A chocolate truffle is a collection of chocolate sweets. This mouth watering
confection us usually made with a round ganache of chocolate core covered with a
powdered cocoa or chocolate. It is actually named after the truffle fungus
because of their physical similarities.
A ganache is a French term which refers to the concoction of heavy cream and
chocolate. It is usually produced from cream of heavy consistency which is
boiled and then dispensing it on top of chopped up chocolate. This concoction is
mixed until it finally is perfectly smooth. The ratio and proportion of the
ganache will vary depending on the kind of chocolate the chocolatier wants. For
truffles, the usual ratio is two parts of chocolates is to one part of cream.
There are basically four kinds of chocolate truffles that have been circulating
the chocolate world. These three are the Swiss truffle, European truffle,
American Truffle, and the Belgian truffle.
The Swiss truffle is produced from the combination of chocolate and a boiling
concoction of butter and dairy cream. This mixture is then gradually transferred
into casts for setting. Eventually cocoa powder is sprinkled unto the chocolate
casts. The Swiss truffle should be eaten up within days of production since it
has a short shelf-life.
American truffles are shaped like half an egg which is covered with chocolate.
It is a combination of milk or dark chocolates with coconut oil that is hardened
and butterfat. The Canadians also has their own version which includes the
additional ingredients of peanut butter and graham crumbs.
European truffles is created from a base made from powdered cocoa, powdered
milk, and fats as well as syrup which then results to a palatable truffle which
has oil-in-water essence.
Finally, the Belgian truffle is a produced from Belgian chocolate and ganache.
The ganache may be mixed with certain liquors and essences. Mixtures of truffles
are formed into long strands or balls, covered with powdered cocoa, dipped with
icing. The Belgian chocolate truffles, compared to its Swiss counterpart, are
richer in chocolate and are less sweet. It is considered as the best type of
chocolate truffle in the world of chocolates.
Belgian truffles are easy to make even for neophyte chocolatiers. You only need
the following ingredients to start with: cooking chocolate, sifted instant
coffee, egg yolk, sifted sugar icing, and unsalted butter.
Chef-Mary Desert Recipes
To make the truffles, break down the chocolate into small pieces and melt it in
a pot. The pot should be heated by a bigger pot filled with boiling water. This
is called the au-bain-Marie method. Then add up the butter and mix it until it
melts. Next, do away with the chocolate and butter combination pot then mix in
the egg yolk, icing sugar, coffee and then let this mixture chill down. Check
the mixture from time to time to ensure that it will not become very hard.
Then, when the chocolate seems a little solid, scoop a teaspoonful and shape it
into balls. You can roll it in your hands to get that rounded effect.
As for the covering, combine the powdered cocoa and the sugar icing in a mixing
bowl. Then sprinkle it unto the balls of chocolate you have made.
The truffles should be then stored in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
So, you can either make your own truffle or travel to Belgium to buy the famed
truffles yourself. Plus, you even go on a sight seeing adventure while munching
on the truffles as you travel.
Galler Luxury Belgian Chocolate at Harrods Londonist, UK - Nov 17, 2008 We were pleased to taste Galler’s luxury Belgian chocolate and were most impressed with their Kaori gift box, featuring six different flavoured chocolate...