A wise man (or woman) once said,“There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.”
I don't know about you but I think they might be on to something.
With Valentines Day around the corner, what better time to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you? Roses smell nice, jewelry is beautiful, a long walk at sunset is magical…but if you really want to show someone you love them, giving them a bite of really good chocolate is the ultimate gesture.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like delicious homemade chocolate truffles. Sure, it’s a simple mixture of only four ingredients, but you’ll see that this seemingly primitive combination creates a decadent and silky treat!
In fact, one of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make. I am all for keeping it super simple in the kitchen. Between being a mom of an almost three year old little boy and running my cooking school, often the last thing I really feel like doing is making an intricate recipe. Give me all of the one-pot and one-bowl twenty minute recipes. Pretty please.
So, when I realized these truffles consist of four basic ingredients, I was all in. You can also make them completely customizable by adding different extracts and rolling them a variety of toppings.
Did I mention they are fun? With sprinkles, nuts, coconut, etc., you can get creative. It can be a family affair, grab the kids and let them roll their own. Junior chefs will love to scoop em’ and roll em’-- almost as much as sample em’! They are also a wonderful idea for Valentines Day classroom exchange because they can be easily individually wrapped or placed in a cute box.
Pro tips: Wear gloves when rolling to lessen the mess. Also, keep in mind that higher quality chocolate results in higher quality truffles.
After making homemade chocolate truffles once, you’ll always have an easy go-to for on the fly desserts and party treats.
If more days were dedicated to love and chocolate, the world would surely be a better place.
Enjoy your truffles with loved ones. Happy Valentines Day!
Little known chocolatey facts:
- Chocolate has a melting point that is just a bit lower than the human body temp, giving a melt-in-your-mouth feeling every time a piece is placed in your mouth!
- Chocolate contains an organic compound that acts as a neurotransmitter in the body, improving focus, mood, and energy, which is often equated to the feeling of being in love.
- It is good for you! Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains flavonoids and antioxidants proven lower the risk of cancer.
Recipe for Chocolate Truffles
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 12 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate, broken into pieces, melted
- 1-1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- suggested coatings: ground Walnuts, Cocoa Powder, Coconut, Sprinkles
METHOD:
- Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, mixing until well blended.
- Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well.
- Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.
- Shape into 1-inch balls.
- Roll in walnuts, cocoa, sprinkles, powdered sugar or coconut.
- Store in refrigerator
A Los Angeles native, Rachel Spensatelli moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2014 to open The Curious Kitchen, a recreational Cooking School, Cafe & Catering Co., with her mother/business partner. A lover of nature & animals, her happy place is at home writing, gardening, and doing DIY crafts with her little boy. To take a cooking class with Rachel, please visit www.thecuriouskitchen.net. For more recipes check out her personal blog https://saffrona