Chocolate Truffles

In the last few days, I have been asked by many for an easy, simple to make holiday gift.  Chocolate Truffles.

Yes, Chocolate Truffles are my answer. They are an easy and delicious gift for friends and family.  Chocolate truffles can be infused with coffee, cordials, wine, champagne, extracts, or liquors. (Perfect for that inexpensive bottle of whiskey Uncle Fred brought over for Thanksgiving!)  The toppings can range from cocoa powder and sprinkles to coconut and nuts. The flavor possibilities are endless. I mean endless, for instance if you’re like me and your pumpkin spice craving hasn’t ceased, you’re in luck.  Simply add pumpkin spice creamer to the coffee before flavoring and roll the truffles in crushed graham crackers seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. They say it is better to give than to receive and giving these truffles is a sweet reminder. These chocolate truffles are rich and decadent so just a few in a box makes for an indulging gift.

Put your TO COOK IS TO CREATE thinking cap on: Think about what else you could add to the melted chocolate before cooling-peanut butter, marshmallow cream? Add marshmallow cream and roll chocolate truffles in crushed Oreos for a cookies and cream truffle! How about stirring in dried diced fruits or nuts? What else could you use to flavor the truffles? Jams, caramel? What other ingredients to roll the truffles? Crushed cookies or candies? Have fun experimenting and think of what flavor combinations you enjoy? Like mint chocolate chip? Use peppermint extract or crème de menthe as a flavoring and roll in chocolate sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Like Almond Joys? Use almond extract, add chopped coconut, then roll in minced almonds. Don’t be afraid to go bold, too, with spices such as cinnamon and cayenne or liquors such as bourbon or brandy.

FOOD FUN: Around the holidays, lost loved ones are remembered and missed, memories shared, traditions created, and gifts given.  May I suggest the gift of time with your children or grandchildren in the kitchen. After these truffles are chilled, call the children to help roll the truffles. Let them have fun and get messy, perhaps even some chocolate on their face or yours. Tomorrow is never promised so by giving the gift of time today, you are creating cherished memories that just may become an annual holiday tradition for years to come-that is priceless.