TRUFFLES WITH ALCOHOL 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:

• Bring the cream and butter to the boil in a small pan, and put the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream mix over the chocolate, leave for 1 min, then stir until smooth and combined. Whisk in the rum, then chill in the freezer for 5-10 mins, or until just firm enough to roll.
• Roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls in your hands, then transfer to a non-stick baking tray (you may want to wear gloves). Chill in the fridge for 1 hr, or until set. Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, and put the cocoa powder on a plate. Dip the chilled truffles into the melted chocolate using a fork, then shake off the excess and roll in the cocoa. If the cocoa starts to get too sticky, add another 1 tbsp.
• Put the truffles on a tray or plate lined with baking parchment and chill for 1 hr to set, then package. Will keep in the fridge for up to one week.