It’s been quite an extraordinary year. Being in Paris and learning patisserie has been like living a dream that I never even dared to dream. I have so much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to in the next year. I have no idea what’s to come, where I’m going, or what I’ll be doing, but I’m excited to see how all those answers unfold!
To end the year, I’m leaving you with a ratio recipe to making a variety of truffles. I used to hate running into recipes with vague measurements and approximations, but I’ve learned to let loose and have a little faith in what I remember from class!
Truffles are basically rounds of ganache rolled in cocoa powder. You can make a variety of truffles by adding flavors or substituting one ingredient for another. Ganache is traditionally made with a one to one ratio of cream to chocolate. In class we measure this by weight, but when making small quantities at home calculating this ratio by volume probably won’t make too much of a difference. To make great truffles doesn’t necessarily require fancy skills but good ingredients and creative flavors. Good chocolate and good cocoa powder will make or break this sweet! I made two types of truffles: coconut infused with cardamom and lady grey. I also made some molded chocolates, but that requires a bit more explaining, precise temperature measuring and nitty gritty technique. Sooo, those I leave for a rainy day.
Truffle Ratio
1 part cream
1 part chocolate
Cocoa powder
Melt chocolate in a bain-marie and set aside. Heat cream until it comes to a slight boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Mix together with a whisk, making small circles in the middle at first, then gradually moving outwards. Let the ganache set in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Can be made one day in advance.
When ganache is set shape into bite size rounds. Rolls in cocoa powder.
Flavoring
Coconut Truffles infused with Cardamom: substitute cream for coconut milk and boil with a few pods of cardamom. After mixing coconut milk with chocolate add as much or as little coconut shavings as you want.
Lady Grey Truffles: bring cream to a boil, then steep with lady grey tea for 5 minutes. If using looseleaf tea, strain cream before adding to ganache.
Asta says
What a great idea with Lady Grey tea! Certainly have to try it.
Kathy says
Oh, those look wonderful! Happy New Year!
Lori says
The truffles are gorgeous and I love all the flavor ideas. Now that the holidays are over, these would be perfect for Valentines day. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I look forward to catching up on your experiences!
Trissa says
I love ratios! Thanks for sharing the truffle recipe – yes it is very similar to a ganache I make – I guess there is a reason people use it – it tastes delicious and just works!
Anyway, just wishing you a great year ahead. With a patisserie course under your belt – am sure you will do well! 🙂
Shalini says
Hey Jessica
I only just stumbled on your blog and I’ve just spent a little while reading through your progress at Le Cordon Bleu. I’m saving to study at the Sydney LCB and reading through your posts just got me even more excited and motivated!
Good luck with your future endeavors!
Jessica says
Shalini- Thanks!! I wonder how the curriculum is different or the same? Let me know when you get a chance!
Anna says
Earl Grey infused gananche is my greatest weakness. I have to be really careful when I make it because the last time I did, the entire batch ended up in my tummy even though it was supposed to have been for guests. And I’m completely and utterly jealous of you being in pastry school in Paris. Soak it all up while you can.
babycakes says
tea infused anything needs to be fed to me asap. these looked and tasted amazing and i ate like over 15 pieces in one night. the coconut was my abs fav all the rest were tied for first and a half i kept forgetting which was which while eating them i cant function when things taste so good haah
Sasha says
Hey! You stole my dream! Just kidding : )
You are so lucky to be living in Paris and studying the pastry arts. I hope you’re enjoying every second of the experience. Best of luck!
A Little Yumminess says
I made truffles with my little one for the holidays. They are so easy and give one a lot of room to be creative…..And everyone is so impressed that you made such a yummy chocolate treat!
Bex says
And all I got were Lindt’s finest!!!!! JKJK
I’ll wait for the real stuff (your stuff!) when I see you next! 🙂 Can’t wait, everything looks amazing, as usual!!!
I’m showing your blog to Jordan…. he is very impressed. 🙂