The original truffle, a French invention, consisted of a bite-sized ball of ganache rolled in cocoa powder. Although there are many variations of this confection today, what all the versions have in common is that they are balls, squares or other shapes, filled with ganache. Several companies make delicious champagne chocolate truffles and these make great gifts, especially when presented in a special box.
According to legend, the first truffle was made quite by accident. An apprentice working in the kitchen of a top French chef poured hot cream into a bowl filled with chunks of chocolate instead of one filled with beaten eggs. He found that once the mixture became harder he could make it into a ball. On coating it with cocoa powder, he saw that it resembled the black fungus precious to the French and it was called by the same name.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
The modern coating used for a truffle strays quite far from the original one which was coated with cocoa powder. There are those who still like this rustic coating but a tempered chocolate one offers more elegance and extra crackle. Dessicated coconut, chopped nuts and icing sugar are just a few of the other coatings used. Some even offer a real taste contrast like chili or paprika.
When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.
It is often possible to taste a sample in a store or request one from a company website. If this is not possible reading online reviews can be helpful to find out what other people thought of the taste of a particular product. Of course one can also place a small order for oneself to gauge quality before giving it as a gift to others. A gift like this is perfect for a romantic occasion and in fact any other special occasion.
A mass produced product found in a supermarket will not be the same as one purchased from a reputable chocolatier. When giving gifts, one wants them to be special and today there are many chocolatiers offering their quality products online. The way they are made and the attractive presentation in elegant boxes ensures that they will be much appreciated when given as gifts on special occasions.
According to legend, the first truffle was made quite by accident. An apprentice working in the kitchen of a top French chef poured hot cream into a bowl filled with chunks of chocolate instead of one filled with beaten eggs. He found that once the mixture became harder he could make it into a ball. On coating it with cocoa powder, he saw that it resembled the black fungus precious to the French and it was called by the same name.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
The modern coating used for a truffle strays quite far from the original one which was coated with cocoa powder. There are those who still like this rustic coating but a tempered chocolate one offers more elegance and extra crackle. Dessicated coconut, chopped nuts and icing sugar are just a few of the other coatings used. Some even offer a real taste contrast like chili or paprika.
When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.
It is often possible to taste a sample in a store or request one from a company website. If this is not possible reading online reviews can be helpful to find out what other people thought of the taste of a particular product. Of course one can also place a small order for oneself to gauge quality before giving it as a gift to others. A gift like this is perfect for a romantic occasion and in fact any other special occasion.
A mass produced product found in a supermarket will not be the same as one purchased from a reputable chocolatier. When giving gifts, one wants them to be special and today there are many chocolatiers offering their quality products online. The way they are made and the attractive presentation in elegant boxes ensures that they will be much appreciated when given as gifts on special occasions.
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