Artisan Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Artisan Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Ingredients:

- Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): 8 oz (225 g)

- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)

- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30 g), room temperature

- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

- Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup (50 g), for dusting

- Optional Flavors:

  - Sea Salt: 1/4 tsp

  - Espresso Powder: 1/2 tsp

  - Orange Zest: 1 tsp

  - Chili Powder: 1/4 tsp

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

   - Chop the dark chocolate into small, even pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.

   - In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).

   - Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.

   - Gently stir the mixture until smooth and fully combined. Add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract (and any optional flavors if using) and continue stirring until smooth.

2. Chill the Ganache:

   - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to shape.

3. Shape the Truffles:

   - Once the ganache is firm, use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to portion out the ganache.

   - Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Coat the Truffles:

   - Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish.

   - Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder until evenly coated.

   - For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt or chili powder on top.

5. Chill the Truffles:

   - Once coated, refrigerate the truffles for another 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Serving Size:

- Makes: 

Approximately 20 truffles

Nutritional Values (per truffle):

- Calories: 85 kcal

- Total Fat: 6 g

- Saturated Fat: 4 g

- Cholesterol: 10 mg

- Sodium: 5 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 7 g

- Dietary Fiber: 1 g

- Sugars: 5 g

- Protein: 1 g

Estimated Cooking Time:

- Preparation Time: 15 minutes

- Chilling Time: 2-3 hours

- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Notes:

- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

- For a more decadent experience, you can roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dip them in melted chocolate.