Wanna know one of my biggest indulgences?
Chocolate Truffles. Red wine. “Julie & Julia”.
All at once.
Yep.
Kids in bed.
Computer put away.
Lights turned low.
No distractions to interfere with the movie…
except having to reach for another truffle.
If only this could be a weekly occurrence!
Many people think that making your own truffles is too much work. Or they find the process intimidating. But really, you just need a recipe you can rely on. I’ve tried a number of recipes over the years, and this is what I’ve come up with. This is my recipe for no-fail Chocolate Truffles. And they are easy to make. I promise.
My thoughts on flavor: Truffles can be easily tweaked to your own tastebuds by altering the liqueur. I prefer Grand Marnier (orange), but Kahlua (coffee) and Chambord (raspberry) are also excellent. These truffles can also be made completely without the liqueur and are still luxury in chocolate.
My thoughts on size: I like an ample 2-bite sized truffle. So that while the inside of my mouth is enjoying that first bite, my eyes can be taking in the beautiful creamy chocolatey innards of the remaining bite.
My thoughts on coating: For me, the simpler the better here. I prefer a classic coating of cocoa powder. Did you know there are different types of cocoa powder? Natural and Dutch Process. And I find that Dutch Process cocoa powder has a richer, smoother flavor. It guarantees truffle enjoyment.
What is one of your biggest indulgences?
Chocolate Truffles
(print recipe)
8 oz. high quality bittersweet chocolate (The better your chocolate, the better your truffles!)
8 oz. high quality semisweet chocolate
1 c. heavy cream
1 T. prepared coffee
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 T. Grand Marnier (orange flavored liqueur) or liqueur of your choice, optional
Dutch Process cocoa powder, for coating (I highly recommend Penzey’s Spices!)
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Chop both chocolates into small pieces (about 1/4″ or so) with a sharp knife. Place chocolates in a medium heat-proof bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream just until it boils. Remove the cream from the heat and let sit for about 30 seconds. Slowly pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Whisk the mixture gently until combined and completely melted. Add the coffee, vanilla, and Grand Marnier (if using). Whisk until combined. Set bowl in refrigerator for 25 minutes, then let it sit at room temperature for another 30 minutes.
With a teaspoon, scoop up a rounded ball of truffle mixture, about 1-1/4″ in diameter. With a second teaspoon, scrape the truffle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you have used up all the truffle mixture and you have a full pan of roughly shaped balls. Set pan in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Place cocoa powder in a small bowl. After the balls have chilled and firmed up a bit, roll each one in your hands. Aim for a “rough roundness”, not perfect balls. I will gently dent mine here and there if they are looking too round, to mimic classic truffles. Roll in cocoa powder. I don’t like eating a mouthful of cocoa powder, so I try to get any excess off by giving the truffles a small gentle toss between my two hands (over the bowl of cocoa powder).
These store very well for about a week in the refrigerator and can be frozen for about a month. Either way, always bring them to room temperature before serving. If the cocoa powder seems to get absorbed, simply roll the truffles in cocoa powder again.
Yield: about 35 truffles
Source: a farmgirl’s dabbles
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m linking up with:
Cheryl at Tidy Mom for I’m Lovin’ It
Allison at Alli-N-Son for Sweet Tooth Friday
Thank you for showing the simplicity of this wonderful treat. Wow!!
Hi Kelly – they really ARE simple! Great to hear from you! xoxo
Your truffles look just gorgeous!! And so yummy
Julie and Julia is one of my favorite movies, too!!
Cookbook Queen recently posted..Angry Birds Cupcakes
Hi Kristan – thank you!
These look amazing! I hope you’ll stop by and link up with Sweet Tooth Friday again.
Allison @ Alli ‘n Son recently posted..Sweet Tooth Friday- Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hi Allison – thanks for stopping by – I linked up!
Gorgeous truffles! Yum!
Thank you, Tracy!
How funny, I just got a bag of the Penzey’s cocoa powder and haven’t tried it yet. What perfect timing, I guess I was meant to make truffles with it!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..chocolate gelato achieving chocolate bliss
Perfect timing, indeed! Enjoy!
What a lovely indulgence… and yes… your idea of indulging is very similar to mine! Love it!
Kristen recently posted..Foodily – A New Site for Those Who Love Food
I think I might be able to pull off one of these evenings of indulgence tonight. (Yay!) Great to hear from you, Kristen!
These are adorable… and I bet taste fantastic!!!
Amanda recently posted..Valentines Day Baking Ideas
Thank you, Amanda!
Gorgeous!
Shaina recently posted..A Valentine’s Day Menu and Foodily
Thank you, Shaina.
Oh, I LOOOOOOOOVE truffles! You have me craving chocolate BIG TIME right now!
Great to hear from you, Bridget – thanks!
I love truffles! I need to get my hands on some of those truffles!
Jamie | My Baking Addiction recently posted..Red Velvet Cupcakes
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie – great to hear from you!
These are just lovely and I do love your thoughts on the truffle size
Hi Paula – thank you!
Oh my are you my kinda gal. Truffles + red wine + movie = *bliss*.
And these look absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, bliss. Thank you, Wendy!
Mmmm these look great! If I wanted to not use alcohol in them should I substitute it for another liquid? Or will it be fine without it?
Harriet recently posted..Debt Advice Services In Crisis – Finance and Fallout
Thanks, Harriet. If you want to omit the alcohol, please do so. I’ve done it before, with no other adjustments. It works great.
Brilliant I will! One of my housemates doesn’t drink for religious reasons and I wouldn’t want them not to be able to share in eating them!
Harriet recently posted..Do You Have To Pay Debts Over 6 Years Old
Excellent!
Oh that sounds like a perfect treat! I’m so with ya. Gorgeous photos.
Robyn | Add a Pinch recently posted..Mingle Monday
Thanks, Robyn!
So beautiful! Love that you used Penzey’s. I haven’t ever made my own truffles, but I think I should do so!
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies recently posted..Guest Post – German Chocolate Brownies
Thanks, Amber. There is something so satisfying about making your own. Definitely give it a try!
Ah, truffles. One of our absolute favorite treats. Well done!
(PS. Welcome to the Gaggle!! Hope to catch you at the watercooler soon.)
Thanks, Aimee. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better!