“Everything is good if it’s made of chocolate.” Yes, Jo Brand, we agree entirely. And one of those miracle chocolate inventions is the chocolate truffle. Yet, while everyone enjoys melting one of these delicacies in their mouths, few know what it actually is.
A traditional chocolate truffle is chocolate ganache that’s enrobed in chocolate, commonly cocoa powder. The chocolate truffle gets its name from the resemblance to the expensive and delicious underground black truffle mushrooms.
Hey! I’m Michelle, and I love chocolate truffles. Honestly, this is one of my favorite treats to consume, and it’s always a welcome gift during the holiday season. I wanted to know more about this wonderful treat I devour every year, and I’m here to share what I found out.
Are you interested in chocolate truffles? Let’s discover more about this whimsical concoction!
Contents
What is a Chocolate Truffle?
If there’s one thing we all know about chocolate truffles, they’re incredibly indulgent and decadent. Think about the last time you bit into one – it’s as if your taste buds died and went to chocolate heaven.
But what exactly is this magnificent little goodie?
A chocolate truffle is essentially a bite-sized chocolate ganache enrobed in another layer of chocolate, typically cocoa powder or semisweet chocolate. This makes them easy to pick up, with a surprisingly smooth and luxurious interior.
The truffles are not meant to be perfectly spherical. In fact, they say that the lumpier and less “put-together,” the more delicious they are.
This is where the term “truffle” came from. Because chocolate truffles are lumpy and black or brown, they resemble black truffle mushrooms – an exotic and expensive underground fungus.
With the Latin word truffle meaning tuber, or something with a round structure and lumpy appearance, it’s clear to see why these two elements were given their names.
How Are Chocolate Truffles Made?
The traditional way to make chocolate truffles is to do the following:
- Boil heavy cream
- Pour on top of the chocolate
- Mix and chill
- Shape into lumpy balls
- Dust with cocoa powder
- Enjoy a succulent treat that will make your eyes roll to the back of your head!
Pretty easy, right? Which is wowing, considering the depth of flavor and texture each chocolate truffle provides.
Of course, chocolate truffles are made in a slew of different ways nowadays. For example, some get the added pizazz of liqueurs, while others boast a fruity cream or caramel center. Chocolate truffles are often coated with other elements, such as nuts or nougat.
Keep in mind that anything that’s filled with something other than ganache is not considered a “true” chocolate truffle. But who’s going to argue when the flavor is so incredible?
History of Chocolate Truffle
So, who do we have to thank for these little balls of chocolate paradise? There are two theories surrounding the first invention of this luxury treat.
Some believe that French patisserie Louis DuFour invented the chocolate truffle in 1895. During this time, the man wanted to shock his customers with a new development. He chose to roll chocolate ganache in cocoa powder to make it easier to handle without the mess or hassle of melting. Thus, the chocolate truffle was born.
Others believe the chocolate truffle was created by Auguste Escoffier’s assistant in 1920. His creation was brought on entirely by accident: pouring hot, heavy cream on top of chunks of chocolate. After it cooled, he shaped it into a ball and dipped it into cocoa, creating a tasty morsel known as chocolate truffles.
Regardless of which theory you believe or which one you think was the actual creation of chocolate truffles, one thing is true: we’re thankful for everyone who played a role in inventing chocolate truffles.
FAQs
Chocolate truffles are pretty interesting little things, aren’t they? While you know most of what there is to know about chocolate truffles, I recommend checking out these frequently asked questions. There’s more info to know below!
What is the difference between chocolate and chocolate truffles?
Chocolate truffles are a type of chocolate treat made from chocolate. They contain an interior and an exterior, traditionally made with chocolate, but can now have other flavors added in, too. Plain chocolate, on the other hand, can be a standalone product with no mix-ins, like the truffle.
Why are they called chocolate truffles?
Chocolate truffles got their name from the resemblance to black mushroom truffles, expensive, luxurious, and delicious fungi found underground. They both have a dark color (black or brown) and a lumpy appearance.
What does a chocolate truffle taste like?
A plain chocolate truffle will taste like a smooth and scrumptious chocolate dessert with an incredibly succulent flavor and decadent texture. It’s one of the most sought-after bite-sized chocolate desserts. However, many truffles are flavored with other ingredients, which can alter the final taste – for example, a chocolate ganache coated with toffee pieces.
Chocolate Truffles Are Bite-Sized Masterpieces!
It’s clear to see why people are chocolate truffle fanatics. The center is creamy and indulgent, while the exterior makes it easy to hold onto and enhances the overall texture and taste. They get their name from their resemblance to black mushroom truffles, and nowadays, truffles are made with other ingredients to create different and vibrant flavors.
Do you enjoy chocolate truffles? Did you learn anything new about chocolate truffles today? Do you have anything you’d like to add? Let us know in the comment section below!
About Michelle