Cocoa Mint Truffles Food

MINT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Bring the cream just to the boil in a pan. Turn off the heat and stir in the chocolate. Stir until melted, then add the peppermint. Cool, then chill until the mixture is solid, about 2-3 hrs.
• Scoop out teaspoons of the mixture and roll into small walnut-size balls with your hands, then roll in icing sugar. They will keep chilled for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

MINT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Heat the dark chocolates and condensed milk in a double boiler over medium-low heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. The mixture will have a slight marshmallow texture. Stir in the mint extract to your taste.
• Remove from the heat, and then cover and refrigerate until completely cool, at least 2 hours.
• Once chilled, roll in teaspoon-size balls, and then dip into the melted milk chocolate coating, using a fork to let the excess chocolate drip off.
• Color the decorators sugar with a small amount of green food coloring and sprinkle on top of the truffles.

DARK CHOCOLATE MINT TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Add your cashews, dates, cocoa powder and mint extract in a food processor. Blend for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms a ball or until the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers.
• Form 12 little balls by rolling the mixture between your palms. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
• Melt the dark chocolate (I used the microwave) and drizzle over the truffles. Top with a few cacao nibs if desired.
• Let them set in the freezer until the chocolate hardens.

CHOCOLATE MINT TRUFFLES

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine the chocolate, butter, cream and schnapps and heat over moderately-low heat, stirring, until it is smooth.
• Transfer to a small bowl and chill, covered, for 2 hours, or until firm.
• In a small bowl, sift together cocoa and icing sugar and combine well.
• Put bowl of truffle mixture in a bowl of ice and cold water.
• Form the mixture into 1 inch balls, coating fingers with cocoa mixture to keep truffle from sticking, and roll balls in cocoa mixture.
• Chill on a baking sheet lined with wax paper for atleast 1 hour, or until firm.
• Serve in a dish garnished with fresh mint leaves.
• (the truffles keep in an airtight container, chilled, for up to 2 weeks).

FRESH MINT TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Line a 13-by-9 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap; set aside.
• In a heatproof bowl, set over (but not touching) simmering water, melt 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate and milk chocolate together until it reaches 120 degrees.
• Place cream in a small saucepan over medium heat; heat until cream just comes to a boil. Meanwhile, chop mint leaves and transfer to a medium stainless steel bowl. Pour cream over mint and let steep 10 minutes. Strain cream mixture through 4 layers of cheesecloth.
• Remove chocolate mixture from heat and add to 1 1/3 cups cream mixture, reserving any remaining cream for another use. Using a heatproof spatula, mix together, starting from the center of the saucepan and working your way to the outer edges until mixture is emulsified. Add butter and mix with an immersion blender until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking sheet, evenly spreading mixture with an offset spatula; cover with plastic wrap, pressing down gently on chocolate mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.
• Line the back of another 13-by-9 1/2-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Uncover chocolate and invert onto parchment paper; remove second piece of plastic wrap. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, and a steel ruler as a guide, cut chocolate into 1-inch squares.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Roll each square of chocolate between your hands to form a smooth ball. Transfer chocolate balls to baking sheet; refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Melt remaining 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl, set over (but not touching) simmering water. Place cocoa powder in a shallow dish. Place some of the melted chocolate in the palm of your hand and roll a chocolate ball in the melted chocolate to coat, then roll in cocoa powder. Repeat process with remaining chocolate balls. Transfer truffles to an airtight container, stacking truffles no more than 2 to 3 inches high, and refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Bring truffles to room temperature just before serving.

MINT COCOA MIX

Steps:

• Combine the first five ingredients. Divide into gift bags or place in an airtight container, adding miniature marshmallows as desired. Mix may be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months., To prepare hot cocoa: Place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug. Stir in hot milk until blended. Add as many marshmallows as desired.