HOW MUCH ARE TRUFFLES RECIPES

Steps:

• Chop the chocolate and tip into a large bowl. Put the cream and butter into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
• To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto baking parchment.
• Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on baking parchment. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with baking parchment. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
• To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you’re ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Steps:

• Start to defrost the raspberries.
• Chop finely the white chocolate. Set aside. (Note: absolutely necessary to chop finely the chocolate. It will help to melt uniformly in the puree)
• Add the thawed raspberries in a blender and whizz until they are completely reduced in puree.
• Pour the raspberry puree through a strainer to remove the seeds. You might need to add a bit of water if your puree is too thick (just a little bit of water, we still want a puree texture).
• In a saucepan, add the raspberry puree and the powdered sugar. Stir.
• Over medium heat, bring to boil, stirring frequently.
• Once boiled, heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is reduced by about half. It takes about 25 minutes.
• Add the heavy whipping cream. Mix until fully incorporated.
• In a large bowl, add the chopped white chocolate. Pour the warm raspberry puree and stir until the chocolate is melted and the texture is smooth. (Note: you can let your bowl in a warm water bath. It would help to melt the chocolate.)
• Cover with a plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 2 hours until firm.
• Scoop the ganache and, using your hands, shape into small balls (about 1 inch diameter).
• Melt the dark chocolate. Using a fork, dip a truffle into the melted chocolate. Shake gently to allow any excess of chocolate to drip back.
• Place the truffle onto a baking sheet lined with a baking parchment. Dip the remaining truffles, one by one.
• Refrigerate the truffles until the chocolate is set (about 25 min). Note: You should have an excess of dark chocolate but necessary to dip the truffles properly. Once all the truffles are covered with chocolate, pour the remaining melted chocolate on a baking parchment, spread it and let it set. You can reuse it later.