Basic Chocolate Truffles Recipes

EASY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Place chocolate, cream and butter in a microwave proof bowl. Microwave on high for 4 x 30 second bursts, stirring in between.
• Cover bowl with a plate and stand for 5 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted and smooth (this is a ganache!)
• Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 6 hours. Do not be tempted to shortcut it by freezing it! (Note 2)
• Put a dinner plate or tray that you will use to place the rolled truffles on in the fridge as well.

EASY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Set aside.
• Place the cream in a sauce pan over medium heat (or you can heat it to simmering, in the microwave). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until cream is simmering.
• Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and allow the mixture to rest for 3-5 minutes.
• Add the vanilla extract and stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface (to avoid condensation) and refrigerate for one hour, or until firm.
• Scoop the mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized mounds. Roll each into balls.
• If the chocolate gets too soft and starts to melt, you can chill it until it becomes easier to work with again. This gets a little sticky, so see my tips above.
• Roll each into toppings, if desired. Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment and chill until firm. After the truffles are firm, you can transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remove them to come to room temperature about 20 minutes before serving (they taste best served at room temperature.).

EASY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• 1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, with overhang on two sides. In a saucepan, bring heavy cream and salt to a simmer.
• Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour hot cream mixture over top; let stand 5 minutes then stir until smooth. Pour mixture into baking pan and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.
• When mixture is firm, cut into 1-inch squares and toss in cocoa powder. (See variation section below for instructions on rolling the truffles into balls). To store, box up truffles and refrigerate them at least 15 minutes and up to 2 weeks.

EASY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Chop the chocolate and tip into a large bowl. Put the cream and butter into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
• To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto baking parchment.
• Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on baking parchment. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with baking parchment. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
• To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you're ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Heat cream in a pot until it steams. Put chocolate in a bowl, pour hot cream on top, and stir until chocolate is melted and incorporated into cream.
• Chill until solid all the way through, 1 to 2 hours. Using a chilled melon baller or latex gloves to prevent the ganache from melting or sticking to your hands, scoop out about a tablespoonful and quickly roll it into a ball. Repeat, lining truffles on a plate or a baking sheet.
• If truffles become too soft to handle, place them in refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Roll them in cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar or a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. Serve immediately or store, wrapped in plastic, in refrigerator for up to four days.