Chocolate Ganache Truffles

We are all familiar with wonderful rich truffles that are named after the yummy truffle mushroom. These chocolates aren’t actually made from the mushrooms but are made with chocolate and a chocolate and cream filling known as ganache. This is a delicious treat that is usually expensive when store bought, but can be given away at your wedding at low costs if you make them yourself. They're absolutely delicious DIY wedding favors, and you will have no regrets making them or giving them away!

Ingredients:
For the Ganache

Directions:

1. Chop your chocolate into small bits and put in a mixing bowl.
2. In a sauce pan, heat your cream and butter until the cream comes to a boil. Turn down heat once bubbles rise to the top.
3. Add any flavoring or alcohol (optional).
4. Turn off heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and mix until well blended.
5.  Add your chopped nuts and or fruits to this mixture.
6. Refrigerate your ganache at least four hours or spread it onto a sheet to let it cool.
7. Once the texture of the Ganache has become paste-like, you can start using it.

Note: Whipped Ganache can also be made using whipping cream and pouring microwave melted chocolate over it. This will create a much lighter effect.

Truffle Assembly Directions:

1. Roll Your Ganache into balls – as big or as small as you would like them to be. If you are using Ganache mixed with other things already, then you may not need to do steps 2 and 3.
2. Once you have your Ganache rolled in balls roll it into the cocoa powder, Confectioner’s sugar, chopped nuts or sprinkles.
3. You can also double dip your Ganache ball into melted chocolate but make sure that the chocolate is not too hot.
4. Place these in individual cupcake liners or a small favor box.

For Truffles with Extra Filling:

1. Take some plain Ganache and a whole nut or preserved fruit.
2. Wrap the Ganache around the nut preserved fruit.
3. Roll this into a ball.
4. You can double dip your Ganache ball into melted chocolate but make sure that the chocolate is not too hot.
5. You can also roll these in cocoa powder, Confectioner’s sugar, chopped nuts or sprinkles.
6. Place these in individual cupcake liners or a small favor box.

Tips:

• Be creative with your combinations. You can opt to use a variety or a combination of ingredients to create unique flavors and mixed textures.
• You can also decorate double dipped truffles by drizzling chocolate on them or making swirls. There are many designs that you can make, check out other truffle pictures to get an idea.
• Don’t just make a single kind to give away. Make different kinds and put one of each in your favor bag or box.
• Use disposable plastic or latex gloves when making your Ganache balls to help keep it from sticking to your hand.

Next Article: DIY Wedding Favors: Instant Favor Mixes