A Partridge In A Chocolate Truffle Tree Food

TRUFFLE TOPIARY

Steps:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 package of chocolate chips. Add 3/4 cup condensed milk; mix well. Stir in orange extract. Cover and chill until firm enough to shape, about 45 minutes. Repeat 2 more times with remaining chips and milk, adding peppermint extract to 1 portion and almond extract to the other., Shaping truffles: Shape chilled mixture into 1-in. balls; place on 3 separate waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill 1-2 hours or until firm. , Melt white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip orange-flavored balls in coating and return to waxed paper to harden. Melt remaining white candy coating again and dip balls once more to thoroughly cover. Let harden., Melt chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip peppermint-flavored balls in coating and return to waxed paper to harden., Roll the almond-flavored truffles in ground almonds. , Making the tree: Brush the Styrofoam cones with remaining chocolate if desired. Using toothpicks, stick 1 end into each truffle and the other end into the cone, covering entire cone with truffles.

A PARTRIDGE IN A CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE TREE!

Steps:

• Spray the "trunk" of the tree with a colour of your choice such as gold or silver.
• Spray the plant pot the same colour, allow them to dry for at least 4 hours.
• Cover the foam ball with aluminium foil and wrap securely around, taping if necessary.
• Place some pebbles in the bottom of the plant pot and then push the florist's foam in, on top of the pebbles - wedging it in so that it is firm.
• Stick the "trunk" into the foil-covered ball - firmly - then push the other end of the "trunk" into the florist's foam in the prepared plant pot. Make sure it is firm and does not rock, add some more pebbles.
• Tie a ribbon around the top of the "trunk" at the base of the foil-covered ball - then tie a large bow.
• Take a cocktail stick and push it into your truffle, (or other sweets/candy) then push the other end into the foam ball making sure it is securely positioned.
• Do this for all the chocolate truffles until the "tree" is full.
• Add some white foam packing balls around the top of the plant pot to resemble snow - brush off any loose cocoa and serve with coffee!
• Don't forget to pin your Partridge nearby! My Partridge is a glass bird, that was a gift from JoyfulCook!

EASY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Chop the chocolate and tip into a large bowl. Put the cream and butter into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
• To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto baking parchment.
• Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on baking parchment. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with baking parchment. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
• To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you're ready to give them. Will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days, or frozen for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F
• In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange zest, raisins and pecans.
• In pastry-lined pie plate, spread one half of filling.
• Arrange pears, cut side down, in spiral fashion, on filling.
• Spread with remaining filling exposing the cheek of the pear.
• From remaining pastry, cut design of partridge in tree.
• Arrange on top of pie.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE PIE

Steps:

• In a microwave-safe dish, combine chocolate morsels and 1/2 cup cream; cook on HIGH for 1-2 minutes stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Stir in sugar and vanilla; set aside.
• In a small mixing bowl, beat remaining cream until soft peaks form.
• Beat in chocolate mixture on high, one-third at a time; mix well.
• Spoon into crust.
• Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.