Chocolate truffles make up the best gift in every respect for almost every occasion, be it Christmas, Valentine’s Day or the birthday of your loved ones. The high quality chocolate is first melted along with cream and then flavored subtly. Finally, it is rolled over cocoa powder which adds another level of flavor over the chocolate. The chocolate truffles show a great resemblance with the earth’s crust because of this final layer of cocoa powder. However, sometimes you’ll find these chocolate truffles very expensive and your budget may overshoot in buying them. If is it so, why not you make it yourself at home. You need not be an expert chef in order to prepare it. Just follow the steps given below and it’s is for sure that you’ll end up serving some delicious chocolate truffles to your friends and family.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 50-60 minutes includes preparation and cooking
Resources Required:
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Coarsely chopped high quality semi sweet chocolate (about 10 ounces)
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Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
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Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup)
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Sugar (1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Mix the cream and the chocolate
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First of all, place the coarsely chopped chocolate and cream in a double boiler over but make sure that it’s is not touching the hot water. Allow the chocolate to melt and as it melts, stir it continuously so that the melted chocolate perfectly blends up with the cream.
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If you do not have a double boiler then you can even use a microwave oven. Put the ingredients in the microwave bowl and then place it in the microwave for at least 1 minute. Then, for the next two minutes stir the mixture continuously at intervals of 30 seconds. This will make sure that the chocolate and cream have completely blended.
2. Add the flavorings
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Remove the bowl from the heat and then allow it to cool at room temperature, also continue stirring it.
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When the mixture becomes quite thick (but still it can be stirred) then you must add the flavorings like coffee, mint, orange, coconut etc. to give the chocolate truffle a different taste.
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However, this step is not necessary as the plain chocolate truffles are equally popular. You can do this if you are fond of any particular flavor.
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Allow it to cool at room temperature and let it become thicker until it reaches a state where it can be easily molded.
3. Roll the mixture over cocoa powder
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Now, mix the cocoa powder and sugar, and then spread it evenly over a plate.
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With the help of a spoon, scoop out chocolate mixture from the bowl and place it over the plate of cocoa powder.
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Roll it over the powder and with the help of your fingers, apply a coating of cocoa powder over the chocolate. Give it an even shape and then place it over the candy cup or a tray.
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Repeat the above procedure for the rest of the chocolate mixture in the bowl.
4. Chill the truffles
When you are done with all the chocolate, then place the tray in the refrigerator and allow it to chill until they become hard. Now, you can place your hand made chocolate truffles in an airtight container and store it in a cool place.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long the chocolate mixture allowed to cool before rolling them over the cocoa powder?
It depends totally on the factors like room temperature and the temperature of the mixture. If you are making the chocolate truffles in winter season then you don’t have to wait much. However, in summers chocolate will definitely take more time to harden. The best way is to allow them to cool at room temperature after adding the flavorings. Do not stir during this time. Keep examining the truffle at regular intervals, and when it looks quite thick that it can be molded then scoop it out.
Quick Tips:
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It is recommended to store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. But keep them out 15 minutes before serving.
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The ratio between chocolate and cream must be around 2:1.
Things To Watch Out For:
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Never cover the bowl while heating the chocolate as the chocolate will convert into oily mess because of the streams.
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Chocolates are very sensitive to heat. Therefore, avoid their direct contact with heated surface. For this reason only, double boilers are used.
