Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are heaven for the ultimate chocoholic. They are so easy to make (and even easier to eat them all). They can be covered and flovoured with a lot of different things, which makes them perfect for little birthday, Christmas or Easter presents! This recipe will make approx 30 truffles.

Finished truffles, covered with cocoa powder and presented in tiny cake cases!

You will need:

• 300g / 10½oz chocolate, roughly chopped
• 30g/1oz unsalted butter
• 250ml double cream
• pinch of salt
• Cocoa powder, icing sugar, chopped nuts, coconut, etc. to cover the truffles
• Optional: flavourings such as mint, orange or lemon. This can be done using zest of the fruit, or bottles of food flavourings. 

Method:

1. Bring a little water to a simmer in a saucepan. Put the chopped chocolate and butter in a large bowl and set it over the simmering water. (Make sure the bowl doesn't touch the top of the water). Stir the mixture until it is melted and looks glossy.
2. Heat the cream in a separate saucepan until it is almost boiling. Don't let it reach boiling point so it bubbles, but just under boiling point.
3. Pour the hot cream over the melted chocolate and mix together until smooth and combined well. Stir in a pinch of salt.
4. Line a roasting tin with greaseproof paper and pour in the chocolate mixture. Set aside for a while to cool, then chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to set.
5. Once the mixture has cooled and set, prepare the different ingredients to cover the truffles, such as the icing sugar and nuts. 
6. Roll out the chilled chocolate mixture into small balls using your hands. Roll the ball in your chosen ingredient until the truffle is completely coated. (This is the messy bit!)
7. Place the finished truffles onto a tray or plate and chill until ready to serve.

Finished truffles, not yet coated with cocoa powder

This recipe is very easy, and the majority of the preparation is leaving the truffles to cool and set. But they're worth the wait! I covered mine with cocoa powder, and didn't flavour them with anything. However, you could try coming up with your own combinations... mint and nut? Orange and cocoa powder? Lemon and icing sugar? You decide! They're so versatile, so you could a little selection box as a special gift for someone! 

Have fun experimenting, and if you do give them a go, I would love to see photos!