Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles
By Chuck Siegel
What to Buy: We love Guittard Chocolate Compnay’s 72% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate; available in small wafers which are perfect for melting. You can find it in some groceries, and online.
Special Equipment: A melon baller, also known as a Parisienne scoop, is perfect for scooping truffle-size balls of ganache. You could also use a cookie scoop. Both are available at Cooking.com.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup organic heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 whole vanilla bean
- 8 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Place chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, and use the back of a paring knife to scrape the vanilla seeds into the cream. Let steep for 10 minutes, then return the cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the finely chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk the chocolate and cream mixture together until very smooth. This is referred to as ganache, a mixture of chocolate and cream.
- Pour ganache into a shallow 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
- Using a small melon baller or a small teaspoon, scoop a small ball of ganache into your hand and roll between your palms until somewhat smooth and round. Place ganache balls on a baking sheet until they are all rolled. They should be approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl or pan. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder to coat.
- Truffles may be stored for up to two weeks at a cool room temperature (55 to 65 degrees) in an airtight container.
Note: Do not refrigerate or freeze the truffles; this damages the texture of the creamy ganache.
COMMENTS | ADD YOUR OWN
I love the 72% wafers. They're smooth and not bitter and very enjoyable.
Some people use liquor instead of vanilla.Why is this??and is it safe for kids?