Choice Posts – TruffleAddict http://truffleaddict.com Get Your Daily Truffle FIX Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:05:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.2 http://truffleaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-Twemoji_1f437.svg_-80x80.png Choice Posts – TruffleAddict http://truffleaddict.com 32 32 What is truffle oil: A concise guide to this luxurious liquid http://truffleaddict.com/what-is-truffle-oil/ Wed, 26 Oct 2016 13:12:55 +0000 http://truffleaddict.com/?p=4827 0 shares Share0 Share +10 Tweet0 Pin0 Have you ever heard of truffle oil? Chances are good you probably have, especially if you’re been paying attention to current trends in cooking and culinary ingredients.Truffle oil is a popular ingredient that has been taking chefs by storm for the past several years! But what is it and […]

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Have you ever heard of truffle oil?

Chances are good you probably have, especially if you’re been paying attention to current trends in cooking and culinary ingredients.

Truffle oil is a popular ingredient that has been taking chefs by storm for the past several years! But what is it and how can you learn more about it?

That’s what I’m here for!

I understand that learning about truffle oil might seem like a daunting task. There’s so much information out there that it’s hard to make heads or tails of it, right?

Don’t worry! In this article, I’ll give you a complete, in-depth look at truffle oil with all the most important aspects of this cooking ingredient expanded on thoroughly. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about what truffle oil is, how it’s made, how you can use it, and what it tastes like. I’ll even give you a few recipes to help you get started incorporating it into your cooking.

By the time you’ve finished reading through this article, you’ll be a truffle oil guru! You’ll be able to answer questions your friends and family might have about this delicious ingredient and you’ll be well prepared to head to your kitchen and start cooking.

And of course, if you don’t have truffle oil on hand already, I’ll give you some pointers so you can go shopping, too!

So what are you waiting for? There’s a lot to learn about, so let’s get started exploring the wide world of truffle oil.

What is truffle oil?

You’ve probably got one big question on your mind right now. Truffle oil: what is it? You may be able to tell from the name that it’s a type of oil, and of course, it sounds like it’s made from truffles, but what is truffle oil really? This section is here to give you a crash course in this tasty ingredient and answer all the questions you might have about it in general.

What is it made of?

One of the first questions most chefs ask when presented with this ingredient is, “What’s truffle oil made of?” To put it plainly, it’s usually made from a combination of a type of oil and some infusion of truffle. But this just scratches the surface. Authentic truffle oil is usually made from extra virgin olive oil, although it could be made from other types of high-quality oil instead. It’s then infused with grated, diced, or shaved pieces of real black or white truffles to give it flavor.

Synthetic truffle oil starts with the same base ingredient—a good oil—and then is infused with a chemical gas that simulates the taste and smell of truffles. It doesn’t contain any real truffle ingredients.

What is black truffle oil

So what is black truffle oil? You’ve probably seen this on the shelves at your local specialty market. This oil is made by infusing the taste of real black truffles into oli ve oil to give it a deep, rich flavor. Synthetic black truffle oil is designed to mimic this flavor at a lower cost.

What is white truffle oil?

But what is white truffle oil then? Similarly, white truffle oil is olive or another type of quality oil infused with real pieces of white truffle for a lighter and more acidic flavor. It can also be produced synthetically with a manmade gas. Real white truffle oil is usually more expensive than black truffle oil, but not always.

Which brands are the best?

That’s all great, but what is the best truffle oil to purchase? The type of oil you choose depends largely on what you want in terms of flavor, which we’ll discuss in the next section. As for brands, Urbani and D’artagnan are some of the most prized truffle oil brands around the world, although there are others worth mentioning too. Check out our section on buying truffle oil a little later in this article for more.

What does it taste like?

Now that you’ve learned a bit about what truffle oil is, you’re probably asking the next important question: What does truffle oil taste like?

Black Truffle Oil

Black truffle oil is a little bit less popular than white, but it’s still easy to find and just as easy to work with. So what does black truffle oil taste like? This variation of truffle oil has a very rich, earthy taste and aroma that hits you as soon as you give it a whiff. You’ll be amazed by how much this oil can taste like a sweet combination of dry wine and mineral flavor. There’s even a bit of musty mushroom taste to this oil, although there are no actual mushrooms in it (and truffles aren’t really mushrooms either). This is a hearty oil and a little bit goes a long way in cooking.

White Truffle Oil

If you’re looking for a truly refined truffle oil experience, choose white truffle oil for a unique flavor you’ll never forget. And what does white truffle oil taste like? It’s much lighter overall than black truffle oil, and it has an acidic and almost ammonia-like smell when you first sniff it. It still has that hint of mineral taste to it, but the earthiness is gone and replaced with something more akin to garlic and onion or shallot. It isn’t quite as sweet and savory as black truffle oil, but it is very zippy and tangy. Although the flavor is lighter, it still goes a long way in your cooking as well, so try not to overuse it in your recipes.

How does it change the flavor of food?

Truffle oil is used in a wide variety of different foods to change the flavor of their ingredients and create something new and exciting for you to enjoy. Some of your favorite dinners can be made much different when you incorporate truffle oil into the mix.

  • Steak – Steaks made with black truffle oil on top have a rich, deep flavor that brings out the taste of the beef beautifully. Since this oil tastes a bit like mushrooms, it pairs nicely with beef.
  • Salads – Drizzle white truffle oil over any salad to give it an incredible new flavor. This oil pairs nicely with balsamic vinegar for a new twist on an oil and vinegar dressing.
  • Egg dishes – Any type of egg dish can be made even better with white truffle oil. The simple taste of eggs can be brought to life with the zip of this oil, and scrambled eggs are a very popular method for cooking with white truffle oil.
  • Soup – Drizzle either type of truffle oil over your soup at the end for a delicious finish, but be careful not to overdo it. Both can add a new dimension of flavor to your soup, but both can easily overpower a lighter dish like this.
  • Rice – Rice and risotto work nicely with white truffle oil since they are mild in flavor and can let the oil really shine. Although black truffle oil may work in some rice dishes, be sure to choose your other ingredients with caution to make it blend nicely.
  • Pasta – Pasta holds up to both types of truffle oil very well. Either variety will soak into the pasta and flavor it beautifully with either a mushroom-like or garlic-like taste that goes nicely with Italian dishes.

The Making of Truffle Oil

Many chefs ask, “What is truffle oil made from?” when they want to get started cooking with this ingredient. In this section, I’ll give you a brief run-down of what to expect from the ingredients in your oil, and how to tell what is in truffle oil you purchase.

How do truffles form?

Before you can answer the question “What is truffle oil made out of?” you first need to understand where truffles come from and how they form. Truffles grow as a fungus on the roots of many types of trees, most of which are nut trees. They require a very specific type of climate to thrive, and they form a symbiotic relationship with their tree hosts that help keep both alive and growing strong. It takes years for a fully mature truffle to form on the roots of a host tree.

How are truffles harvested?

When truffles are ready to be harvested, they’re usually “hunted” by individuals using a variety of different methods. While pigs were traditionally used to sniff out truffles since they’re capable of smelling them deep beneath the earth, they also often ate the truffles. Because of this, dogs are now used more commonly than pigs. Some truffle hunters rake the ground under trees to find truffles, but this can be damaging to the tree and is frowned upon.

How does a raw truffle become truffle oil?

That’s a lot of information, but what is truffle oil made of and how does this have anything to do with it? After the truffles are harvested, they’re sorted based on those that are big enough to sell at market and those that aren’t. The ones that aren’t are diced or grated and added to other ingredients like butter, sauce, and even oil for infusing. This is the birth of truffle oil!

What to do with truffle oil

Now that you know so much about truffle oil in general, you may be wondering what to do with truffle oil in your cooking. When you’re trying to figure out what to make with truffle oil, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the types of recipes that this ingredient is traditionally used in. From there, you can figure out new and exciting ways to incorporate it into your food. The next time you catch yourself wondering “What is truffle oil used for?” you’ll be able to remember this list and pick your favorite to help you get started with your favorite new cooking ingredient.

Best Uses for White Truffle Oil

What do you use truffle oil for when you’ve never tried it before? If you have white truffle oil, there are many different ideas available to you. White truffle oil is more popular than its counterpart, so when you’re trying to figure out what to use white truffle oil on, you’ve got a lot of options.

  • Rice – Rice and risotto work well with white truffle oil. Drizzle it in while cooking to flavor the dish throughout.
  • Pasta – Drizzle white truffle oil over pasta just before serving to get a burst of flavor throughout your dish. Chicken or vegetable-based pasta dishes are best for this type of oil.
  • Eggs – Most of the time, if you ask someone “what is white truffle oil used for?” you’ll likely be told “eggs.” This is a very popular way to use your white truffle oil since fluffy, warm eggs soak up the flavor well and highlight it beautifully.
  • Bread – If you’re still looking for ideas for what to do with white truffle oil, try drizzling it on bread toasted in the oven with some cheese or even just Italian seasonings. It also goes nicely on toasted flatbread or even on sandwiches.

Best Uses for Black Truffle Oil

Now that you know what to cook with truffle oil when you have the white variety on hand, it’s time to learn what to do with black truffle oil too. This type of oil has a stronger flavor, so it may be a little bit harder to figure out how to use it in your cooking. However, if you follow these tips, you’ll know what to use truffle oil on no matter what type you have available.

  • Pizza – Drizzle truffle oil on your pizza and let it warm in the last few minutes of cooking to make your ingredients come alive. Alternately, drizzle it on the dough while baking to give your crust an intense flavor.
  • Beef – As we’ve discussed earlier in this article, black truffle oil can really make beef come alive. Try it on just about any dish that features beef as the highlight and you’ll see what a difference it can really make.
  • Stew – Soups may not be sturdy enough to stand up to a lot of black truffle oil, but a hearty stew or chili is always nice when drizzled with this ingredient at the finish. Just be careful not to drizzle on too much!
  • Pasta – So what is truffle oil good for other than these dishes? When all else fails, add black truffle oil to your pasta just like you would white truffle oil. It works in much the same way but should always be used with heartier ingredients like mushrooms and steak rather than chicken and vegetables.

How much is truffle oil anyway?

One of the most important aspects to consider when buying this ingredient is truffle oil cost. In this section, I’ll give you plenty of tips for shopping for your truffle oil.

Average Prices of Truffle Oil

How much does truffle oil cost normally? This depends on the type of oil you purchase. Authentic truffle oil usually costs at least $15 for a bottle of about 3 ounces but may cost even more than this. You can cut the cost in half by using synthetic truffle oil if you don’t mind your oil lacking real truffle ingredients.

Is online cheaper than brick and mortar?

The cost of truffle oil varies depending on whether you purchase from online shops or brick and mortar stores as well. You can usually get a better deal on more authentic products online, but you do have to worry about paying for shipping from many online stores. Weigh your options when it comes to quality versus shipping cost to decide whether shopping online is right for you or not.

Which products can be found online?

  • Urbani – Urbani white truffle oil runs around $12 for just under 2oz. This is a bit more expensive than you can expect to pay for store brands, but it is a very well-known brand name in the world of truffles and truffle products. Every now and then this brand may be found in stores like Whole Foods.
  • Oregon White Truffle Oil – This company sells $15 bottles at 2oz each of nice quality white truffle oil. Once again, this may be more affordable in stores. The black truffle oil from this company costs even more. However, the company ships from the US, which can save you money on shipping.
  • D’artagnan – This company is another well-known name in the world of truffles. They sell a larger 8oz bottle of black or white truffle oil for around $25, which is quite affordable. This may be your best bet when ordering online, but don’t forget shipping costs.

Is ordering online better or easier?

How much is truffle oil when buying online? If you want some of the best products around in terms of quality of the oil and other ingredients both, shopping online is the way to go. However, if you prefer to cut down on the cost of shipping, buying online may not work for you. I personally purchase all of my truffle oil online so I can get it from reputable truffle dealers.

The best truffle oil recipes

Now that you’ve learned so much about truffle oil, including how it’s made, what flavors you can expect to enjoy from it, and where to purchase some for yourself, it’s time to put all that information into practice by preparing some of the best recipes with truffle oil around. These recipes are all some of my favorites, and I’m sure they’ll become some of your favorites too, as soon as you give them a try. Prepare the best truffle oil recipes available to you anytime you’re looking for a way to liven up your meals with this tasty ingredient.

Truffle Oil  Delights for One and for All

Here is EVERY SINGLE Truffle Oil post on our site...
Take your pick and begin your culinary adventure! ENJOY!

Conclusion

You’ve learned a lot about truffle oil today—congratulations!

You’ve come a long way from the beginning of this article when you just wanted to learn more about this delicious ingredient. Now that you’ve read through this article, you should be well-versed in everything there is to know about truffle oil from start to finish. You know what truffles are and how they’re used to make oil, and you know about the different varieties of truffle oil, too. You even know how to use those oils in your own cooking and you’ve got five incredible recipes to help you get started. And if you need to purchase your oil still, you know where to start looking.

That’s a lot of information!

So what are you going to do with it all?

The first step is to get the perfect truffle oil for your needs. Whether you choose to shop online or go to a brick and mortar store, buying the oil is the best way to get started. From there, you can pick your favorite recipe from those listed above or even try incorporating truffle oil into your favorite dishes on your own.

Whichever way you choose to sample truffle oil for the first time, you’re sure to be in for a surprising and delightful treat. Your whole family will soon fall in love with this ingredient and you’ll want to cook with truffle oil every day.

With all the information you’ve learned in this article, you’ll be able to use it in many new and exciting ways!

Please Enjoy This Bonus Video...

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Your ULTIMATE Guide to Chocolate Truffles http://truffleaddict.com/chocolate-truffle-ultimate-guide/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 19:32:36 +0000 http://truffleaddict.com/?p=3158 0 shares Share0 Share +10 Tweet0 Pin0 Have you ever bit into the perfect piece of chocolate?If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’ve probably had an incredible experience with a delicious piece of candy at some point along the way. I know I have!But have you ever found a chocolate candy that makes you stop […]

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Have you ever bit into the perfect piece of chocolate?

If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’ve probably had an incredible experience with a delicious piece of candy at some point along the way. I know I have!

But have you ever found a chocolate candy that makes you stop and think that it’s the best one you’ve ever tasted? If you’ve never quite found the most heavenly kind of chocolate, or if you’re always looking to top your chocolate tasting experiences, then you need to try chocolate truffles right away!

But just what is a chocolate truffle?

Chocolate truffles are a popular type of candy that can be made in a variety of different ways. They are most frequently served as chocolate balls with a filling, but that isn’t always necessarily the case. They might be found in simple flavors like milk or dark chocolate, or in something as complex and unique as pumpkin spice or key lime.

And what is chocolate truffle used for, exactly?

That’s a great question, too! These candies are usually served on their own as snacks or small bites after a meal, but sometimes might be incorporated into lavish desserts featuring many different components. They make excellent gifts, and they’re simple enough to prepare on your own that you can easy make homemade versions and give them to all of your friends and family.

But this just scratches the surface. If you’re still asking, “What are chocolate truffles really?” then read on. I’ll give you plenty of information so you can understand where these candies came from, how they’re made, and what to look for when you go shopping for them online. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll have a vast understanding of chocolate truffles and everything about them!

Now pull up a chair—truffle class is just beginning!

Introduction to Chocolate Truffles

It is said that chocolate truffles were invented by a French confectioner who accidentally poured heated cream over baking chocolate, creating the first ganache. But what is a truffle chocolate other than a mistake gone incredibly right? These candies are delicious balls of chocolate that have a creamy center and some type of coating. The type of coating your truffle has depends entirely on what kind of truffle you’re eating.

Truffles should always be made with the highest quality truffle chocolate in order to ensure the best possible flavor. But what is truffle chocolate? This is any type of baking chocolate that can be shaved or chopped from a large block. It should be at least 50% cocoa, but the higher the percentage, the better the chocolate quality. When you bite into a truffle made from the best quality chocolate, you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly smooth, perfect ganache that melts in your mouth just like it should.

When shopping for chocolate, you might catch yourself wondering, “What is truffles chocolate really good for?” There are so many other types of chocolate to choose from that it might seem tempting to pick chocolate chips or CandiQuik instead. Remember that these chocolates have added sugars and sometimes even paraffin wax, which can really alter the texture and flavor of your truffles! Stick to the highest quality ingredients when you want to put together a truffle worthy of tradition.

What are Chocolate Truffles?

Now you know a little bit more about what constitutes a chocolate truffle, but there’s so much more left for you to learn! In this section, we’ll go a little more in-depth into what really makes a truffle a truffle.

What are the Ingredients that Go into Truffles?

Now that you know what a chocolate truffle is, you’re probably asking yourself, “What are chocolate truffles made of?” Different ingredients go into different types of truffles, but as a general rule, you can expect a handful of similarities to spring up across the board. Below, I’ve put together a handy list to help you recognize a true truffle when you see it, simply by ingredients alone.

  • Heavy whipping cream – This is a key ingredient in most types of truffles. However, in American and Specialty truffles, it could be replaced with lighter dairy products, cream cheese, yogurt, or coconut cream. Traditional truffles should always feature heavy whipping cream as an ingredient.
  • High-quality baking chocolate – If baking chocolate used in the creation of a truffle is not at least 50% cocoa content, it isn’t high quality. It’s possible to make truffles with CandiQuik or chocolate chips, but these aren’t real traditional truffles.
  • Toppings – Historically, the most authentic truffle toppings have been Dutch-process cocoa powder and confectioner’s sugar. However, chopped toasted nuts, sprinkles, coconut, and even mini candy pieces have also been used for years with excellent results.
  • Extracts – Not all truffle recipes include extracts, but if they do, they should always be pure extracts. They should never be derived from chemicals, but should come directly from whatever ingredient they’re meant to taste like. Orange, vanilla, raspberry, hazelnut and other types of extracts may show up in truffle recipes across the board.

What Does a Truffle Taste Like?

Attribution: flickr photo by Chocolate Reviews https://flickr.com/photos/chocolatereviews/4394966002 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-ND) license

Okay, so you know what a truffle is made of. But what do chocolate truffles taste like? Are they really worth all the interest? In short, yes! Chocolate truffles have different tastes depending on the style of truffle you’re sampling, but they all have one thing in common. They’re sweet, but not too sweet, and they’re creamy. The perfect chocolate truffle shouldn’t have any added sugar, so it should only be as sweet as the type of chocolate used to make it. This means that a white chocolate truffle should be much sweeter than a dark chocolate one, no matter what other flavors they might have.

Types of Chocolate Truffles

There are many different types of chocolate truffles, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. You might absolutely love one type of truffles and find that another variety is much too sweet for your tastes! It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of truffles chocolates available on the market so you can know exactly what you’re getting into when you go shopping.

1. French Truffles

French Truffles

French truffles are the most authentic and well-known version of the chocolate truffle. They are made using heavy whipping cream and high-quality baking chocolate. The whipping cream is poured over the chocolate to create a simple, smooth, and creamy ganache. The ganache is then left to set up in the refrigerator until it can be rolled into balls, which are then coated in confectioner’s sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, or another type of coating. However, these truffles can never be candy coated or finished with a hard outer shell.

French truffles usually aren’t flavored outside of the taste of the chocolate. They might include vanilla extract to help create a richer overall flavor, or they might have a hint of nutty flavor, but you aren’t likely to find French truffles that have strange or unique tastes. The biggest variety you’ll see in a French truffle is its topping, which could be one of many different traditional ingredients.

2. American Truffles

American Truffles

American truffles are probably the type of truffle you’re most familiar with if you’ve ever indulged in a store-bought version of these sweets. They are usually made with heavy whipping cream, but they might utilize half-and-half, milk, or even coconut cream instead. They are usually flavored with some type of extract or another flavoring, and they are always coated in a hard outer chocolate shell. American truffles are often decorated much more elegantly than other types of truffles, and may include hand-crafted designs that make them stand out from other versions simply by looking at them.

You can find American truffles in just about any flavor. Whatever you enjoy most with your chocolate, there’s probably an American truffle in that exact flavor! These types of truffles can be found ranging from birthday cake flavors to ice cream flavors, and even savory tastes as well. They may be found in milk, dark, or white chocolate varieties.

3. Swiss Truffles

Swiss Truffles

Swiss truffles are very similar to French truffles in the way that they’re made. However, the concoction is a little bit different in that it includes butter stirred into the heavy cream and chocolate mixture while the ganache center is being made. These truffles are usually poured into a hard outer shell made of chocolate, and they are produced in candy molds that give them special shapes or ensure that they’re always perfectly round every time. The best Swiss truffles have a snappy outside and an inside that seems as though it’s almost melting as soon as you bite into it, even if they’ve been stored in the refrigerator.

Traditionally, Swiss truffles were only available in milk or dark chocolate varieties, but the Lindt company has made big changes in these chocolates. Today, Swiss style truffles may come in just about as many flavors as American truffles. You might find them in citrus fruit or coffee flavors, or example, among the simpler tastes such as hazelnut or toffee.

4. Specialty Truffles

Specialty Truffles

Finally, specialty truffles comprise most of the other types of truffles you can find in stores and online. For example, you can find vegan and gluten-free chocolate truffles from many different chocolatiers and confectionaries. These truffles incorporate special ingredients to help them fit into the dietary plans of certain customers. When searching for chocolate truffle recipes, you might also come across versions that fit into a paleo diet or even a low-calorie diet. When it comes to specialty truffles, there’s really no limit to what you might find!

Depending on the type of specialty truffle you need, you might be able to find your favorite flavors easily. Vegan truffles, for example, include all traditional types of chocolate as well as some more unique offerings. When you buy a vegan truffle, you might come across something that is flavored with real pumpkin or maybe even rhubarb! Other types of specialty truffles offer similar unique flavors but never forget that you can always pick up some simple plain chocolate options if that’s more your speed.

Chocolate Truffle Details

When you’re ready to bring some chocolate truffles into your home, you need to know what to expect. There are a few important details to keep in mind when it comes to buying and keeping chocolate truffles, as well as making them yourself.

Chocolate Truffle Shelf Life

The shelf life of chocolate truffles is very important. You don’t want to purchase a box or bag of chocolate truffles and then leave them out too long, only to find that they’ve gone bad! When you buy chocolate truffles from a store, they usually will last for a couple of weeks when kept in the refrigerator. Unless you live in a very cool climate, it’s a good idea not to leave store bought chocolate truffles out at room temperature, since they will melt. You can store them in the freezer for up to a couple of months at a time.

Chocolate Truffle Shelf Life

But how long do chocolate truffles last when you make them yourself? Homemade truffles should keep either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for one to two weeks. You can wrap them each individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Certain types of truffles, like French truffles, should always be served at room temperature, so be sure to let them thaw out from the freezer before eating them.

1. Chocolate Truffle Storage

The refrigerator is the best place to store chocolate truffles long term. Keep them in an airtight container so that other odors and flavors from the fridge don’t contaminate them. If you must keep them in the freezer, wrapping them each in single squares of plastic wrap and then storing them in Ziploc freezer bags is the best way to keep them fresh. When keeping truffles at room temperature, be sure to store them in an airtight container, and don’t leave them out if the room will be too warm.

Choco Truffle Storage

Truffles are a popular sweet treat to serve at parties and formal dinners. However, if you’ll be serving your desserts buffet-style, you might be concerned about keeping your truffles looking and tasting great throughout the night. As long as the room isn’t too warm, you should have no trouble with setting out truffles in a glass serving dish for a few hours at a time. If you will be keeping them out in a warm room or for a very long time, consider wrapping them in decorative foil to keep them from melting or softening too much until they can be enjoyed by your guests.

2. Chocolate Truffle Pricing

One of the first questions people ask when buying truffles is, “How much are chocolate truffles anyway?” That completely depends on where you buy them from! However, when you go with some of the better-known truffle vendors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 for a dozen chocolates. These packages are usually premade assortments, but they might be custom blends you can choose as well. Smaller chocolatiers may charge quite a lot more for truffles made from high-quality ingredients.

When making truffles at home, you should consider the cost of your ingredients before you go shopping. Most of the ingredients you’ll be using aren’t too expensive, such as heavy whipping cream and pure vanilla extract. However, if you really want to utilize a quality piece of baking chocolate, you may need to budget at least $10 for that ingredient alone. Depending on where you purchase your chocolate, you may be able to get it at a discount. Be sure to check local specialty food markets for great chocolate at a good price.

Making Chocolate Truffles at Home

Making Chocolate Truffles at Home

Have you ever wondered how to make homemade chocolate truffles? It’s super easy to make chocolate truffles yourself at home! When you bite into a store-bought chocolate truffle, you might think it would be very difficult to create these decadent sweet treats. If you’re trying to make truffles that are the same quality as you might find in an upscale confectioner’s shop, then you may run into some difficulties, especially if you’ve never made this kind of candy on your own before. However, if you’re making truffles for yourself or your friends and family to enjoy, you can make the most of this simple homemade truffle recipe. To learn how to make chocolate truffles at home, just read on!

Ingredients

  • 8oz at least 60% high-quality bittersweet baking chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder to coat

Procedure

1. Finely chop baking chocolate and place the pieces into a heat-resistant stainless steel or glass bowl.

2. Place the heavy whipping cream into a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.

3. Heat the cream until just before boiling.

4. Pour hot cream over chocolate in the separate bowl and add the vanilla.

5. Let stand for 3 minutes to melt chocolate.

6. Using a whisk, gently and carefully stir the chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth.

7. Cover this mixture tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.

8. Roll out one-inch balls of the chocolate mixture by hand.

9. Roll chocolate balls in the Dutch-process cocoa powder.

10. Place these chocolate balls on a lined baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator to chill for 3 hours to overnight.

11. Serve at room temperature.

Options

  • There are several different options you can choose between in order to alter this simple recipe and make it into something completely your own. Depending on your tastes, you might want to make the following changes.
  • Add almond extract, orange extract, or any other type of flavoring in place of the vanilla. This can change the taste of your truffles considerably.
  • Use a different type of chocolate in your ganache filling. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all work more or less the same but be sure you choose baking chocolate that is higher quality when making this recipe.
  • Substitute the Dutch-process cocoa powder for a different topping of your choice. Try shredded coconut, chopped toasted nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or any other type of coating you’d like to enjoy.
  • Dip your chocolate truffles in a candy coating. This makes for delicious American truffles instead of traditional French ones. Melt more baking chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop, then dip the chocolate truffle balls one by one and remove the excess chocolate coating. Let these truffles chill in the refrigerator overnight to set up the coating.
  • Make your truffles with vegan alternatives like coconut cream so you can serve them to anyone in your family, regardless of dietary preferences.

Buying Chocolate Truffles Online

Although you can find some types of chocolate truffles in stores, it’s much easier to find exactly what you’re looking for when you do some online shopping. Buying chocolate truffles online doesn’t have to be a difficult matter, and with the right information, you’ll be able to choose the perfect truffles to fit your needs every time. While there are plenty of stores that offer chocolate truffles in bulk, the recommendations listed below are for smaller quantities of these delicious candies. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with incredible flavor and delicious truffles every time you go shopping.

Choosing the Perfect Flavor

Before you pick the type of truffle you want to buy, you need to understand how to select the perfect chocolate truffle flavor. The flavor you choose ultimately depends on your tastes. Remember that different truffle companies offer widely different flavors, some of which might be incredibly unique compared to others. If you’re looking for flavors you’ve never come across before, some sellers have the best chocolate truffles to fit your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer traditional truffles in simple chocolate flavors, you might want to look at different options instead.

Below, I’ve listed the best places online to purchase truffles in each of the main categories. You’ll be able to decide which sellers offer the best chocolate truffle recipes for your tastes, and you’ll also be able to check at a glance for the flavors you’re most interested in sampling. I’ll be sure to mention the best flavors from each company, so you’ll know what to choose if you’re looking for the most popular recommendations. Pick your favorite and get ready to go shopping!

1. French Style Truffles

French Style Truffles

http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.us/en_us/flavored-truffles

La Maison du Chocolat – Although you might never have heard of La Maison du Chocolat when checking out some of the more popular truffle brands worldwide, it’s an excellent place to stock up on traditional French style truffles when you catch yourself with a craving. This company only offers a few different flavors, but they give you a great chance to taste test truly authentic French truffles that will surprise and delight you with every bite.

Bear in mind that truffles from this company are a little bit pricier than those you might find from larger scale companies. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can pick up a box of 30 pieces of delicious dark chocolate truffles that represent each of the flavors available from this company. This box set includes plain dark chocolate truffles as well as blackcurrant, caramel toffee, and citrus fruit. These truffles are made with the highest quality ingredients that can be found worldwide, and they’re finished with a thorough dusting of cocoa powder to give them the perfect texture.

2. Swiss Style Truffles

Swiss Style Truffles

http://www.lindtusa.com/shop/chocolates/lindor-truffles/jack-o-lantern-lindor-truffles-75-pc-gift-bag-f003164-p

Lindt – By far the most well-known name in Swiss-style chocolate truffles is Lindt. Lindt creates the Lindor line of truffles, which have been a popular way to enjoy this decadent treat for many years. One of the big draws of purchasing from Lindt is that your truffles will arrive in individual foil wrappers, meaning you can hand them out one at a time to guests at your next dinner party or just tuck one in your bag to enjoy during your day at work.

Lindt Lindor truffles are available in quite a few different flavors. These truffles are made with hard coatings and smooth, melting centers, and they are shaped in candy molds to make them perfectly round every time. Purchase a package of these truffles in a custom mix so you can choose the flavors you want to try the most. The best Lindor truffle flavor is orange and dark chocolate, but this company makes a variety of other tasty treats, including key lime truffles, cappuccino truffles, sea salt, raspberry, Irish cream, and so much more. I recommend starting with the dark chocolate orange or dark chocolate raspberry choices and going from there!

3. American Style Truffles

American Style Truffles

http://www.godiva.com/190707/190707.html?dwvar_190707_color=classicbrown#!cgid=Gift-Baskets-Towers&start=3

Godiva – One of the most popular chocolate truffle companies worldwide is Godiva. These truffles are made in the traditional American style, which means that they feature hard candy coating shells that are usually decorated beautifully. Godiva chocolate truffles come in many different flavors, which makes them a great choice if you’re looking to try something a little more unique. While these truffles can be found in some stores, it’s better to purchase them online because you can choose from so many different options. Many times throughout the year, you can save a lot when buying online, and you might even be able to get free shipping, as well.

One of the best choices from Godiva is the Happy Birthday Cake Truffle Flight. This is a fun box of six different chocolate truffle flavors to help you sample a little bit of everything. Best of all, it’s themed for birthday celebrations, so it makes a great gift for others or a treat for yourself. These truffles include flavors that are based on different types of cake, which makes them really stand out from many of the other types available from other sellers.

4. Specialty Truffles

Specialty Truffles

http://www.boojabooja.com/products/champagne-chocolate-truffles/

Booja Booja – For the absolute best in the way of specialty truffles, check out Booja Booja. This is a popular company that offers truffles that suit many different dietary needs. If you’re looking for purely organic chocolates, for example, you can rest assured knowing that Booja Booja’s candies are all made from the highest quality organic ingredients available. Best of all, these truffles are also gluten-free and completely vegan, so you can chow down on delicious sweets without having to worry about negatively impacting your specific dietary needs.

Booja Booja offers many different incredible flavors, but one of the best is the Banoffee Toffee truffle. This is a tasty blend of bananas, chocolate, and toffee nut flavors that taste almost exactly like the traditional pie it’s named after. The rhubarb and vanilla chocolate truffles are also a great option, especially if you’d like to try something completely different from any other type of truffle you might find from another seller. Pick up a box of assorted Booja Booja truffles to start your tasting journey right away.

Conclusion

You’ve come a long way through your journey to truffle knowledge! By now, you should have a full understanding of everything that makes a chocolate truffle. You’ve learned all about what makes a chocolate truffle versus other types of candy, as well as the many different kinds of truffles there are available. You should know how to recognize the ingredients that go into chocolate truffles, and you’ve even been provided with a recipe for simple chocolate truffles to help you get started making them yourself. You know where to buy any type of truffle you might be looking for, and you can tell the difference between the four main types of truffles.

You’ve learned a lot!

But there’s still more to discover in the world of chocolate truffles. There’s so much more for you to learn about, whether you want to purchase truffles online, buy them in bulk, or even make tons of delicious recipes on your own from scratch. No matter how you plan to enjoy chocolate truffles from now on, you’ve got the knowledge you need to get started. Be sure to keep researching for more information about these delicious candies, and look for more articles to help guide you along your journey.

Before long, you’ll be a chocolate truffle expert... or at the VERY LEAST, a TRUFFLEADDICT like me!

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