Rich, velvety, and just the right touch of indulgence, these Chocolate Cherry Truffles are a treat worth savoring. Silky chocolate ganache is infused with cream, butter, and bits of tart dried cherries, creating a luscious bite that melts in your mouth. Rolled in cocoa for a classic finish, these truffles make an elegant homemade gift or a stunning addition to any dessert tray.
INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces whipping cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons dried cherries, chopped
1 lb. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Cocoa powder, for dusting truffles
METHOD:
Line the bottom and sides of a small square dish with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, bring cream and butter just to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cherries. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not touching) a pan of simmering water. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Pour the warm cream mixture into the melted chocolate. Whisk until the ganache is glossy and smooth, slightly thickened.
Pour ganache into the prepared dish, smoothing the top. Allow to set at room temperature overnight. For quicker setting, refrigerate (though texture will be firmer and less silky).
Once firm, lift the ganache from the dish using the parchment. Cut into small squares, then roll each piece into a ball with gloved hands.
Roll truffles in cocoa powder until evenly coated. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 10 days.
SOURCE: Recipe courtesy of Anne Baldzikowski, an award-winning chef instructor based in the Monterey Bay area. Anne has owned two wholesale bakeries, written extensively about food, and brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her teaching.
For the past nine years, she has taught in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department at Cabrillo College, as well as leading professional weekend classes through Cabrillo College Extension and The Professional Culinary Institute in Campbell. Her recent ventures include mastering bean-to-bar chocolate making, transforming freshly roasted cacao beans into silky, handcrafted chocolates using traditional methods dating back thousands of years.
Attend one of Anne’s classes and you’ll leave not only with recipes and a box of delicious treats, but also the skills and confidence to recreate them at home.
