Truffles....one of my favourite home-made gift ideas...I've made these in the past and included in gift boxes and baskets, I think they were much appreciated!! These delicious little bites just add a bit of luxury to your Christmas gifts.... they're super easy to make and the great thing about them is that you can make them ahead and freeze them until Christmas..here's a recipe.....
Ingredients
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
8 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups cream
1 tsp vanilla
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temparature
Method
Line a 13 by 9 inch rimmed baking sheet with cling-film.
In a heatprood bow,, set over simmering water, melt both chocolates until smooth.
Place cream and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until cream just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Let cream cool.
Mix chocolate mixture with cream mixture. Add butter and mix well. Pour into baking sheet and cover with cling-film pressing down gently to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate overnight.
Using a melon scoop or a tablespoon take a small piece and using your hands make up little balls. Transfer onto baking sheet. Place them in the fridge. Because of the heat here in Cyprus, I would have the baking sheet in the fridge and add a few truffles a few at a time as I made them. Also I would put my mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes and then continue.
Freeze in air-tight container for about 2-3 weeks. When you're ready to use coat them with cocoa powder, chopped nuts or coconut.
You can also add finely chopped nuts to the truffle mixture or some alcohol of your choice, some coffee liquor of Bailey's would be a nice touch!!
Androulla xxx
