-
1
Combine the cream and chestnut puree in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-low heat.
-
2
Bring the mixture just to the boil, stirring slowly.
-
3
When bubbles break the surface of the mixture, remove the pot from the heat.
-
4
Place the chocolate in a medium bowl and pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate.
-
5
Stir with a wide-looped whisk or a wooden spoon until the chocolate is very smooth, and the cream and chestnut mixture is completely incorporated.
-
6
Blend in the Cognac or Armagnac.
-
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a gap for the steam to escape, and refrigerate the truffle mixture until thoroughly chilled, preferably overnight.
-
8
Sift the cocoa powder and confectioners sugar together several times until thoroughly blended, then spread the mixture on a large plate or platter.
-
9
Have ready a second platter or baking dish lined with parchment or waxed paper to set the truffles on before they are rolled.
-
10
Finally, have several platters, baking dishes, baking sheets or boxes ready to hold the finished chocolates.
-
11
(I find the little paper or foil confection cups that are available in kitchenware and specialty shops very handy when making truffles, as they allow you to move the truffles and store them with a minimum of handling and damage.
-
12
They are inexpensive and come in very plain or seasonally decorated designs.
-
13
If you are using these, separate them before you start working with the truffle mixture and your hands become covered with goo.)
-
14
Remove the chocolate mixture from the refrigerator and use a 1-inch ice cream scoop or melon baller to form small balls.
-
15
Keep the truffles small; the temptation is always to get bigger and bigger, but these are powerfully rich sweets, and it is always better to want two than wish youd only eaten half.
-
16
Form about 30 truffles at a time, then put the rest of the chocolate mixture back in the refrigerator to cool.
-
17
Gently roll each truffle in the cocoa-sugar mixture and set them in the paper liners or on a platter.
-
18
Dont worry about getting the truffles perfectly round, or perfectly covered; irregularity is part of their beauty.
-
19
Once the platter is full, refrigerate the finished truffles.
-
20
Keep forming, rolling and chilling the truffles until the entire mixture is used.
-
21
Store the truffles in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days.
-
22
Do keep them chilled-they will quickly become soft and messy if left at room temperature for more than a few minutes.
-
23
These gorgeously rich little chocolates are perfect at the holidays, as part of a dessert buffet, a sophisticated end to an elegant dinner or as gifts.
