I missed Christmas, I missed New Year’s too, but we’re finally living in our house! Hurray! What a four month haul! As of 2300 Christmas Eve, the Mister and I are living in our very own home. It was our little Christmas miracle. I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas, Hanukkah, winter solstice or other holiday of choice and had time to spend with your nearest and dearest.
My silence as of late is due to the move (of course), and to our current lack of Internet. I write, currently, perched on the corner of a seat in the only room we can ‘borrow’ our neighbor’s unsecured wireless connection. Thank goodness for neighbors. Soon The Funky Kitchen will return to it’s regular schedule.
I felt bad that I didn’t get this post up at Christmas as I had planned to, as I truly believe that this Christmas gift was an inspired idea. It’s too late for any of you readers to use this idea, but Valentines day soon approaches and this idea should work well for any of you who have a chocolate lover in your life.
For Christmas, a number of our closest family and friends received a trio of chocolate truffles. They are the ultimate home made gift. The recipe for all three types will be posted up here, but remember that a single recipe will make ~30 truffles. The three types of truffles we made (the Mister helped) were: orange, honey thyme and chipotle. I think I’ve converted to the use of honey in truffles, because it makes them so unctuously smooth and I ran into some minor crystallization issues with the sugar. The chipotle truffles were epically good, chocolate and chili are such a great combination. Chipotle was my chili of choice because it brings a great smokiness along with the heat; if you aren’t keen on spicy, diminish the amount of chili you use because these truffles are quite warm on the tongue.
If you go with the truffles as a home made gift idea, use this basic recipe as a jumping pad: steeping different teas in the cream gives great results, and there are limitless additional flavors you can introduce to your truffles. Let me know how yours turn out!
Christmas Chocolate Truffle Trio
(basic recipe from Inspired magazine. )
Ingredients1/2 Cup whipping cream
1 Tbsp sugar or 1 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
zest of one orange, or 1 1/2 tsp thyme, or 1 tsp chipotle powder
10 oz chocolate
1 Cup cocoa, for rolling
Directions- Combine cream, sugar/honey, and salt in a bain marie, stirring until dissolved.
- Add orange zest/thyme/ chipotle powder and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chocolate until melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer mixture into a clean resealable container and refrigerate until firm (~2 hours).
- Using a melon baller or your hands, roll out the hardened truffles into small balls. Roll the balls in cocoa powder so that they will not stick together.
All you need to make these truffles into a pretty little gift is some tins, tissue paper, and labels so that the intended present receiver can differentiate between the types of truffle. Happy gift giving!
I just read your truffle blog and was reminded that Tom and I did not receive any for the holidays. Oh well, there is always Valentine’s!
Here is to a Happy Home!
That’s because you got other presents! Don’t worry, there will be a selection of Valentine’s truffles too!
As one of the receivers of these unbeleiveable truffles, i can tell you, she’s got it down! Delicious! And addictive!
These truffles are wonderful; they can satisfy a sweet tooth, and yet not go overboard with sugar. Love the flavors you picked as well. Patience for your internet!
Forget e-harmony or other match-making entities. Think c (for chocolate) harmony. Chipotle and Chocolate is a match made in Heaven. As one of the lucky recipients, I too can attest that these little cocoa-dusted nuggets are addictive. The honey/thyme, and the orange ones are (or, more accurately, were) also delectable, but that special smokey goodness, that tang of heat with the smoothness of silken chocolate put the Chipotle truffles in a class by themselves. Many thanks Dana. Merry New Year, and Happy Home.
Thanks Trish! You’re so sweet.
This weekend I’m trying out your very chocolate ice cream recipe. Wish me luck!
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