Making Chocolate truffles is time consuming but fairly easy. The process is rewarding and the finished product is well worth it. It is an easy way to impress friends and family. They make a delicious gift or a treat for a special occasion. Truffles are the ideal sweet for Valentine's Day.

Chocolate truffles are round decadent confections and are an invention of the French. Thick chocolate ganache is rolled into cocoa. Supposedly it was created by French chef, Auguste Escoffier, in the 1920's. The legend is that he made this by accident while attempting to make pastry cream. Some of the best creations were made due to an accident.

Basic Chocolate Truffle Recipe:
Makes 30

Ingredients:

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla
10 large marshmallows
unsweetened cocoa or chocolate sprinkles for decorating

Directions:

1. Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and marshmallows in a small sauce pan.
2. Heat over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
3. Heat until mixture is smooth.
4. Once combined add in vanilla.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This time allows it to firm and thicken.
7. Form small 1 inch balls with the chocolate. It is easiest to do this with a melon baller or small cookie scoop. However, a spoon will work just fine.
8. Roll each ball in the cocoa.
9. Eat immediately or refrigerate finished truffles for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
10. If giving this as a gift, package them in a candy box found at craft stores. Tie the box with a pretty ribbon.

There are many alternatives to this simple recipe. The vanilla can be replaced with peppermint flavoring. Or to kick it up a notch the vanilla can be replaced with liqueur. Bailey's, Kahlua, or, Frangelico are just a few of the options. Another option is to replace the cocoa. Roll the chocolate balls in chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts or crushed cookies.

Enjoy and sweeten the soul with chocolate!