Thursday, 19 October 2017

CHILLI CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES easy make-ahead indulgence; kids' alternative

A sophisticated low-added-sugar treat for adult chocolate-lovers... 
                        updated Feb 2022
Chilli Chocolate Truffles with fresh chilli garnish
'Perfect.  Heat & a kick of chilli without harshness in silky chocolate' Tasters


Mixing chilli with chocolate is nothing new.  Mexicans and Latin Americans do it all the time, gorgeously, in drinks, treats and even meat casseroles.

67's recipe is more European-style -- sophisticated but delicate.  There's a little less fire but enough of a slow, gentle burn to enhance the deep undertones of dark chocolate.

And prep is super-simple -- no wresting with small truffle balls; just turn the truffles out of the pan and cut into small rectangles.  

They are perfect after fireworks as a warming sweet treat or dropped into hot chocolate but kids should have a non-spicy version (alternate recipe below.

Cost: £2.50
Makes: 24 to 30 truffles

Ingred:
   200gm/7oz 70% cocoa-butter dark or bittersweet chocolate (67 prefers M&S or Amazon's Callebaut) 
   200ml double cream
     35gm/1 1/4 oz unsalted butter

  1 med-large dried chipotle chilli*, steeped in boiling water 3-4 mins & drained
  1/2 tbsp cinnamon
  1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  1/4 tsp salt
Note: for the full effect of the spices, don't stint on the cayenne 
Garnishes: cocoa powder; slivers of fresh red/yellow chillis, seeds & membranes removed (opt)

Method:

  1. Chop chocolate finely - use a knife not a processor;  set aside  
  2. Melt cream & butter in a med saucepan over med-low heat until the butter melts & small bubbles appear around the edge of the pot; watch it carefully; don't let it boil
  3. Take it off the heat; add chipotle chilli, stir in cinnamon, cayenne & salt; transfer to a clean bowl; cover loosely, allow to steep 2 hours.  
  4. Start with a clean pan.
  5. Remove chipotle chilli from cream; add a few tablespoons of cream and reheat until steam rises and small bubbles appear around the edge of the pot; DO NOT ALLOW TO BOIL; the task is to make the cream hot enough to melt the chocolate when it's added but not so much that the cream boils
  6. Remove from heat
  7. Add the chocolate in thirds, stirring with a whisk, making sure each addition is completely melted before you add the next third
  8. Pour into a container 8 inches x 8 inches/20cm x 20cm or equiv lined with a double layer of clingfilm pushed into the corners
  9. Cool to room temperature, clingfilm; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
  10. When set, turn chocolate out onto greaseproof paper sprinkled with cocoa; remove clingfilm; cut into 24 equal pieces with a sharp knife dipped in very hot water 
  11. Sift more cocoa over the bricks until they are well covered
  12. Decorate some bricks with finely sliced fresh chilli (opt)
  13. Serve with serviettes; freeze up to one month

    Comments:
    • 'Perfect.' Local council candidate
    • 'Mmm. I can taste the chilli but it's not hot; the warmth hits the back of the tongue. The truffles are dark and lovely, rich and velvety.' The delightfully youthful Judy, aromatherapist & reflexologist for hospital cancer patients 
    • 'A warming heat without the harshness of chilli in smooth, lovely chocolate.' Political Agent
    • 'The final version of 3 is lovely; I like the heavier dusting of cocoa powder and there's more of a kick of chilli afterwards.' Senior office Woman Friday
    Tips:
    • Child friendly option - use milk baking chocolate; replace spices with 1/2 tsp vanilla essence or orange or peppermint essence; when set & cut into bricks, coat individually in cooled melted white baking chocolate; drizzle with orange or red icing (1/2-1 tbsp milk to 3 tbsp icing sugar) 
    • obviously you can make round truffles but bricks are quicker &  easier
    • *dried chipotles are not outrageously expensive & pep up other dishes; 67's came from Waitrose
                                                           More Skinnier sweets on NavBar: Recipes 11
            
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    This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.    

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