The Gourmet Librarian
The "Gourmet Librarian" is a monthly series on the CCPL Website
October 2008
Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles
This time every year, I begin planning for Christmas. I like to do my shopping gradually during the last part of the year. I find that if I spread the cost of gifts over the last three months of the year, I’m not overwhelmed with debt after Christmas. We are undergoing some challenging economic times, and I believe they will impact everyone’s gift giving. A lot of my friends are talking about homemade gifts this year. Edible goodies are always a great way to save money and still give a great gift that people can enjoy.
A few years ago, I didn’t have a whole lot of money. I decided to make homemade chocolate truffles to give to friends. I located an easy and delicious truffle recipe and thought I would share it with you this month. The majority of people love chocolate, and these truffles look as though a professional made them. They are moist and delicious and will satisfy the chocoholic in everyone.
See You Next Month! Meet Me In The Kitchen!
Lisa, The Gourmet Librarian
Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter or margarine
- ¾ cup cocoa
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1-teaspoon vanilla
- cocoa
- powdered sugar
- chocolate candy sprinkles
Directions:
Melt butter over low heat. Stir in cocoa. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk. Cook until smooth for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla. Pour the mixture into a pan and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Using your hands, shape the mixture into bite size balls. Roll into cocoa, powdered sugar or chocolate candy sprinkles for decoration.
If the mixture becomes too sticky to work with put the mixture back into the refrigerator to chill. Store in an airtight container until ready to give.
Note:
Place several in a pretty box to give as gifts. A very famous chocolatier charges $25.00 per dozen for their truffles – you won’t spend nearly that much and the gift is much more personal.