Truffles

My friend and former co-worker, Lynn Patti always reminds me of how delicious and memorable these truffles are. When we worked together in Jacksonville, Florida at the University club, I had to hide the truffles from her in order to keep her sneaky little hands out of them. I swear she would put the truffles on banquet menus just for her own pleasure. I have decided to share this simple chocolate truffle recipe in hopes many of you will indulge in this delightful confection.

      Use a good chocolate such as a European chocolate, Valrhona, Lindt or Callebaut. These chocolates are available  at ://www.worldwidechocolate.com/ . Try to stay away from mass-market makers like Nestle, Bakers of Hershey’s. This recipe takes two days to make so relax, they will be even better.

Chocolate Truffles

(Makes about 20 truffles)

1 1/2 pounds chocolate

2 cups of good cream

3 tablespoons of sweet butter

1 vanilla bean (or one tablespoon or vanilla extract)

1/3 cup liquor such as Grand Marnier

For dipping

1 1/2 cups cocoa powder

or/and

1 pound of melted chocolate (melt over double boiler and then cool to room tempature)

Day One

Chop the chocolate and place  in a mixing bowl.  Add the cream to a 2 quart sauce pan and bring to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate melts and then cool slightly.  Scrape the vanilla bean and add to the cream along with the butter.  Stir the mixture. Cover the and place in the refrigerator over night.

Day Two

Remove the truffle mixture from the refrigerator,  place on the mixer with the paddle and mix on low speed. Add the liquor. Only mix for two or three minutes in order to lighten the mixture. Don’t over mix or the mixture will separate. Scoop with a one ounce scoop into round balls and place on a cookie sheet sprinkled with cocoa powder. With your hands pick up the truffles and roll  into the desired shape. You can also dip the truffles into the melted chocolate or  place a tablespoon or two of melted chocolate in the palm of your  hand, place the truffle on the chocolate and roll in between the palms of your hands.