Sunday, November 21, 2010

Why Are Chocolate Truffles So Prized?

By Katie Clayton


Any type of chocolate is a great Christmas gift, so what is it that makes chocolate truffles extra special? Chocolate truffles are traditionally made by rolling a chocolate ganache centre into a ball and coating it with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. A number of reasons could explain their popularity and explain why they are in fact an ideal gift for chocoholics.

Chocolate truffles are named for their resemblance to the truffle fungus. Granted, this doesn't sound too great, but truffles are a highly prized and extremely expensive culinary item. They are traditionally hunted by pigs in damp woodland and are then used by chefs to add a unique flavour to dishes. Carole Bloom says in her book Truffles, Candies and Confections, "because classic chocolate truffles are generally made in a lopsided, roundish shape about an inch in diameter - similar to the highly prized fungi - and because they are much sought after, the name fits perfectly".

Chocolate truffles have added appeal as they are originally from France. M. Dufour first created truffles at his premises in Chambery, France in 1895, and brought the concept to Britain in 1902 with the Prestat Chocolate Shop. Truffles have grown in popularity and good-quality chocolate truffles are still sought after today. If you're struggling for present ideas, truffles are a great alternative gift to flowers.

There are many different variations on the traditional French chocolate truffle, but some of the best are American, Swiss and European truffles. Swiss truffles are freshly prepared and need to be consumed within a matter of days, making them perhaps the most prized truffles you can get. All truffles are rich in flavour and can contain centre ingredients from cream, melted chocolate, caramel, nuts, almonds, berries and fruits. For those of you who like a tipple many truffles come fuelled with alcohol like rum or liqueur.

There are so many varieties of truffles that they are sure to make the perfect gift this Christmas. Even better, keep costs down and make your own!




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