Traditionally truffles are round confections made of ganache, dipped in chocolate and rolled in a fine or crunchy topping. Beginners usually start with these because making ganache is rather simple while dipping and rolling is fun. The flavor combination’s along with topping choices are endless and with so many possibilities one could have a field day! When I set out to become a Chocolatier I instantly fell in love with artistic pieces, molded and complete with hand painting. So I jumped in with both feet and never even looked back, until now. This Summer I finally had a chance to slow down and get my hands dirty rolling some “good ole’ fashion truffles”.
So I turned to one of my favorite chocolate making books for inspiration and advice. “Making Artisan Chocolates” by Andrew Garrison Shotts. This book is a favorite of mine largely because of it’s layout and structure, it includes simplistic instructions while still paying attention to detail. I always use it as a quick refrence, for easy explinations on the in depth process of making chocolate from bean to bar and because it includes fantastic charts on chocolate tempering, and pairings. As well as recipes for three types of truffles; rolled, molded and cut squares.
I made about half of the hand rolled truffle recipies in his book, all of which turned out good. My favorite though, is called Ginger Bread. I think of it more like pumpkin spice, probably because its made with lots of pumpkin spice. This recipe is also unique because it’s ganache is made with a mix of 38%, 64% and 84% chocolates and then dipped in white chocolate. I’ve never once thought to mix so many together but the result is devine, so I’m sure I will in the future. Then, the best part is the topping! A mix of toasted crisp rice cereal and pumpkin pie spice. AMAZING and I SO wish I would have thought of this myself. The second time I made these I kicked it up a notch by adding Butterscotch Schnapps to the ganache, I think Bailey’s Irish Cream and Caramel would be delicious as well.
Making these truffles is almost as much fun as eating them! I encourage you to try it and be creative, it’s half the fun! Some other ideas for toppings include nuts, coconut, powdered sugar, or sprinkles. Look for some of my recipes to come in future posts!
