Brandy Truffles Food

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Place the 10 ounces of chocolate and butter in a medium size glass mixing bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir, and repeat this process 1 more time. Set aside.
• Heat the heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture over the melted chocolate mixture; let stand for 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir gently, starting in the middle of bowl and working in concentric circles until all chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently stir in the brandy. Pour the mixture into an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Using a melon baller, scoop chocolate onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Place the cocoa powder, nuts, and/or toasted coconut each in its own pie pan and set aside.
• In the meantime, place the 8 ounces of chocolate into a medium mixing bowl which is sitting on top of a heating pad lined bowl, with the heating pad set to medium. Depending on the heating pad, you may need to adjust the heat up or down. Stirring the chocolate occasionally, test the temperature of the chocolate and continue heating until it reaches 90 to 92 degrees F; do not allow the chocolate to go above 94 degrees F. If you do, the coating will not have a nice snap to it when you bite into the chocolate. Once you have reached the optimal temperature, adjust the heat to maintain it.
• Remove the truffles from the refrigerator and shape into balls by rolling between the palms of your hands. Use powder-free vinyl or latex gloves, if desired.
• Dip an ice cream scoop into the chocolate and turn upside down to remove excess chocolate. Place truffles 1 at time into the scoop and roll around until coated. Then place the truffle into the dish with either the cocoa powder, nuts or coconut. Move the truffle around to coat; leave truffle in the coating for 10 to 15 seconds before removing. In the meantime, continue placing the chocolate-coated truffles in the cocoa or other secondary coating. After 10 to 15 seconds, remove the truffle to a parchment lined sheet pan. Repeat until all truffles are coated. Allow to set in a cool dry place for at least 1 hour; or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Truffles are best when served at room temperature.

MY SECRET BRANDY TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Put the chocolate chips in a glass bowl.
• In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a boil and then pour it over the chocolate.
• Shake the bowl gently to let the cream settle into the chocolate, then cover the bowl with a plate or a lid to allow the chocolate to melt (takes about 5 minutes).
• Whisk to mixture until smooth and shiny. Stir in the Brandy. Cover the SURFACE of the CHOCOLATE with the plastic wrap and put in a cool place for about two hours to let the chocolate firm up. (Do not simply put the plastic over the bowl. If you do, the chocolate with develop a "skin" like pudding does.).
• Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Use two spoons to drop 1/2 to 1-inch mounds of chocolate on the paper.
• Chill your hands under cold water (then dry them), and roll the mounds between your palms to shape them into smooth round balls.
• Pour the cocoa/ground chocolate onto a plate or bowl, and roll the truffles in the chocolate using a clean spoon to help you coat them. Refrigerate the truffles until ready to serve.
• To serve, gently scoop the truffles out of the cocoa with a fork and put them in small candy cups or a decorate platter. I like to use a small silver platter than I've refrigerated for nice presentation.

EASY BAILEYS TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Melt 1 Lb milk chocoate in top of double boiler over hot water (or in Microwave).
• Stir until evenly melted.
• Add the can of frosting and the Baileys or flavoring/extract.
• Blend well, mixture may start to thicken.
• Chill in refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
• Use spoon or melon baller to scoop mixture in to hand.
• For dipping chocolate, I buy white chocolate bark but you can use white chocolate chips, candy melts, or just roll them in coconut, cocoa powder, mini choc chips, sprinkles, etc.
• Melt the bark or white chocolate according to pkg instructions.
• Dip each ball in white chocolate to coat.
• We drizzle a tiny"design" of dark chocolate over the top of the truffles to make them pretty.