Choosing Decadent Champagne Chocolate Truffles

By Tanisha Berg


The original French truffle was a ganache ball covered in cocoa. Today, a truffle is still known by its ganache center but many different ingredients are used and these treats come in a variety of shapes. There are many companies making quality products and these make wonderful gifts. Champagne chocolate truffles are a luxury treat often bought to celebrate a romantic occasion.

The first truffle, as legend has it, was created in the kitchen of one of the great French chefs. An apprentice was trying to make pastry cream and he poured hot cream into a bowl of chocolate chunks by accident. As the mixture hardened, he discovered it could be worked into a rough ball. He coated it with cocoa powder and was struck by its resemblance to the precious fungus found in the Perigord region of France.

The type of chocolate used in making the truffle can produce very different tastes. Sometimes this is a combination of bitter and sweet with a bitter center and a sweet coating. Other products are extremely sweet, appealing to those with a very sweet tooth. A dark, bitter variety appeals more to those without such a sweet tooth and is often served after dinner with coffee.

The cream has a moderating effect on the sweetness of the truffle and gives a delectable richness. Some versions are being produced today where the cream is replaced with anything from condensed milk to a combination of whipping cream and butter. Again, choice depends on individual taste and how much sweetness is desired.

Many different coatings are used in the modern versions of this confectionery such as icing sugar, desiccated coconut or sprinkles. A tempered coating offers a more finished appearance and contrasts well with a bittersweet interior. Biting into a tempered coating gives a satisfying crackle.

When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.

It may be possible to taste a product sample in a store. Some companies with online websites offer the option of tasting a sample too. If this is not possible, reading the reviews written by customers is helpful in making a decision. With the many varieties available, one has to be careful when choosing a gift that it suits the tastes of the person for which it is being purchased.

Factory produced items from supermarkets may look good but often do not have the same depth of flavor as when purchasing from a specialist chocolatier. There are many online chocolatiers offering quality products. A reputable supplier must be chosen, especially considering the problems that can occur when shipping a product like chocolates.




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