sprinkles

Cocoa powder

Powdered sugar

Sweetened flaked coconut, toasted

Finely chopped pecans

1. Melt chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl in microwave oven on HIGH 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Add cream cheese and vanilla; stir until cream cheese is melted and well blended. Cool to room temperature. Gently fold in whipped topping, blending well. Refrigerate 2 hours or until mixture is firm enough to handle.
2. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls and place on wax paper-covered baking sheets. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
3. Roll in desired coatings, working with a few truffles at a time. Store in a tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Makes about 6 dozen truffles.