With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it's time to start thinking about what kinds of sweets and treats you're going to serve at your parties. One of the things that's always a hit is chocolate truffles. While you might shy away from them if you're on a budget, you might be surprised at how easy and affordable they can be to make. Here are a few festive flavors that you can consider for your holiday season gatherings.
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Truffles
Pumpkin is one of the leading flavors of the season, so you'd be doing your party-goers a disservice if you didn't give them something that spotlights this little gem. These truffles start with a pound and a quarter of chocolate, chopped in small pieces. Put the chocolate into a large glass bowl and set it aside. Heat up about a cup of pumpkin-flavored coffee creamer or a cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice whisked in. Once it's heated to scalding but not boiling, pour it over the chocolate. Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the mix and let it sit for about five minutes so that the cream mixture melts the chocolate. Mix it up until it's thoroughly combined, then spread it into a shallow pan. Chill it for an hour or so, until it's firm. Scoop it into small truffle-sized balls, roll it, then dip it into melted candy coating, either plain chocolate or white chocolate with pumpkin pie spice stirred in.
Dark Chocolate Kahlua Truffles
Chocolate and coffee have always been a match made in heaven, and Kahlua is a popular liquor during the holiday season. Mix the two to get these indulgent, irresistible truffles. Start with a pound of dark chocolate, chopped fine. Put the chocolate in a glass bowl and set it aside. Heat about three-quarters of a cup of heavy cream with a half cup of Kahlua, plus about a tablespoon of instant coffee granules, in a saucepan until it's steaming hot. Pour it over the chocolate and let it sit. After about five minutes, mix it thoroughly to combine. That makes the center ganache. Refrigerate it for an hour or two, then take it out and form small balls with a cookie scoop. Dip the finished balls in melted chocolate or roll them in hazelnuts, then chill them for an hour so that everything sets before you serve them.
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Truffles
Chocolate and strawberry go hand in hand, especially when it's dark chocolate. You can turn this perfect pair into a great treat by chopping a pound of dark chocolate and putting it into a glass bowl. Then, heat up three-quarters of a cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon of vanilla and about a third of a cup of strawberry jam. Choose the seedless stuff for a creamy center. Mix it all together, and then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for five minutes or so, then stir it well. Spread it in a shallow pan and refrigerate it for a couple of hours, until it's scoopable. Then, make small scoops and roll them into balls. You can dip them in chocolate or roll them in cocoa powder. Let them chill, then serve them.
Create all three to make a truffle bar for your next party. Everyone loves dessert, and truffles like these will really bring the flavors of the season home. If you're not comfortable making them on your own, you can visit a local chocolate or candy shop or contact a seller like Abdallah Candies And Gifts to buy assorted truffles that will be sure to make all of your guests happy.
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