Basic Chocolate Truffles (plus 4 Variations)

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• cocoa, for rolling

Recipe

• 1 in a heavy pan on a low heat, melt chocolates, whipping cream and butter together, stirring occasionally; when melted, pour into a small bowl and cool mixture; refrigerate for 2 hours or until mixture hardens.
• 2 using a melon baller or a teaspoon, quickly form mixture into approximately ¾-inch rounds; refrigerate until cold; roll in cocoa or dip in chocolate; refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
• 3 variations on a theme: orange liqueur truffles add ¼ cup (50 ml) grand marnier, cointreau or triple sec to truffle mixture after it has melted; stir in ¼ tsp (1 ml) grated orange rind to heighten orange flavour.
• 4 kahlua truffles add 3 tbsp (45 ml) kahlúa to truffle mixture after it has melted.
• 5 rum truffles add 3 tbsp (45 ml) rum to truffle mixture after it has melted.
• 6 dark chocolate coated truffles melt 8 oz (250 g) bittersweet chocolate in a heavy pot over low heat; remove from heat; place cold truffle on skewer or dipping fork, and swirl in chocolate to coat; place on wax or parchment paper to set.