My daughter recently discovered truffles at an organic fair at the grocery store. She had one and as we were walking away, she said "more truffles" - needless to say she was sold. These are very rich and delicious and can be garnished in many different ways.
Chocolate Truffles
20 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into small pieces (or semisweet chocolate chips)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup heavy cream
Powdered sugar for garnish, optional
Dutch cocoa for garnish, optional
Chopped pecans for garnish, optional
Chocolate non-pareils for garnish, optional
For the filling: Place 8 ounces of the chocolate pieces and the butter in a large bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and pour half the cream into the bowl. As the chocolate melts, slowly whisk the mixture together until smooth. Then gradually add the remaining cream until it's completely incorporated and the ganache is thick and shiny.
Form the truffles: Pour the ganache into a 2-inch-deep baking pan, spread evenly, and place in the freezer for 30 minutes or until set (it should have the consistency of fudge). Using a melon baller or a small spoon, form rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Let the truffles harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes. After removing from the freezer, roll truffles between your hands into marble-size spheres, squeezing slightly (try to do this quickly, otherwise they'll become too soft). You can now dust the truffles with cocoa and serve them as is, but they'll hold their shape better if you coat them with chocolate first.
Make the coating: Let the truffles rest in the freezer while you make the chocolate glaze. Place the remaining chocolate pieces in a large bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and stir occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate starts to set at the edge of the bowl. Drop the truffles into the melted chocolate and retrieve them with a fork, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off; garnish immediately.
Garnish: For a nut garnish, roll the freshly coated truffles in a shallow dish of chopped nuts. For a sugar or cocoa garnish, set the freshly coated truffles on a plate and sift the garnish over them. Turn the truffles and sift again to cover completely. For the chocolate non-pareils, pour into small bowl and roll the truffles in them, sprinkling some over the top to coat completely.
Storage: Place the truffles on the lined baking sheet and allow them to set in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Truffles will keep for about 2 weeks, chilled or at room temperature, when stored in a tightly sealed container.
Makes 35 to 45 truffles
70 calories per truffle
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