Truffle Recipes
Gourmet chocolate has become a favourite for Valentine, Chistmas, birthdays, etc. But why this big buzz about it lately? There are 3 main differntiators from regular chocolate. These are production process, ingredients, and packaging.
Most gourmet chocolate items are handmare by professional chocolateirs (the fancy name of chocolate makers). While this proccess takes more time, it achieves much higher quality than factory made chocolates.
Gourmet chocolates are only made from premium ingredients, not like regular chocolates. Many gourmet chocolate products have cocoa from only a certain origin or region instead of a mix of different types of cocoa beans. The percentage of real cocoa content in these superior chocolate types is much higher (50-70%, even 95%) compared to regular types(5-20%). These factors are the reasons for the qualities everyone loves in gourmet chocolate: a stronger chocolate smell and taste, a smooth appearance, and a soft feel in the mouth with no aftertaste.
After this brief introduction to the gourmet chocolate world, let me introduce the „easiest” of all confectionery items: The Truffle.
The truffle is actually spherical chocolate treat, made of 3 layers: the core, the shell and the coating. There are various combinations of these three separate parts.
I will compare two truffle recipes, to show that there are very easy ones and there are some bit more difficult ones, but none of the truffle recipes requires you to be a professional chef.
Truffle Recipe #1:
I like this recipe very much. It’s rather easy, warm and friendly. This is the best recipe before Christmas when the streets are covered with snow and you sit in a nice warm room in the company of your family.
Almond-Fudge Truffle Recipe
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sifted confectioners sugar
1/2 cup light cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
On sheet of wax paper, reserve 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; set aside.
In food processor or with mixer on high speed, combine confectioners sugar, the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder, the cream cheese and almond extract; process until well blended.
Drop cream cheese mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls in the reserved cocoa powder; roll into balls and refrigerate.
Makes 24
Truffle Recipe #2:
Ever wondered what would it be like to make a trip to heaven and back? Well, I guess you’ll learn after tasting these. When I have guests, I always offer them these, as these are loved by almost everyone and they’re absolutely delicious.
This recipe is a bit harder and have more ingredients than the Truffle Recipe #1, but still easy.
Chocolate Truffle Heaven Recipe
8 oz dark chocolate
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
3 oz white chocolate, chopped
½ cup macadamia nuts, chopped
16 oz white chocolate
1 chocolate sprinkles
Chop or grate dark chocolate into small pieces. Melt chocolate and cream in double boiler. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Fold in 3 ounces of white chocolate that has been chopped into chunks and the macadamia nuts. Transfer to a covered bowl and place in refrigerator overnight.
Form chocolate into balls. Place on waxed paper and again refrigerator overnight. Allow to set uncovered in refrigerator at least 2 hours before loosely covering with wax paper.
Melt white chocolate in double boiler. Dip truffles and place on waxed paper lined baking sheets. Decorate with chocolate sprinkles.
How many truffles will depend on size you make them.
