If there is one chocolate gift that deserves special mention it is the chocolate truffle for it truly is at the height of sugar art, more commonly referred to as confectioner's art. While its name "truffle" might have you imagining some little pig snorting away or perhaps you envision a fungus of some sort. Not to worry - truffles are actually very tasteful candy confections - decadent we might add. They are the perfect way to treat yourself and they also make the perfect gift.
But what is a chocolate truffle? Well it's simply a truffle that has a crunchy chocolate coating. A truffle has a creamy center made from a ball of ganache, a mix of cream and melted chocolate. Tempered chocolate is used to make the coating. This simply means the chocolate has been melted twice so that when you bite into the chocolate you get that magical crunch that chocolate truffles are known for. You can also add flavoring to the ganache. Liqueurs are commonly used. The outer coating of chocolate can have sugars or nuts added to enhance the look and flavor.
There are a number of recipes for making chocolate truffles at home. They can vary slightly and you can also vary the chocolate coating yourself just by rolling them in other outer coatings. Just remember the finest chocolate truffles will use the finest ingredients to create a rich, smooth, creamy center that is surrounded by the outer chocolate shell.
How to Make Fabulous Chocolate Truffles
Of course, the first thing you'll need to do is make the actual truffle, so get your truffle recipe out. If you want your chocolate truffles to be fabulous and come off flawlessly, then follow these great steps.
Step 1: Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
Step 2: First, you will need to melt the chocolate.
Step 3: Use your truffle dipper to dip the truffle in the melted chocolate and make sure it is covered. If you don't have a truffle dipper, you can use two forks. Remove the truffle; tap the handle gently on the bowl's edge to shake off excess chocolate.
Step 4: Place your truffle on the tray. Repeat steps for all your chocolate truffles.
Step 5: Let set.
Tempered Chocolate
Eating chocolate must be "tempered" before being used for dipping or coating so that the chocolate resets and has the glossy finish. To do this:
1. Place the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Leave there until it has melted and it has reached a temperature of 45?C on your sugar thermometer.
2. Place the bowl inside a larger bowl of cold water.
3. Stir until your chocolate thickens and the temperature had dropped to 27?C.
4. Return the bowl to the simmering water saucepan and stir until your chocolate temperature rises to 32?C.
Whether you decide to make your own chocolate truffles or you decide to buy chocolate truffles they are a great way to treat yourself or someone special in your life and they certainly make a great gift idea!
But what is a chocolate truffle? Well it's simply a truffle that has a crunchy chocolate coating. A truffle has a creamy center made from a ball of ganache, a mix of cream and melted chocolate. Tempered chocolate is used to make the coating. This simply means the chocolate has been melted twice so that when you bite into the chocolate you get that magical crunch that chocolate truffles are known for. You can also add flavoring to the ganache. Liqueurs are commonly used. The outer coating of chocolate can have sugars or nuts added to enhance the look and flavor.
There are a number of recipes for making chocolate truffles at home. They can vary slightly and you can also vary the chocolate coating yourself just by rolling them in other outer coatings. Just remember the finest chocolate truffles will use the finest ingredients to create a rich, smooth, creamy center that is surrounded by the outer chocolate shell.
How to Make Fabulous Chocolate Truffles
Of course, the first thing you'll need to do is make the actual truffle, so get your truffle recipe out. If you want your chocolate truffles to be fabulous and come off flawlessly, then follow these great steps.
Step 1: Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
Step 2: First, you will need to melt the chocolate.
Step 3: Use your truffle dipper to dip the truffle in the melted chocolate and make sure it is covered. If you don't have a truffle dipper, you can use two forks. Remove the truffle; tap the handle gently on the bowl's edge to shake off excess chocolate.
Step 4: Place your truffle on the tray. Repeat steps for all your chocolate truffles.
Step 5: Let set.
Tempered Chocolate
Eating chocolate must be "tempered" before being used for dipping or coating so that the chocolate resets and has the glossy finish. To do this:
1. Place the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Leave there until it has melted and it has reached a temperature of 45?C on your sugar thermometer.
2. Place the bowl inside a larger bowl of cold water.
3. Stir until your chocolate thickens and the temperature had dropped to 27?C.
4. Return the bowl to the simmering water saucepan and stir until your chocolate temperature rises to 32?C.
Whether you decide to make your own chocolate truffles or you decide to buy chocolate truffles they are a great way to treat yourself or someone special in your life and they certainly make a great gift idea!