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.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
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.
The alcohol used in a truffle varies in strength and quantity. Some people really like a hit of alcohol whilst others prefer a more subtle taste that does not overpower the other ingredients. Champagnes offer this more subtle taste. They are associated with celebration and having a little taste in the center of such a treat transforms it into a wonderful treat for a really special occasion.
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.
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.
One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.
The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.
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.
The alcohol used in a truffle varies in strength and quantity. Some people really like a hit of alcohol whilst others prefer a more subtle taste that does not overpower the other ingredients. Champagnes offer this more subtle taste. They are associated with celebration and having a little taste in the center of such a treat transforms it into a wonderful treat for a really special occasion.
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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