Today there are many versions of the truffle but they are commonly filled with ganache. This ganache is by heating cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. Champagne chocolate truffles have the alcohol infused into the creamy ganache center. These luxury treats are often given as gifts on special occasions.
The first truffle, as legend has it, was created in the kitchen of one of the great French chefs. An apprentice was trying to make pastry cream and he poured hot cream into a bowl of chocolate chunks by accident. As the mixture hardened, he discovered it could be worked into a rough ball. He coated it with cocoa powder and was struck by its resemblance to the precious fungus found in the Perigord region of France.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
The modern coating used for a truffle strays quite far from the original one which was coated with cocoa powder. There are those who still like this rustic coating but a tempered chocolate one offers more elegance and extra crackle. Dessicated coconut, chopped nuts and icing sugar are just a few of the other coatings used. Some even offer a real taste contrast like chili or paprika.
When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.
Tasting a sample provided by a store or requested from a website is the best way to determine whether the product is suitable. Trying out a particular product before giving it as a gift helps to ensure it suits the tastes of the person to whom it is given. A very sweet variety with plenty of alcohol will not be appreciated by someone who has more bitter, subtle tastes.
Factory produced items from supermarkets may look good but often do not have the same depth of flavor as when purchasing from a specialist chocolatier. There are many online chocolatiers offering quality products. A reputable supplier must be chosen, especially considering the problems that can occur when shipping a product like chocolates.
The first truffle, as legend has it, was created in the kitchen of one of the great French chefs. An apprentice was trying to make pastry cream and he poured hot cream into a bowl of chocolate chunks by accident. As the mixture hardened, he discovered it could be worked into a rough ball. He coated it with cocoa powder and was struck by its resemblance to the precious fungus found in the Perigord region of France.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
The modern coating used for a truffle strays quite far from the original one which was coated with cocoa powder. There are those who still like this rustic coating but a tempered chocolate one offers more elegance and extra crackle. Dessicated coconut, chopped nuts and icing sugar are just a few of the other coatings used. Some even offer a real taste contrast like chili or paprika.
When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.
Tasting a sample provided by a store or requested from a website is the best way to determine whether the product is suitable. Trying out a particular product before giving it as a gift helps to ensure it suits the tastes of the person to whom it is given. A very sweet variety with plenty of alcohol will not be appreciated by someone who has more bitter, subtle tastes.
Factory produced items from supermarkets may look good but often do not have the same depth of flavor as when purchasing from a specialist chocolatier. There are many online chocolatiers offering quality products. A reputable supplier must be chosen, especially considering the problems that can occur when shipping a product like chocolates.
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