Why do we spend so much on fancy truffles when they are so easy to make at home? Probably because we've never done it before! The trick to perfecting these incredibly simple treats is in the ingredients.
As with all recipes, but especially those with so few ingredients, the end result will only be as good as the ingredients you put into it. With that said, please use the best ingredients you can afford (but don't feel bad if - like me - you can't afford the very 'best')! Use good quality chocolate (I like bittersweet, but you could use any!), pure extracts or liqueurs (no artificial flavorings, please!!), and fresh heavy cream and butter.
Oh and as for the cocoa powder to roll them in... I use Hershey's Special Dark cocoa because it's just... well, prettier... but you can use what you want. You could even roll these in powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts or colored sugar if you'd like!
I like these to look very rustic... because it's more fun,
and because it simplifies the whole process.
And I am all about simple!
You could make perfect little round balls,
but really... would it taste any better??
Ingredients:
1/3 cup heavy cream
6 tablespoons butter, diced
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon almond extract or other flavoring
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions:
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Stir in the butter until melted, and then stir in the chocolate chips, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the extract or liqueur of your choice. (This is your place to play, so try something fun! I love everything almond, but I have also made these with peppermint schnapps and with hazelnut liqueur!)
Pour into a shallow bowl, cool and then cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, until the chocolate is firm. Using a small spoon, scoop out chocolate, roll in cocoa powder and place in a waxed paper lined container. These will keep, covered in the fridge, for 2 weeks... if they last that long!
**UPDATE: For extra-creamy yumminess, take these out of the fridge at least 10 minutes before you plan to eat them!**
