Truffles

Truffles - soft center filling coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, shaped roughly into balls (resembling the dark brown fungi for which they are named). The center filling may be soft chocolate, fudge, caramel, nuts, fruit, nougat, mint, marshmallow, or flavored creme filling.

Chocolate Truffles

22-24 oz. bittersweet chocolate (imported is best), chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, chopped

Place chopped chocolate pieces and cream in a microwave-safe glass bowl and microwave on high until melted - about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring periodically until smooth.

Add butter and stir until melted and mixture is smooth. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, until firm.

Using a small ice cream or melon ball scoop, form approximately 1 inch diameter balls and place on wax paper in a baking pan. (If you use a regular size ice cream scoop, the truffles will be bigger.)

Place in freezer for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Roll in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, crushed nuts, or dip in melted chocolate.

Truffles keep best in a covered air-tight container in the refrigerator.