Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Chocolate Truffles: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a medium sized heatproof bowl. Set aside. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for about two minutes. Then gently stir with a heatproof spatula or wire whisk until smooth. If desired, add the liqueur. Let cool to room temperature and then cover and place in the refrigerator until the truffle mixture is firm enough to roll into balls (about 60 minutes).

Next, remove the truffle mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small ice cream scoop, a small spoon, or in the palms of your hands, form the chocolate into 1 inch balls (2.5 cm) (15 grams each). Then, if you don't want to dip the Truffles in tempered chocolate, immediately roll the Truffles in your coating (unsweetened cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or chocolate sprinkles). Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator until firm and then transfer to a covered container. Can be stored in the refrigerator or they can be frozen.

If Covering With Tempered Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, placed over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt 1 1/2 pounds (675 grams) of the finely chopped chocolate.

Once melted, remove from the heat and check to see that the temperature of the chocolate is 115 degrees F (46 degrees C). Then gradually add the remaining 1/2 pound (225 grams) of the finely chopped chocolate, stirring with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, until a chocolate thermometer inserted into the chocolate registers 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). (You may not use all the chocolate.) To keep the chocolate tempered, place the bowl of tempered chocolate into another larger bowl that has been lined with a heating pad wrapped in plastic wrap, set at the lowest setting (about 90 F (32 C)). (See video for demonstration.) Wearing gloves, take a room temperature chocolate truffle and dip it into the tempered chocolate. Immediately roll the Truffles in your coating (unsweetened cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or chocolate sprinkles). Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once all the Truffles have been dipped and coated, you can let them set at room temperature or place in the refrigerator until set.

Truffles can be refrigerated in a covered container for about one month or else frozen for two months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Makes about 26 - 1 inch (2.5 cm) round Chocolate Truffles.

Note: Any leftover tempered chocolate can be covered and stored in a cool dry place. Use within two weeks. It can be used again for making tempered chocolate but do not use it as the seed chocolate.