Scotch Peanut Chocolate Truffles Food

EASY PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Add cream to a small saucepan and bring just to a boil over medium-high heat (do not let boil).
• Meanwhile, add chocolate, peanut butter and butter to a medium glass bowl (add optional salt if you'd like a more salted-chocolate truffle).
• Pour hot cream over ingredients in bowl and let stand 5 minutes. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
• Let stand at room temperature for an hour.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Use a small cookie scoop to make balls from the thickened mixture (if it's not firm enough to roll, place bowl in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, but no longer than that), roll in chopped nuts (or optional cocoa powder) and place on prepared pan.
• Refrigerate until firm, then place in an airtight container to store in fridge.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLES

Steps:

• To prepare chocolate peanut butter mixture and chill: Heat cream with peanut butter in a 1quart heavy bottomed saucepan. Use a whisk to break up peanut butter so it melts evenly. Meanwhile, melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water. When chocolate and peanut butter is smooth, combine with melted chocolate, using a whisk. Force through a mediummesh sieve into another bowl, using a rubber spatula. Stir in vanilla. Let cool, then cover and chill 2 to 4 hours (or overnight). To up to shape truffles: Whisk powdered sugar and cocoa together, then sift into another bowl to combine thoroughly. Grind peanuts, if using, in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Line a large baking sheet or tray with waxed paper or 30 to 50 1inch paper candy cups (yield will depend on the size of your scoop used to shape truffle). To shape truffles: If very chilled, let mixture sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop out or spoon small portions of chilled filling and roll into a ball. If desired, push a "Goober" through the side, into center of round and roll to correct shape. Roll truffle in cocoa mixture or ground nuts and place in candy cups. Place in a decorative tin or gift box, separated by sheets of waxed paper or decorative foil. Keep chilled to maintain best flavor and texture.

SCOTCH-PEANUT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Break 8 ounces chocolate into small pieces and place in a metal bowl. Heat cream to a simmer and pour over chocolate. Stir until chocolate has melted and is smooth. If necessary, place bowl briefly over low heat to finish melting.
• Stir in honey, Scotch, peanuts and vanilla. Chill until firm, 2 hours.
• Scoop small amounts of chocolate mixture, a scant teaspoon, and quickly roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a platter or baking sheet lined with parchment. Place in freezer to firm up, about 30 minutes.
• Break up remaining chocolate and place 16 ounces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on full power 2 to 3 minutes, stirring a few times, until melted. Remove from oven. Stir in remaining chocolate until melted. Skewer truffles on a small fork, dip in melted chocolate to coat and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at room temperature 15 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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.

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLES

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine the chocolate, cream, butter and peanut butter and heat over moderate heat, stirring, until chocolate is completely melted.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
• Transfer to a bowl and chill for 4 hours, or until firm.
• Form mixture by heaping teaspoons into balls and roll lightly in peanuts.
• Chill on a baking sheet lined with wax paper for 1 hour, or until firm.
• Keep in an airtight container, chilled, for up to 2 weeks.