Snowball Chocolate Truffles

Snowball Chocolate Truffles
The holiday season is such a magical time of the year; especially here in the desert. The weather finally cools and we start seeing the neighbors out and about again. Many people decorate their homes and plants with twinkle lights. The lights strung around the cacti are my favorite. The only bad thing about the holidays is that they always end, time is ticking. Maybe that’s why we all want these few short weeks to be as special as possible.

Tempered Chocolate
Truffles are the simplest form of candy to make; they are basically chocolate and cream. The chocolate is finely chopped and heavy cream that has been heated to just a boil is poured over, then stirred until smooth. (This chocolate base is called a ganache).In this version I added slivered almonds and then placed the mixture into the fridge to set up; about an hour.

Snowball Chocolate Truffles, ready to enjoy!
To finish I rolled mine in Confectioners’ sugar. You can also roll them in desiccated coconut, nuts or cocoa powder. There is no candy thermometer or special equipment involved. Waiting for the chocolate to set up will take most of your time.

This recipe has been adapted from, "The Martha Stewart Living Christmas Cookbook".



yield: Makes about 20print recipe

Snowball Chocolate Truffles

prep time: 30 MINScook time: 8 MINStotal time: 38 mins
These truffles are delightfully elegant, decadent, and delicious. They also make wonderful gifts. Surprise someone special this holiday season!

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ pound good quality bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup Confectioners' sugar for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Pour the cream into a saucepan and bring just to a boil, quickly remove from heat. Place finely chopped chocolate into medium-sized glass bowl. Pour over the boiling cream, then let stand about 5 minutes. Stir until the chocolate and cream are well blended and smooth. Add almonds and stir until just combined. Let cool about 15 to 20 minutes. Place in fridge until the mixture is set, about an hour, stirring occasionally. (I stirred every 10 minutes).
  2. Use a melon-baller or small ice cream scoop to portion out chocolate. Quickly roll chocolate mixture between palms to form an one inch “ball”. Place truffles on a parchment lined plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. When ready to serve; sprinkle Confectioners’ sugar onto a plate and roll the truffles until evenly covered.
  4. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within a week.
Created using The Recipes Generator

Comments

  1. Absolutely loving these snowballs chocolate truffles, Cheri. Loving the combination of almonds and chocolate! And the color is absolutely out of this world!

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  2. These truffles look very tempting!
    p.s Didn't see the almond slices in the Instructions...

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    1. Thanks Angie, just added the almonds in the instructions!

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  3. They look very delicious, Cheri! After your making these sound easy to make, you've given me confidence to try the recipe. Thanks and take care

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    1. Thanks pam, they really are easy to prepare and easy to eat.....Happy holidays!

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  4. These are so much better than the store bought. I just bought some good bittersweet chocolate yesterday. I am tempted to make them.

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    1. Thanks Gerlinde, these really are pretty easy, looks like you have been baking up a storm;)

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  5. Given that your truffles are the closest we would get to snow this year I might make some. Only if the heat wave goes. Love the addition of the almonds.

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    1. Thanks Tandy, we are used to celebrating the holidays with cooler weather, must be so different for you. Take care!

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  6. These look amazing Cheri. Happy. Merry. D

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    1. Thanks Dena, I see lots of salads in the near furture;)

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  7. Perfect for the holidays, Cheri! More chocolate is better, right?

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    1. haha! Thanks David, funny thing growing up I did not care for chocolate.

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  8. These lovely little snowballs do look tempting Cheri! Nice holiday treat.

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  9. What a festive table! Like a magazine..I find Truffles look like a party:)
    Happy happy holidays Cheri..and you really can't go wrong with Martha right?

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    1. Thanks Monique, no you can't Martha is a beacon for all things beautiful.

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  10. Wow so easy! Only 4 ingredients! Love this recipe...great way to get my chocolate fix.

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    1. Thanks Bobbi, still trying to eat 1 big salad at least once a day.

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  11. I agree...wish the holidays were longer but maybe that condensed schedule makes it more special? I love your snowball truffles...it is such a luxurious treat to make for the holidays. Perfect timing and so pretty on a platter. Enjoy the holiday lights, the treats, and the family time.

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    1. Yes, the condensed schedule is a big part of making the holidays special. Happy Holidays Monica!!

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  12. I love homemade truffles, they are looking amazing!:)

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  13. these couldn't be easier or more decadent! i always prefer to roll my truffles in something--i hate the whole process of dipping into tempered chocolate. so messy! :)

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  14. Truffles are great! They look complicated, but are actually pretty easy to make. And wow! The flavor! Always so good. These look terrific -- thanks. BTW, I’m taking off the rest of the year, so I’d like to wish you happy holidays!

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    1. Thanks John, happy Holidays to you and Mrs. Riffs, have a wonderful break!

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  15. A terrific treat indeed! Add a little liqueur too - like Bailey's Irish Cream - and I wouldn't be able to stop snacking on these little bites of deliciousness. We don't have lights on the cactus - but the temperature is dropping to 15 degrees tonight - and we're wishing for snow!

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    1. Hi Tricia, I don't think I've ever been in 15 degree weather, sounds pretty cold to me but it must feel a lot like Christmas.

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  16. Chocolate is my biggest weakness. That's not a bad thing, is it :) Love these truffles with almonds and love your table, Cheri!

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    1. Thanks Susan, you are so kind, I'm a chocolate fiend myself, had to set a daily limit.

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  17. Hi Cheri,
    These delicious snowball truffles looked great and perfect treat for the festive season.

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  18. Oh, so easy and delicious! I love that! I am a big fan of truffles. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Cheri;)

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  19. These snowballs look fabulous...what a nice addition to the holidays...
    Hope you are having a great week Cheri :)

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    1. Thanks Juliana! yes having a great week, Happy holidays!

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  20. I love how easy these are to make! They sound absolutely delicious!!

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  21. I've been trying to get over here ever seeing your picture on instagram! These sound perfect!!

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  22. Oh yum! I love chocolate and almonds together. I haven't made truffles in awhile. Might have to try them again. Merry Christmas Cheri.

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    1. Thanks Linda, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  23. What a lovely and festive spread. But alas, you are right about the holidays going so quickly...

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    1. Thanks Inger, yes, we are getting down to the wire, and I am going to have to speed up my pace a bit to get everything done.

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  24. Your description of truffle-making combined with your photos is increasing my courage and motivation...Love to have those truffles on my Christmas dessert plate =)

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    1. Thanks Kim, you are so sweet, chocolate in moderation is good for us;)

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