Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water
- Candy thermometer
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the semisweet chocolate chips until smooth.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and maraschino cherry juice until just simmering.
3. Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the softened butter until melted and smooth.
4. Pour the cream mixture into the melted chocolate and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mix until evenly distributed.
6. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Once the mixture is firm, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Freeze the truffles for 30 minutes, or until firm.
9. In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening until smooth.
10. Remove the truffles from the freezer and dip them in the melted chocolate mixture, using a fork to coat them evenly.
11. Place the coated truffles back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped almonds, if desired.
12. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Semisweet chocolate chips: melted over a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water
- Heavy cream and maraschino cherry juice: heated in a saucepan until just simmering
- Milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening: melted over a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 truffles
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Semisweet chocolate chips: can be substituted with dark chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream: can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk
- Maraschino cherry juice: can be substituted with cherry liqueur or cherry brandy
- Unsalted butter: can be substituted with salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt accordingly
- Milk chocolate chips: can be substituted with dark chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate chips
- Vegetable shortening: can be substituted with coconut oil or butter
- Chopped almonds: can be substituted with chopped hazelnuts or pecans
Variations:
- Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or powdered sugar instead of chopped almonds
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the chocolate mixture for a warm, spicy flavor
- Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier coating
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the chocolate mixture for extra flavor
Tips and tricks:
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form uniform truffles
- Freeze the truffles before dipping them in the chocolate coating to prevent them from melting
- Use a fork to dip the truffles in the chocolate coating and tap off any excess chocolate before placing them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Storage instructions:
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Reheating instructions:
- The truffles do not need to be reheated, but can be brought to room temperature before serving if desired
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the truffles on a decorative platter or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the truffles with chopped almonds, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar for a finishing touch
Pairings:
- Serve the truffles with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a delicious pairing
Suggested side dishes:
- These truffles are a dessert on their own and do not require any side dishes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chocolate coating is too thick, add a little more vegetable shortening to thin it out
- If the truffle mixture is too soft to form into balls, refrigerate it for a little longer until it is firm enough to handle
Food safety advice:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the cream mixture does not overheat and curdle
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before handling the ingredients to prevent contamination
Food history:
- Truffles are a type of chocolate confection that originated in France in the late 1800s
Flavor profiles:
- Rich, creamy chocolate with a sweet cherry flavor and a hint of almond
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the truffles as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Fruity, Creamy, rich, decadent, fruity, indulgent