Chocolate Truffles

Thanks to Julie's article ,I have learned :
*Rule number one of picking a healthy chocolate,buy Dark.
*Lesser in sugar the better the health benefits of a chocolate.Eating it with fruits like strawberries can add to its goodness.A hot cocoa is much more beneficial than hot chocolate.
*60%-70% is a best range of cocoa to look in a dark chocolate.
*The dutch processed or any alkali processed cocoa powder has less antioxidant flavonoids.
*Finally, liking the less sweet chocolate is an acquired taste,so don't give up with just one attempt.

Now with rules in mind and I pick this fine chocolate and roll up these soul-calming melt-in-the-mouth delicacies to satisfy my chocolate appetite.
Named after the exotic fungi,the chocolate truffles are of the finest confectioneries a chocoholic will ever know of.Its pure chocolate to the core.I did keep a nutty surprise in the middle and coated them all with cocoa for the original truffle finish.With heavy cream replaced these are relatively lower in fat ,another reason to make them more often than just on festive occasions.


Recipe :Low Fat Chocolate Truffles with Almond Surprise

Makes about a dozen truffles
Ingredients
8 ounce(1/2 pound) Premium Dark chocolate(at least 60% cocoa)
1/2 cup Organic Reduced fat milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
About 2 tablespoon unsweetened Cocoa powder
Few toasted Almonds

Method
Break the chocolate to smaller pieces in to glass or steel mixing bowl.
Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan.Carefully pour it over the chocolate in the bowl and stir it using a spatula until the chocolate is completely melted.If the chocolate doesn't not melt completely then place over a double broiler until melted. Stir in the vanilla.Place in the refrigerator just until the chocolate is solid enough to to work with,about an hour.
Sift the cocoa powder on to a large plate.When the chocolate mixture is ready, take about 2 teaspoon of the mixture and roll between the palms of your hands.Press in an almond in to the center and roll again until round.Now coat the ball with the cocoa by rolling it several times until evenly coated.Finish with rest of the mixture.Can be stored in fridge for 2-3 weeks.Serve them at room temperature.


Some enticing flavors to try :
Coffee : mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder in the ganache or use 1/2 cup espresso coffee instead of milk.

Orange :A tablespoon of orange zest adds the citrusy zing.

Ginger :Mix 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ginger for hint of the spice.
Spice : Spice up with 1/4 teaspoon of spices like cinnamon ,cardamom and cloves.

Nuts : Roll them in chopped almonds or pistachios or hazelnuts or coconut flakes for a nutty finish.

Dried fruits: Mix some dried fruits like cranberries for a chewy fruity touch.




Pretty pine cones are all over my yard.I saved a few and scented them with some cinnamon oil ,makes a great room freshers and a pretty decor at the same time.