Truffles, originally named for their resemblance to truffle mushrooms, are satisfying to make and delicious to eat. A truffle is traditionally a confection defined by a ganache center coated in chocolate. This is why truffles have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth inside and a crunchy outside. As pictured above, nothing pairs quite so well with truffle making (and eating) as an artfully made cappuccino by Cognoscenti Coffee...The most important step in making truffles is to be completely prepared before you begin. As you can see, each ingredient is measured out separately, and all necessary utensils are at hand.
Ganache is an emulsion of cream & chocolate. Different proportions of cream to chocolate are used depending on the desired consistency and intended use of the ganache. You're likely to find ganache used as a cake filling, glaze, frosting or truffle center, though its so versatile that the possibilities are endless. This ganache contains butter for a smoother mouth-feel and Grand Marnier for an added complex flavor.
To make the ganache, we first chop the chocolate. We then boil the cream, pour it over the chopped chocolate, and let sit 1 minute. Then, starting from the center, using a spatula, wooden spoon or whisk, stir slowly outward in concentric circles. As you can see, the mixture begins by appearing cloudy and chunky. As you stir, you will notice the center of the mixture will turn a shiny smooth brown. Keep stirring, and the entire mix will eventually convert to this consistency. This indicates the mixture is properly emulsified. Cover the surface of the ganache with plastic wrap and let sit in a cool room overnight.
Once mixture is very firm to the touch, we use a small 1 oz scoop to portion truffles into rough balls. These are chilled until firm, and then properly rounded by hand. Once set, we set up the assembly line below: Truffles to the left, tempered chocolate for dipping in the center, cocoa powder for dusting to the right. Below the cocoa powder is a sheetpan for the final truffles to set.
The truffles are dipped in the chocolate, rolled in the cocoa powder, dusted off & then chilled until set.
Other truffles available for Mother's Day this year at Proof include Lavender Dark Chocolate Truffles & Cherry Almond Petit Fours.
