December 05, 2010

Truffles and Chocolate Palms

Truffles and Chocolate Palms

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I had not prepared myself.

...

"Truffles are messy." I said.

"Well, yeah." He said.

"Look at my palms." I lifted both palms up to Roberto's face.

"Don't get any chocolate on the floor." He said.

But I had already gotten chocolate on the floor.

...

It had been an easy endeavor. 1/2 cup boiling hot heavy cream poured over 1/2 pound finely chopped bittersweet chocolate. After a few minutes I whisked until smooth and transferred to a pan to chill.

...

"Have you eaten?" Roberto asked.

"No. Have you?" I asked.

"No. Do you want to try that place?" He asked.

That place, Vino Rosina.

"Yeah. This has to chill for a while before I can do anything." I said.

"Then after, do you want to drive up to that kitchen supply store?" He asked.

Music to my ears.

"We'll be like kids in a candy store." I said, hardly able to contain a smile.

...

I had three ramekins in waiting. Cocoa powder. Unsweetened coconut. Powdered sugar.

Candy foils would soon be filled.

One quick roll between my palms. A plop into the ramekin of choice. And a spin, resulting in centrifugal truffle coating magic.

...

"Should we try one now?" I asked.

Roberto picked up a coconut coated truffle. I opted for powdered sugar.

"It's good." He said, after one bite.

"They are good." I said.

I had no idea they were this easy.

23 comments:

  1. I love love love truffles. I don't care how messy they are, I still want to make them and, of course, eat them!
    They look wonderful Tracy.

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  2. That is exactly the reason I love making truffles: chocolate hands to lick clean! I hadn't planned on making any for Christmas this year, but you might've swayed me otherwise.

    Cheers (and thanks!),

    *Heather*

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  3. Someone was telling me yesterday about making truffles and how great it was so now I have to try. I'm really messy though so chocolate will be everywhere. Roberto sounds like a great guy, suggesting lunch and then a kitchen supply store. Gosh that sounds like fun.

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  4. I want to get onto your gift list if you're making truffles for the holidays. Which kitchen supply store and what did you think of their merchandise?

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  5. easy, but no avoiding the chocolate palms--that's part of their charm.
    I have a friend who has unusually low body temperature who would sometimes be my truffle roller---her hands remained pristine!

    Your truffles look spectacular, so festive too. They will be well enjoyed throughout the holidays.

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  6. Oh, it's 10am on Monday morning and you are tempting me with these! How delicious.

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  7. Yum, yum, yum! Is this not the best time of year?!

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  8. Magda - Thank you :)

    squirrelbread - I hope I've swayed you!

    Vanessa - It was one of those unplanned days that turned out remarkably well :)

    Wendi - It's called Kitchen and Company and it's located at the Festival at Bel Air up in Harford County. It's packed with all kinds of goodies.

    nancy - Chocolate palms are all charm :)

    Kath - Great with coffee on a cold morning :)

    Nicole - It is the best time of year!

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  9. I am drooling! Give a really good glass of red zinfandel and few of these treats and the stars would align. Beautiful.

    Happy holidays to you.

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  10. These little friends look divine! And chocolate palms are just another great excuse to eat more chocolate. It would be such a waste to wash it all away with soap... ;-)

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  11. Truffles are popping up all over the interwebs these days! I guess that's my cue to get rolling...

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  12. Michele - I'm itching to try peanut butter truffles next...

    Velva - Wine and truffles. Yes, that would be nice. Happy Holidays to you as well!

    Karen - I agree. I couldn't wash my hands without first tasting :)

    Jess - It's funny how things pop on the web :)

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  13. Oh boy, Mina just caught me sighing while I was looking at your truffles. What I was think was this, my mother only ever asks that I bring her chocolate for a present. Until I saw your photos, I was thinking of copping out and buying a box from a fancy chocolatier. But now, you've inspired me, shown me that it would be ridiculous to do anything but role up my sleeves and make truffles for mom.

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  14. Delicious! We have a family friend who owns a catering business and makes truffles every Christmas to give to her close friends. That box of truffles from her is one of my highlights of the season! :) Maybe now I I'll be inspired to try them on my own.

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  15. Tracy, this is just cruel. Can I have these now, please?! I'll take the ones with the cocoa... delish!

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  16. and flowers pick themselves - Thank you :)

    The Salty Pear - Oh, I hope you roll up your sleeves. They're worth it :)

    Lindsay - Please, try. I can't wait to make the next batch. They do inspire!

    Nicolette - I ate the last cocoa one last night ;)

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  17. They look so pretty...maybe I'll have to try them on a particularly lousy day and I need some cheering up. :)

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  18. I just might have to give this a try. Maybe Chris will invite me to try a new restaurant and visit a kitchen supply store.

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  19. elizabeth - Perhaps as a preventive measure you should make them on a particularly nice day :)

    Denise - Actually, this is the kind of day I would imagine you and your husband have experienced many times over :)

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  20. Well, yes, there have been some similar types of days, but I'm always game for more : )

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  21. Your truffles look great. Love the variation you chose. I just made some almond ones (almond flavoring in the ganache + toasted/chopped almonds coating) and some mint truffles (mint oil in ganache + finely chopped European milk chocolate coating). Yum!

    First time here. Will definitely be back :o) Please feel free to check out my blog.

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