Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles

Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles with this easy-to-follow recipe. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or for gifting to loved ones.

History

Truffles have a long history dating back to the 18th century in France. Originally made with a ganache center coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, truffles have evolved over the years to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The combination of milk chocolate and orange in this recipe adds a unique twist to the classic truffle.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of whipping cream
24 oz (680 g) of finely chopped imported milk chocolate
2 tbsp of unsalted butter
1.5 tsp of grated orange peel
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp of solid vegetable shortening

How to prepare

Line a cookie sheet with foil.
In a heavy medium saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low.
Add half of the chocolate and whisk until melted.
Whisk in the butter and orange peel.
Freeze the mixture until it is firm enough to mound on a spoon, about 40 minutes.
Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the foil-lined sheet, spacing them apart.
Freeze until the mixture is almost firm but still pliable, about 30 minutes.
Roll each truffle in cocoa powder.
Then roll them between the palms of your hands into balls.
Place the truffles on the same sheet.
Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt the remaining half of the chocolate with the shortening, stirring until smooth.
Remove the mixture from over the water.
Grasp one truffle between your thumb and index finger, and roll it in the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Shake off any excess chocolate.
Place the coated truffle on the same foil-lined sheet.
Repeat the process with the remaining truffles.
Refrigerate until the coating is firm, about 1 hour.
Dust the truffles with cocoa powder, brushing off any excess.
The truffles can be prepared up to 2 weeks ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Let the truffles stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Variations

Try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
Add a splash of orange liqueur for an extra kick of flavor.
Roll the truffles in crushed nuts or coconut for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the chocolate to ensure it melts smoothly.

- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

- Rolling the truffles in cocoa powder before coating them in chocolate helps the chocolate adhere better.

- Let the truffles sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat for a party or gathering.

Cooking Techniques

Melting the chocolate over low heat ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

- Freezing the truffle mixture before shaping helps it hold its shape.

- Coating the truffles in chocolate adds a glossy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor.

- Substitute orange zest for the grated orange peel.

- Use coconut oil instead of vegetable shortening for the coating.

Make Ahead Tips

Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the truffles on a decorative platter and dust with cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let them stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and soy. It may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles are a delicious treat that is rich in fats and carbohydrates. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Milk Chocolate and Orange Truffles are a luxurious treat that combines the rich flavors of milk chocolate and zesty orange. With a creamy center and a chocolate coating, these truffles are sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy them as a special indulgence or share them with friends and family for a memorable treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of these decadent milk chocolate and orange truffles caught my eye. The combination of rich, creamy chocolate and bright, zesty orange seemed like the perfect pairing. I knew I had to try making them.

The recipe itself was quite simple, with just a few key ingredients – milk chocolate, heavy cream, butter, and fresh orange zest. But the real magic came from the method of preparation. The chocolate had to be melted slowly over a double boiler, then mixed with the cream, butter, and orange zest until smooth and glossy. The mixture was then chilled until firm enough to roll into small balls, which were then coated in cocoa powder or chopped nuts.

I had never made truffles before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The smell of melting chocolate filled the air, mingling with the fresh, citrusy scent of the orange zest. It was a delicious combination that made my mouth water in anticipation.

As I carefully rolled the chilled chocolate mixture into small balls, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down through generations, while others I had picked up from friends, neighbors, or even strangers I had met in my travels. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of the person who had taught it to me or the place where I had first tasted it.

The milk chocolate and orange truffles were no exception. As I coated each one in cocoa powder, I thought of the cookbook where I had found the recipe, and the grandmother who had written it down so many years ago. I imagined her standing in her own kitchen, surrounded by the smells and sounds of cooking, just as I was now.

When the truffles were finally finished, I couldn't resist sampling one right away. The smooth, creamy chocolate melted on my tongue, with a burst of bright orange flavor that lingered on my palate. It was a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, rich and refreshing – everything I had hoped for and more.

I wrapped the rest of the truffles in colorful paper and tied them with a ribbon, ready to share with my family and friends. As I watched them enjoy the sweet treats, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection. And as I savored another truffle myself, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and memories that had brought me to this moment.

In the end, that's what cooking is all about – not just the food itself, but the stories and traditions that come with it. Each recipe is a link to the past, a connection to the people and places that have shaped us along the way. And as I continue to cook and bake and create in my kitchen, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that will live on long after I am gone.