Raspberry Coconut Truffles Food

TRUFFLE TARTS WITH RASPBERRIES

Steps:

• Use a fork to mix together the chocolate wafer crumbs and butter. Spray the cups of a 6-muffin tin with a vegetable spray. Line the cups with strips of parchment or waxed paper, cut so that they are as wide as the diameter of each cup and long enough to overhang the sides (you'll need this overhang to remove the tarts). Use the bottom of a small glass to press the crumbs over the bottom and sides of the muffin cups, building the sides up to only about 1 1/2 inches. Place a raspberry in the center of each crust and with a pastry bag or small plastic bag with the corner snipped off, fill the tarts with the truffle mixture. Smooth the tops and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.;
• In a saucepan, bring the cream just to a simmer over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Then beat the chocolate at medium speed until it gets thick and light colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish and smooth the top. Refrigerate about 2 hours, until firm.
• Pour the cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl. Use a melon baller or small ice cream scoop to scoop out balls of chocolate; place them on the plate with the cocoa powder and roll between 2 forks to completely coat with the cocoa powder. Then use the forks to carefully transfer them to a parchment or waxed lined baking sheet.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Put 12 ounces of the chocolate in a bowl. Whisk together the cream and corn syrup in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour over the chocolate and whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Whisk in butter until smooth and glossy. Add the raspberry liqueur and mix well.
• Pour the chocolate into a deep pan and chill. When the chocolate is firm, scoop out small truffle balls, using a melon baller or other small scoop. (Dip scoop in very hot water before each scoop, patting each time onto a towel to avoid getting water into the chocolate mixture.) Chill truffles slightly, and then perfect the circular shape by rolling quickly in palms of your hands. Store the truffles in the refrigerator until ready to finish.
• To finish the truffles: Melt the remaining 8 ounces of chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Set the bowl aside and let cool slightly, stirring occasionally, until just cooler than body temperature.
• Put enough cocoa powder in a bowl to form a small pile. Wearing rubber gloves and working with 1 truffle at a time, rub some of the melted chocolate all over the truffles and roll quickly in your hands until smooth. Drop the truffles into the cocoa powder, roll to coat completely, and transfer to a platter. Store in a cool, dry place.

COCONUT TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment.
• Sift the confectioners' sugar into a large bowl. Add the sweetened coconut, almonds and condensed milk. Stir to combine.
• Remove a heaping tablespoon of the coconut mixture and use the palms of your hands to roll it into a ball about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining coconut mixture. Refrigerate the truffles until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave on 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the shortening to combine.
• Add the unsweetened coconut to a small bowl. Dip a truffle into the melted chocolate to coat completely, then use 2 forks to lift it out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Place the truffle in the unsweetened coconut and roll to coat, then return to the baking sheet and allow the chocolate to set, about 20 minutes. Repeat to coat the remaining truffles.
• Enjoy immediately or store the truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.