A SYMPHONY OF FRENCH CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Steps:

• For the basic truffle mixture, break the chocolate into squares and place it in the bowl of a food processor. Switch on and grind the chocolate until it looks granular, like sugar.
• Now place the cream, butter and rum or brandy in a small saucepan and bring these to simmering point. Then, with the motor switched on, pour the mixture through the feeder tube of the processor and continue to blend until you have a smooth, blended mixture.
• Next transfer the mixture, which will be very liquid at this stage, into a bowl, allow it to get quite cold, then cover it with clingfilm and refrigerate overnight. Don't worry: it will thicken up after several hours.
• Next day divide the mixture equally among four small bowls, and keep each one in the fridge until you need it. Then proceed with the following to make four different varieties. Make sure you have all the little paper cases opened out ready before your hands get all chocolatey!
• Plain Truffles:.
• For these, you simply sift 1 level dessertspoon of cocoa powder on to a flat plate, then take heaped half teaspoons of the first batch of truffle mixture and either dust each one straight away all over, which gives the truffle a rough, rock-like appearance, or dust your hands in cocoa and roll each piece into a ball and then roll it in the cocoa powder if you like a smoother look. Place it immediately into a paper case. Obviously, the less handling the better as the warmth of your hands melts the chocolate.
• Ginger truffles:.
• Mix the finely chopped ginger into the second batch of truffle mixture using a fork, then proceed as above, taking small pieces, rolling or not (as you wish), and dusting with cocoa powder before transferring each one to a paper case.
• Toasted almond truffles:.
• Sprinkle the very finely chopped toasted almond flakes on a flat plate, take half a teaspoonful of the third batch of truffle mixture and roll it round in the nuts, pressing them to form an outer coating.
• Chocolate-coated truffles:.
• For these you need to set the chocolate and oil in a bowl over some hot but not boiling water and allow it to melt until it becomes liquid, and then remove the pan from the heat.
• Spread some silicone paper on a flat surface and, dusting your hands with cocoa, roll each truffle into a little ball.
• Using two flat skewers, one to spike the truffle and one to manoeuvre it, dip each truffle in the chocolate so that it gets a thin coating and then quickly transfer it to the paper. If the chocolate begins to thicken, replace the pan on the heat so that it will liquefy again.
• Leave the coated truffles to set completely then, using a palette knife; quickly transfer them into their waiting paper cases.
• Cocoa Dusted Truffles:.
• Simple and quick, I use 60% French Cocoa powder for an extra chocolate rush! Simply take each truffle and drop into a bowl of cocoa powder, and gently turn the truffles around to coat them.
• Now arrange all the truffles in a box or boxes and cover. Keep them refrigerated and eat within three days. Alternatively, truffles are ideal for freezing.