Chokladboll

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Chokladboll
250px
Chokladbollar rolled in shredded coconut
Origin
Place of origin Sweden
Details
Type Cake
Main ingredient(s) Oatmeal, sugar, coffee, cocoa, butter

Chokladboll ("chocolate ball") is a type of unbaked pastry that is a popular Swedish confectionery. The common term used to be "negerboll" ("negro ball"), but this term is today rarely used in public due to its association with racist stereotypes.

The chokladboll is usually slightly smaller than a golfball. The chokladboll consists of oatmeal, sugar, vanilla sugar, cocoa, butter, and sometimes a small amount of coffee (some like to mix in a splash of cream to make them creamier and softer), which is mixed to a compact mass. Balls are formed and then rolled in nib sugar, shredded coconut, or sprinkles. Chokladboll can be eaten immediately, but it is usually first chilled in a refrigerator.

Because of its simple recipe, it can be quickly made by anyone and is popular at children's parties and as homemade candy.

Name

The most common term for the pastry used to be "negerboll" ("negro ball"). It was coined in an era when there were virtually no black people living in Sweden. It is rarely used in print today, but occurs in colloquial speech. The issue of whether or not "negerboll" is the appropriate term for the pastry has been the subject of media debate.[1] The Swedish word "neger" (roughly equivalent to English "negro") was considered neutral a few decades ago but is today usually seen as offensive, and the use of "negerboll" is therefore not recommended by Swedish language authorities.[2]

The most common term today is chokladboll. The variant with shredded coconut can also be called kokosboll ("coconut ball"). The term "havreboll" ("oatmeal ball") occurs, but mostly refers to a variant of the chokladboll that contains little or no cocoa. A well-known form of chokladbollar manufactured by Delicato is sold under the brand name "Delicatoboll".

In 2003, a bakery owner from Sjöbo was reported to the Swedish Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination for using the word "negerbollar" on a sign in her bakery shop. However, the case was dismissed since the woman reporting it did not consider herself personally insulted.[3]

The word "chokladboll" was first added to the Swedish Academy's glossary Svenska Akademiens ordlista in 2006. Before it was listed only as "negerboll". In the 2013 edition, the pastry can be found under both names but with a comment that the "chokladboll" is the recommended term.[2]

See also

Similar sweets exist around the world.

References

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  2. 2.0 2.1 Svenska Akademiens ordlista över svenska språket, 2006
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External links