Easy-peasy recipe for French chocolate truffles
Chocolate truffles are another must-have for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in France! They’re often given as gifts to loved ones, served as dessert after festive meals, and enjoyed with coffee and liqueurs by the fireside, near the Christmas tree.
Fortunately, there’s no need to break the bank buying expensive chocolates to indulge. Chocolate truffles are incredibly easy to make and require no special culinary skills. There are countless recipes, each adding its own twist to this classic treat. Some recipes can even become extravagant, featuring trendy and exclusive ingredients.
However, we believe in the principle of “less is more.” That’s why we’ve chosen the simplest and quickest recipe, one that preserves the authentic flavour of traditional truffles. With this basic recipe, you can easily create delicious truffles. Your friends and family will be impressed by your culinary skills and touched by the thoughtfulness of your gift.
The secret to this ultra-simple recipe is to start preparing the mixture the day before, so it can develop a creamy and fragrant texture.
Ingredients
For about 40 truffles:
- 300g dark chocolate
- 20cl whipping cream
- 40g unsalted butter
- Optional: vanilla, Grand Marnier, rum, cherry, etc. The flavouring and quantity are to your liking, but a few drops are enough to avoid an overpowering taste.
- Cocoa powder for coating the truffles.
Preparation
About 40mn – Start the day before:
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or bain-marie.
- Bring the heavy cream to a boil separately in a saucepan.
- Remove from the heat
- Pour the melted chocolate into the cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl, let it cool, then cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight.
The next day:
- Melt the mixture in a double boiler – bain-marie.
- Add the butter (and flavouring, if desired), stirring thoroughly.
- Let the mixture cool until it solidifies.
- Using a dessert spoon, scoop out small amounts.
- Form small balls by hand
- Once formed, roll the balls in cocoa powder.
Your chocolate truffles are ready, and store them in your refrigerator, if you can keep them long enough…
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Header by Off-shell CC BY-SA 4.0 – Selection by Klaus Höpfner CC BY-SA 3.0
