Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

• 8 oz Bittersweet chocolate (60‑70% cacao) (high‑quality, broken into chunks)
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream (minimum 35% fat, very rich)
• 0.25 tsp Fine sea salt (enhances flavor)
• 2 tbsp Orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) (adds bright citrus note)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional) (optional flavor boost)
• 0.25 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (for coating)
• 0.25 cup Confectioners' sugar (sweet coating option)
• 0.25 cup Finely grated coconut (for a snowy look)
• 0.25 cup Chopped pistachios (festive green topping)
• 2 tbsp Crushed peppermint candies (optional) (holiday sparkle)

Instructions

1. Measure and prepare ingredients

   Measure ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ tsp salt, 2 tbsp orange liqueur, and optional vanilla. Break the 8 oz chocolate into small pieces and set aside.

   Time: PT3M

2. Heat the cream

   Combine the cream, salt, and orange liqueur in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until just before boiling – a bare simmer with tiny bubbles around the edges.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: ~95°C

3. Finely chop the chocolate

   Using a serrated offset knife, chop the chocolate into very fine, uniform pieces (about pea‑size).

   Time: PT5M

4. Combine cream and chocolate

   Place the chopped chocolate in the heat‑proof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes to begin melting.

   Time: PT2M

5. Whisk the ganache smooth

   After 2 minutes, gently whisk the mixture until it becomes a glossy, smooth ganache with no lumps.

   Time: PT2M

6. Spread ganache in pan

   Transfer the ganache to an 8×8‑inch cake pan (or loaf pan) and spread evenly with a spatula.

   Time: PT2M

7. Chill the ganache

   Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the ganache is firm enough to scoop, about 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

8. Scoop and roll truffles

   Using a 1‑inch ice‑cream scoop, portion out a scant tablespoon of ganache, roll quickly between gloved hands into smooth balls.

   Time: PT10M

9. Coat in toppings

   Place each topping (cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, grated coconut, pistachios, peppermint) in separate shallow bowls. Roll each truffle in the desired coating, shaking off excess.

   Time: PT5M

10. Serve or store

    Arrange finished truffles on a serving plate. Store in an airtight container as described below.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

53

Protein

0.6 g

Carbohydrates

5 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

1 g