Desserts > Chocolate Desserts > Truffle

Nougat and Hazelnut Truffles Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 cup nougat, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Special equipment needed:
- Double boiler
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a double boiler, melt the nougat with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Once the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and stir in the chopped hazelnuts.
3. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it out evenly. Allow it to cool and harden for at least 2 hours.
4. Once the nougat mixture has hardened, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out small balls of the mixture and roll them into balls.
5. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.
6. In a double boiler, melt the semisweet chocolate until it reaches 115°F on a candy thermometer.
7. Remove the chocolate from heat and allow it to cool to 90°F.
8. Remove the nougat balls from the freezer and dip them into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat them evenly.
9. Place the coated truffles back onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
10. Allow the truffles to cool and harden for at least 30 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Nougat mixture: medium heat
Chocolate: 115°F and 90°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 truffles

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almonds or peanuts can be substituted for hazelnuts
- White chocolate or milk chocolate can be substituted for semisweet chocolate

Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the nougat mixture for a coffee flavor
- Roll the truffles in crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts instead of cocoa powder

Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized truffles
- Freeze the nougat balls before dipping them in chocolate to prevent them from falling apart
- Use a fork to dip the truffles in chocolate and tap off any excess for a smooth coating

Storage instructions:
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
Truffles can be served at room temperature, but if they need to be reheated, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the truffles on a platter and dust with extra cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or drizzle with melted white chocolate for added decoration.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a decadent dessert.

Suggested side dishes:
These truffles are best served as a dessert on their own.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the nougat mixture is too soft to roll into balls, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling.
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the chocolate reaches the correct temperature for dipping.

Food history:
Nougat is a traditional confectionary made with sugar, honey, and nuts that originated in the Middle East.

Flavor profiles:
These truffles have a rich chocolate flavor with a nutty and chewy nougat center.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these truffles as a dessert after a dinner party or give them as a gift to friends and family.

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Taste: Creamy, Nutty, Sweet, Rich, Decadent