TRUFFLES DARK CHOCOLATE RECIPES

Steps:

• Using a food processor, grind cookies to a fine powder. With a mixer, blend cookie powder, cream cheese and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed (there should be no white traces of cream cheese).
• Roll into small balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.
• Line two cookie sheets with wax paper. In double-boiler, melt milk chocolate. Dip balls and coat thoroughly. With slotted spoon, lift balls out of chocolate and let excess chocolate drip off. Place on wax-paper-lined cookie sheet.
• In separate double boiler, melt white chocolate. Using a fork, drizzle white chocolate over balls. Let cool.
• Store in airtight container, in refrigerator.
• Note: When I am exceedingly lazy (most often the case these days), I forego the chocolate 'dip' and merely roll my truffles into various mixtures - chopped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, vari-coloured candy sprinkles, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, coloured sugars -- still pretty -- less work.

Steps:

• Bring a little water to a simmer in a pan. Place the chocolate and butter in a large bowl, then set the bowl over the simmering water. (Do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water.) Stir until melted and glossy.
• Heat the cream in a separate saucepan until almost boiling (but do not allow the cream to reach boiling point). Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Pour the warm cream over the melted chocolate and mix together until smooth and well combined. Stir in a pinch of salt.
• Line a roasting tray with greaseproof paper and pour in the melted chocolate. Set aside to cool, then chill in the fridge until set.
• Once the chocolate mixture has cooled and set, mix the chopped nuts together and sprinkle onto a baking tray.
• Scoop out small portions of the chilled chocolate mixture with a teaspoon, then roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each ball in the chopped nuts until completely coated. Place the truffles onto a baking tray or plate and chill until ready to serve. The truffles will keep for 1-2 weeks.