Most of us have a thing for chocolate. One creative delicacy is the chocolate truffle.
If you have heard of truffles and thought of the subterranean fungus that grows in the shadow of oak trees, you would be correct in that it’s the TRUE truffle, and if you have the opportunity, they are a true delicacy.
Today, however, we are talking about chocolate truffles. Truffle is derived from the LATIN word that means “lump.” The fungus truffle and the chocolate truffles have a similar resemblance and therefore share the name.
The first chocolates were made crudely and looked like lumps..lumps of truffles.
Chocolate is one delicacy that no one can refuse. The chocolate industry has been busy entertaining consumers by introducing creative delicacies, each tastier and more exquisite than the previous. One such miracle happens to be “The Chocolate Truffle.”
The classic recipe for the Homemade Chocolate Truffle includes a ganache, a mixture of bittersweet chocolate, and heavy cream. This recipe skips the ganache and adds a delicious coating of cocoa, though you’re welcome to indulge in the ganache should you be inclined.
Where did Chocolate Truffles come from?
Some say that chocolate truffles are the culinary creation of a French Patisserie. Most likely an accident we now dub a luxury. French patisserie Louis DuFour is said to have been making Christmas chocolate treats on Christmas Eve 1865 in Chambray, France. He was looking to gift his customers something creative and new. He created an exquisite chocolate ganache and shaped it into small spheres. He then rolled the ganache spheres into cocoa powder to make them easier to touch and not melt in his customer’s hands. They were a hit; thus, the first chocolate truffle was created.
Others say chocolate truffles were a scrumptious accident by Auguste Escoffier’s assistant sometime in 1920. The assistant patisserie poured the hot cream he had made into a bowl of chocolate chunks. This created, what some say, the first ganache. Once the bowl of chocolate and cream cooled, the chocolate could be molded into balls, which he rolled in cocoa.
Chocolate truffles are easy to make wherever they were created and truly a delicious reward.
EASY Decadent Truffle Recipe Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
2 T. Heavy Whipping Cream
2 T. baking cocoa
1-1/2 T. powdered sugar
Melted frosting (optional)
EASY Decadent Truffle Recipe Directions:
Mix chocolate chips, jellied cranberry sauce, and heavy whipping cream in a medium saucepan. Over medium-low heat, constantly whisk until the chocolate is melted and the batter is smooth. Do NOT bring it to a boil.
Once well blended and smooth, remove from heat. Pour into a glass bowl and cover with saran wrap.
Place in refrigerator and allow to sit a minimum of one hour.
Meanwhile, combine the baking cocoa and the powdered sugar.
Once firm, roll into balls and then roll into the cocoa/sugar mixture.
(optional): melt frosting in the microwave at 10-second intervals and then drizzle over the top for a finished look.