Truffles
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Energy Kcal 72
- Carbohydrates g 4
- of which sugars g 4
- Protein g 1.3
- Fats g 5.6
- of which saturated fat g 2.18
- Fiber g 0.4
- Cholesterol mg 4
- Sodium mg 3
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 30 min
- Makes: 30 pieces
- Cost: Very low
- Note + the hardening of the mixture in the refrigerator
PRESENTATION
Belgian truffles are those sweet treats that feel kinda fancy, yet they're really easy to make. For real, what makes them shine among other truffle recipes is the combo of rich dark chocolate with gianduia, that famous chocolate-hazelnut mix everyone loves in Europe. Add some toasty hazelnuts and boom, you've got a flavorful treat that totally stands out from the sweeter, lighter versions you might find elsewhere. Once the chocolate mixture sets, it's a blast to roll them into little balls and coat them in a layer of bitter cocoa powder. Seriously, they look just like those real truffles found in the woods. These aren't your typical black truffle recipes or white truffle recipes—they're the sweet kind, and there's lots of fun in customizing their look. And the sprinkles? Some folks like to roll them in colorful sprinkles or coconut, adding a bit of crunch and making them perfect for gifts.
Whether it's Valentine's Day or a cozy dinner with friends, these homemade truffle recipes are pretty much ideal for special occasions. They're perfect on a dessert tray alongside mascarpone pralines and classic chocolate truffles. But they're just as great at an afternoon tea or as a late-night snack. Since they're so easy to tweak, you can coat some in sugar crystals for extra crunch, or use hazelnut crumbs if you're after more nutty goodness. And here's the thing: Belgians have been crafting these delights for over a hundred years, so they've definitely got it down to an art. While easy truffle recipes are popular, these have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an elegant appearance that always impress. Plus, you don't need to be a pastry chef to nail it, making them a win for anyone looking to whip up something special without too much hassle. These truffles are not just treats; they're a celebration of Belgian chocolate craftsmanship that you can easily recreate at home. Whether you're giving them as a gift or enjoying them yourself, they're sure to bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
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INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 30 truffles
- Fresh liquid cream 0.8 cup (200 ml)
- Dark chocolate 100
- Gianduia chocolate 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Hazelnuts ¾ cup (100 g)
- Grand Marnier liqueur 1 tsp
- For the coating
- Unsweetened cocoa powder to taste
How to prepare Truffles
To prepare the truffles, start by toasting the hazelnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 1, in a preheated static oven at 300°F for 30 minutes (265°F for 20 minutes if using a fan oven). In the meantime, melt the dark chocolate and gianduja in a bain-marie 2, stirring with a wooden spoon (the water in the saucepan should not touch the container in which you melt the chocolate). Once it has completely melted, also pour in the fresh liquid cream 3 and continue stirring.
Add the Grand Marnier liqueur 4, stir again until you have a creamy, smooth, lump-free mixture. Then turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl; while it cools slightly, take the toasted hazelnuts and place them in a food processor 5 to finely chop them 6.
Then add them to the chocolate mixture in the bowl 7 and mix with a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients 8. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap 9 and let it set in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, until it is firm and compact.
At this point, take a teaspoon of the mixture at a time (about 1/3 oz) 10; you can also use a melon baller for this operation. Shape the balls with your hands to give them a more regular shape 11. As you work them, place the balls on a tray 12, then put in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour.
Next, dust a tray with sifted bitter cocoa 13 and roll the truffles in it 14 to cover them thoroughly. Serve the truffles in small colorful paper cups 15!