November 23, 2007

ITALIAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES…food-as-a-gift for Christmas!

‘There’s nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.’

Linda Grayson, “The Pickwick Papers“

Up, Close & Chocolicious!

Italian Almond Chocolate Truffles…

I had an old truffle recipe, which I played around with a bit, and made these for the first time a few weeks ago. These Italian Chocolate Truffles tasted divine, and make a lovely gift, especially after the dressing up. They are very easy to make & have an lovely almond flavour. I’ve made the little boxes with handmade paper & the magical glue gun. Once the boxes are filled, I wrap them in cellophane, add some ribbon & a little card, & they’re all set. These truffles last well for 2-3 weeks, so they are great for gifting in the holiday season.

These have made an appearance for the second time on my blog to get under Zlamushka’s tree for her ‘Spoonful of Christmas’!

Ingredients:
Dark chocolate – 625 gms
Almond Extract – 2 tsp
Butter – 1/2 cup
Castor Sugar – 50gms
Ground Almonds – 50 gms (I run them in the coffee grinder with the skins)
Sprinkles, grated chocolate, cocoa powder & white chocolate to decorate.Candy cases.

Method:

Melt the chocolate with the extract in a double boiler , or over a pan of simmering water.
Stir well to ensure melted right through.
Add the butter and stir until melted.
Take off heat, mix in the almonds & sugar.
Leave for a while to cool down.
Roll into small bite sized truffles, roll in sprinkles/grated chocolate etc.This is the bit I really enjoy!
THAT’S IT!! They are so simple to make!!
Makes approximately 5 dozen truffles.

Note: Variations are easy with this recipe. You can skip the almonds & flavour the truffles with coffee liquor or instant roasted coffee; or use orange liquor/extract to get an almond/orange flavour. The possibilities are endless. Dip them into melted chocolate or dust them with cocoa for a different look…INDULGE!!

November 8, 2007

ITALIAN CHOCOLATE ALMOND TRUFFLES…Home-made for Diwali!

“If there’s no chocolate in heaven, I’m not going!”

Author Unknown

ITALIAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES…

Its almost time for Diwali…which is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’. I usually try and make a different home-made sweet on Diwali because we get quite tired of the ‘mithais’ that do the rounds. It’s challenging to be different, and this time I decided to tread on new ground. I had an old truffle recipe, which I played around with a bit. These Italian Chocolate Truffles tasted divine, and make a lovely gift, especially after the dressing up,,,& are very easy to make! They have an intense almond flavour. I think I’m gonna skip the almonds for a few next time , and try a few with coffee, and some with an orange essence…just to experiment! I made these in a tearing hurry…and am glad I did!

PRETTY, AREN’T THEY?

Ingredients:

Dark chocolate – 625 gms

Almond Extract – 2 tsp

Butter – 1/2 cup

Castor Sugar – 50gms

Ground Almonds – 50 gms (I run them in the coffee grinder with the skins)

Sprinkles, grated chocolate, cocoa powder & white chocolate to decorate.Candy cases.

Method:

Melt the chocolate with the extract in a double boiler , or over a pan of simmering water. Stir well to ensure melted right through.
Add the butter and stir until melted.
Take off heat, mix in the almonds & sugar.
Leave for a while to cool down.
Roll into small bite sized truffles, roll in sprinkles/grated chocolate etc.This is the bit I really enjoy!
THAT’S IT!! They are so simple to make!!
Makes approximately 5 dozen truffles.

ALL WRAPPED UP TO GO…

I’m sending this as entry to a wonderful & festive blog event, for Diwali – Jihva Special Editon : The Festive Series.

Have a happy,safe & peaceful Diwali, festival & holiday season. We are going to celebrate just with sweets & lights … NO CRACKERS this year, as pollution levels are reaching an all time high. I guess it’s the least we can do.