mix & match truffles

How To Make mix & match truffles

• Step 1
  MAKE THE GANACHE: Chop 12 oz good-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate & put in a heatproof bowl. Bring 1 C heavy cream, 1 tbsp butter & a pinch of salt to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat; pour over the chocolate & let sit until completely melted, about 10 minutes. Stir with a rubber spatula or whisk until smooth. (If necessary, microwave in 20-second intervals until the chocolate melts.)
• Step 2
  CHOOSE A FLAVOR: Whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract, or 1/2 tsp vanilla & 1/2 tsp of one of these extracts: * Almond extract * Orange extract * Cinnamon extract * Mint extract * Raspberry extract * Cherry extract
• Step 3
  ADD A MIX-IN (OPTIONAL): Stir in up to 1/4 C (choose only 1). * Brewed espresso * Strong brewed tea * Liquor or liqueur (such as brandy, bourbon, rum, Kahlua or Grand Marnier) * Peanut, almond or hazelnut butter * Shredded coconut
• Step 4
  CHILL THE GANACHE: Stir the ganache until smooth & shiny, then pour into a shallow baking dish & refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.
• Step 5
  PICK A COATING: Roll tbsp of the ganache into 18 - 24 balls, then roll in any of the following ingredients. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight. (To make these in advance, roll into balls but do not coat; cover & freeze up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before uncovering, then roll in coatings.) * Crushed cookies (such as amaretti, biscotti, Oreos or chocolate wafer cookies) * Chopped toasted nuts (such as pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds or pecans) * Cocoa powder * Shredded coconut * Crushed nut brittle * Crushed toffee bars
• Step 6
  CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN OR TRY ONE OF THESE COMBOS: * Almond-Rum Chocolate Truffles With Amaretti Cookies * Cherry Chocolate Truffles With Coconut * Espresso Chocolate Truffles With Toffee * Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles With Pistachios * Raspberry-Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles With Cocoa Powder
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!