I enjoy cooking and baking with my family, and I especially like it when they have picked out a recipe for us to do together. My niece, Nicole and I have been baking together since she was little. Starting out with homemade play dough, candy, cookies and cupcakes. This time she chose Chocolate Truffles from Barefoot In Paris. Yes!, truffles, a chocolate lovers dream!! She has wanted to make them for awhile, but thought they would be complicated. Much to her surprise they were very easy. The longest part is waiting for the chocolate to set up. Isn't that how it goes in our life? We think that things are going to be very complicated and when it's all said and done, it's not all that bad. These truffles are creamy, dreamy and very much full of chocolate. If you do not have Grand Mariner liqueur omit that ingredient, the recipe will not be affected. We doubled the recipe to share with family and friends and I am know that Nicole will be making a batch of her own to share.
Along our path of life, we are blessed with people who are like-minded or kindred spirits as I like to call them. Ones who share the same passions, love and purpose no matter the age. Philippians 2:2 then make my joy complete by being like minded having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. I have kindred spirits in my life, ones who share love for The Lord, talents, putting their families first and have joy in serving others above themselves, they help keep me grounded. Nicole is no exception, we both love to cook and bake, and we can talk hours about recipes, cookbooks and our favorite Food Network shows. She helps her mom prepare or cook meals for those they host from their local church. She will be picking out a recipe each month and will be posting it here as Recipe of the Month. I am excited to see what she picks out for December.
With the Holiday season fast approaching you could make a batch or two, they make great hostess or teacher gifts or gifts for anyone in your life that Loves Chocolate.
Chocolate Truffles-
Recipe from Barefoot in Paris
3 1/2 ounces good bittersweet chocolate
3 1/2 ounces good semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier Liqueur
1 Tablespoon prepared coffee
1/2 teaspoon good vanilla extract
Cocoa powder
Confectioners' sugar
Directions-
Chop the chocolates finely and place in a bowl.
Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it boils. Immediately pour the hot cream through a fine meshed sieve over the bowl of chocolates. With a wire whisk, slowly stir the cream and chocolates together until the chocolate is completely melted. (If the chocolate doesn't melt completely, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir for a few minutes till melted.) Whisk in the Grand Marnier, coffee and vanilla. Cover and chill for 45 minutes to an hour until pliable but firm enough to scoop.
With two teaspoons or a 1 1/4" ice cream scoop, make dollops of the chocolate mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, until firm enough to roll into spheres. Roll in cocoa powder and chill. Truffles are best when they're allowed to set overnight in the refrigerator. Roll in Confectioners' sugar and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes 20 Truffles
Eat Well, Sonya
