Chocolate Orange Truffles With Almonds Recipes

CHOCOLATE-ORANGE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Bring about 1 inch of water to a very slow simmer in a medium saucepan. Put the chocolate in a medium heat-safe bowl that can sit on top of the pan without touching the water. Put the bowl over the water and let the chocolate melt, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from the heat.
• Meanwhile, bring the heavy cream, honey and half of the orange zest to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey. Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl and then gradually whisk into the chocolate until smooth and shiny. Whisk in the butter until melted. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a cool spot until slightly firm, about 1 hour.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rub together the sugar and remaining orange zest in a small bowl until combined. Transfer the truffle mixture to a piping bag or resealable bag fitted with a plain 1/4-inch tip. Holding the bag about 1/4-inch over the baking sheet, pipe 3/4-inch truffles. Sprinkle with the orange sugar. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

ORANGE-TOFFEE-ALMOND TRUFFLES

Steps:

• In large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High about 1 minute or until softened; stir until smooth. (If not completely softened, continue microwaving 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each microwave time, until smooth.)
• Stir whipping cream into chocolate until very smooth and glossy. Stir in orange peel and toffee bits. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.
• Place almonds in small bowl. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls. Immediately roll balls in almonds, pressing to coat. Place on ungreased cookie sheet or in paper candy cups. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm. Remove from refrigerator 20 minutes before serving.

CHOCOLATE-ORANGE TRUFFLES WITH ALMONDS

Steps:

• Line 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan with foil. Bring cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Whisk in Grand Marnier and orange peel. Pour into prepared pan; freeze just until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Using foil as aid lift chocolate block out of pan; place on work surface. Flatten foil at edges. Cut chocolate into 25 squares. Place nuts in small bowl. Press chocolate square into nuts, coating completely. Roll truffle between palms into ball. Repeat with remaining chocolate and nuts. Cover; chill until very firm, about 2 hours. Serve cold.

ALMOND-AMARETTI CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Put the cream, butter and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Put the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl, pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it sit until completely melted, about 10 minutes. Stir the chocolate-cream mixture with a whisk or rubber spatula until combined and smooth. Stir in the almond butter and almond and vanilla extracts, then whisk until the ganache is smooth and shiny. Transfer the ganache to a shallow container, cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment. Put the crushed amaretti in a shallow dish. Scoop tablespoons of the firm ganache, roll into balls and coat in the amaretti crumbs. Transfer the coated truffles to the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or up to overnight.