Truffles: Chocolate, Champagne And Truffle Oil

Chocolate truffles are a delicious way to convey emotion to someone special. On anniversaries or holidays chocolate truffles say “I love you,” while after a big fight special champagne truffles are a tasty way to say “I'm sorry.” This ability to communicate with another person sans words has made chocolate truffles and champagne truffles a hit for all seasons.

Chocolate truffles are not the same thing as the truffles found in the wilderness and enjoyed by dogs and pigs. The latter kinds of truffles are in the mushroom family and would not taste good covered in chocolate. In contrast, chocolate truffles are a baker's confection made from chocolate, vanilla extract, and butter.

Another confusion is with truffle oil. Most people think that truffle oil is what truffles are cooked in. This is not true. Truffle oil is the oil that comes from the fresh truffles found in the wilderness. Truffle oil is mainly used for drizzling over certain foods like salads, mashed potatoes, and breads. This kind of oil comes in black and white and adds a robust flavor to food.

Chocolate truffles can be made at home or can be bought in a variety of stores. Truffle enthusiasts interested in making their own truffles require a few necessary ingredients to make chocolate or champagne truffles. The most common ingredients for chocolate truffles are butter or margarine, semi-sweet chocolate, and regular chocolate (for dipping purposes). Other chocolate truffle recipes can most easily be found online.

The most common ingredients for champagne truffles are heavy cream, butter or margarine, semi sweet chocolate, favorite kind of liqueur, dark chocolate (for dripping purposes), and white chocolate (for drizzle purposes). All of these ingredients can be found at the local grocery store for under $30, with most of the ingredients already in one's cabinet.

 Chocolate truffles and champagne truffles can also be purchased at various stores and online sites for those not interested in baking. Some of the most popular places to buy chocolate truffles and champagne truffles are:

• Godiva- offers pre-made packages of truffles or make-your-own. Prices range from $45  for a 36 piece package to $8.25  for a 4 piece package.
• Nonnie Waller's- offer a wide assortment of chocolate truffles, champagne, almond, coconut, etc. Prices range from $46.95  for 18 piece package to $24.95 for 9 piece package.
• Joseph Schmidt Confections- offers variety of truffles in beautiful packaging. Prices range from $37 for 20 piece package to $16 for 6 piece package.

Whether it's chocolate truffles, champagne truffles, almond truffles, or fresh truffles, these delicious foods will add life to any dinner or dessert. Know what is desired, chocolate or mushrooms, and get  cooking!


Sources:
Chocolate Gifts from Godiva. Godiva Chocolatier,Inc. 2007. 27 Feb. 2007 <http://www.godiva.com/catalog/collections.aspx ?id=61>.
Just Truffles. Nonnie Waller’s Traditional Southern. 1993-2007. 27 Feb. 2007 <http://nonniewallers.com/justTruffles.htm>.
Signature Line Truffles. Joseph Schmidt Confections. 2006. Artisan Confections.27 Feb. 2007 <https://www.josephschmidtconfections.com/produ cts.asp?dept=25>.
The Very Best Use for Truffle Oil. Ochef. 2001-2006. FNS LLC. 27 Feb. 2007 <http://www.ochef.com/265.htm>