Chocolate Truffles for your Sweetheart

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Many men say a woman who can cook will hold the key to his heart forever. Guess what guys, many women feel the same way. Although some women would love nothing more than to please their significant other with a superb meal, sometimes they would love some reciprocation.

How, do you ask can you make something she will swoon over? Why chocolate truffles of course...on Valentine's Day! Don't worry, chocolate truffles are one of the easiest sweets to prepare. What a perfect way to show her you care and love her deeply by making her a treat from the goodness of your heart.

Of course, if the roles are reversed, it cannot hurt for the woman to make some delicious truffles for her man or her children. And in general, why not make these chocolate truffles for yourself this Valentine's Day, you deserve some sweetness.

Basic truffle ingredients

8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62% cacao or higher), well chopped into small pieces

1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Optional base flavorings:

Mint leaves (1 bunch, stems removed, chopped, about 1 cup)

Cinnamon and cardamon (1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods)

Amaretto (1-2 tablespoons)

Almond extract (1 teaspoon)

Truffle coatings

Cocoa powder

Finely chopped walnuts

Finely chopped almonds

METHOD

1 In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (this may take a while, be sure to stir and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every few minutes).

If you are using one of the other recommended flavorings, stir it in with the cream (and ignore vanilla in the next step). If adding mint or other solids, after the cream simmers, remove from heat and let seep for an hour. Then strain away solids, and return the cream to a simmer and proceed with recipe.

2 Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate, add the vanilla, and allow to stand for a few minutes then stir until smooth. (This chocolate base is called ganache.)

3 Allow to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and with a teaspoon roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

4 Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.

Yield: Makes 30-40 chocolate truffles.

Recipe courtesy of SimplyRecipes.com

For more ideas for your special day visit our Valentine's Day Guide.