Creamy and decadent, smooth and rich, it's no wonder we can never stop at just one truffle. From classic chocolate to creamy apricot, learn how to make some of our favourite gifts to give – and receive – this Christmas.
Ingredients
Keep this collection of ingredients on hand to ensure you can whip up a batch of truffles at a moments notice:
In the cupboard:
- Chocolate (white, milk, dark, cocoa)
- Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars
- Mint Slice chocolate biscuits
- Liqueurs (Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Mariner, rum, Kahlua)
- Plain biscuits (Marie, Nice, milk arrowroot)
- Marshmallows
- Desiccated coconut
- Condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Peanuts
- Lemons
- Sultanas, currants, glace figs
- Honey
In the fridge:
- Thickened cream
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Crème fraiche
How to melt chocolate
There are a few different ways you can melt chocolate, here are some of the easiest you can use:
Bain-marie: To melt chocolate in a bain-marie, fill the bottom of a small saucepan with water and bring to a gently simmer. Place your finely chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl that will fit snugly above the saucepan. Make sure no water can splash into the bowl from the saucepan below. Using a metal spoon, stir the chocolate until it is melted and glossy.
Microwave:To melt chocolate in the microwave, place the finely chopped chocolate in a microwave safe container. Set the heat to medium (50%) and microwave for one minute. Stir the chocolate with a metal spoon. If the chocolate needs more time microwave on medium for 15 seconds more. Give it a good stir, and if necessary, repeat until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
How to package them up
There are a number of ways you can package your truffles to make them even more special. Here are a few of our favourites that are sure to make these gifts irresistible:
- Place truffles in small paper candy cups inside a gift box. This is a great way of presenting a selection of different flavours and makes them look like a box full of exquisite chocolates.
- Pop truffles into a cellophane bag and tie the top with a festive ribbon.
- Fill an oversized coffee mug or pretty bowl with homemade truffles. Place the mug in the centre of a large piece of cellophane and tie it around the mug to finish.
- Make a cardboard cone and fill it with your handmade truffles. Wrap the cone in cellophane and secure with a festive ribbon.
Our favourite recipes
- Raspberry Vegan Truffles
- Tia Maria Tim Tam Truffles
- Tim Tam Cheesecake Balls
- Apricot Balls
- Baileys Irish Cream Truffles
- Cherry Ripe Balls
- Christmas Rum Balls
- Christmas Rum Baubles
- Cookie Dough Truffles
- Easy Chocolate and Condensed Milk Truffles
For more recipes just like these, check out our Rum ball and truffle recipes collection.
Photo Credit: BestRecipesTeam
