Chocolate Chambord Truffles

Chocolate Chambord Truffles

by | Jan 31, 2021 | DESSERTS, CAKES AND SQUARES | 0 comments

Chocolate Chambord Truffles

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Chocolate Chambord Truffles decorated with pink hearts are arranged on a pink napkin lined plate on a black back drop.

Truffles may look difficult to make, but in reality, they are quite simple. There’s no special equipment or forbidden secret, like how you get the caramel in the Caramilk bar. What is needed most is a little bit of patience and part of that is the patience not to eat the ganache before the truffles are rolled, LOL! It takes time for cooling, rolling and coating the truffles, but trust me, they are simple and delicious.

Truffles are merely chocolate ganache (chocolate and heavy cream) rolled into balls and coated with cocoa powder or melted chocolate and anything you’d like to sprinkle on them. This recipe flavours the ganache with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and then garnished with a chocolate coating and candied hearts for an elegant yet simple finish.

Chocolate Chambord Truffles decorated with pink hearts are arranged on a pink napkin lined plate on a black back drop.

Don’t be afraid of tempering chocolate if you want a smooth glossy finish to your truffles. I did not temper the chocolate for this post (the ones in the pictures), and they still look amazing. It’s an optional process if you choose to do it. It provides stable chocolate that keeps a gloss even when set.

Basic tempering:

Finely chop chocolate and heat 2/3 of it over a double boiler until melted and not warmer than 120°F. Turn off the heat and remove the bowl, wiping any moisture from the bottom. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped chocolate, stirring and allowing the chocolate to melt before adding more until the temperature drops to 86°F. Return the bowl to the double boiler and warm to 88-91°F and start dipping.

Chocolate Chambord Truffles decorated with pink hearts are arranged on a pink napkin lined plate on a black back drop.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Chocolate Chambord Truffles decorated with pink hearts are arranged on a pink napkin lined plate on a black back drop.
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Chocolate Chambord Truffles

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Truffles

  • 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate 60-70% cocoa
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/4 cup Chambord raspberry liqueur
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Dipping

  • 10 ounces good quality milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

Truffles

  • Finely chop chocolate and place in a medium bowl. Heat cream until hot but not boiling. Pour cream over the chocolate and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Whisk gently to bring cream and chocolate together and the mixture is smooth and silky.
  • Stir in the Chambord until combined and then stir in the room temperature butter. Scrape the sides of the bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chocolate. Allow to cool at room temperature until scoopable (mixture will still be soft).
  • Using a 15ml scoop or a tablespoon, scoop chocolate onto a parchment lined tray. Chill until firm.
  • Using clean dry hands, roll each scoop into a smooth ball and place on a clean sheet of parchment. Rinsing your hands in cool water and drying them about every 4 rolls helps to achieve a uniform and smooth ball.
  • Keep truffles chilled until ready to coat.

Dipping

  • Finely chop the chocolate and place it in the top of a double boiler making sure the water does not touch the upper bowl/pot. Melt gently, stirring occasionally until liquid and smooth.
  • Pour melted chocolate into a small wide glass or wide mouth 250ml mason jar. Using a skewer or toothpick dip each ball into the melted chocolate to cover completely. Remove immediately and allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place truffle on a clean parchment-lined tray and twist toothpick gently to remove. Repeat the dipping process for each truffle. Chill truffles until firm. Alternatively, you can dip each truffle by placing one at a time directly in the melted chocolate and removing with a fork from underneath the truffle, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off.
  • Decorate truffles by drizzling remaining dipping chocolate over each truffle and garnish with your favourite edible decoration.

Notes

-You can roll each truffle in cocoa if you prefer and skip the dipping.
-Keeping the truffles chilled as you go in the dipping process helps keep them firm enough to handle.
-I did not have a 1tbsp scoop, so I used a 2tbsp scoop and sliced each ball in half before rolling.
-Placing the cup or mason jar with the melted dipping chocolate in a larger vessel with hot water helps to keep chocolate warm and smooth for dipping (plan for the water displacement). Warming for 30 seconds in the microwave will also help keep it melted as you go.
-Any remaining dipping chocolate can be poured onto parchment and allowed to set for use in another recipe (do not waste it).

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Irish Cream Cupcakes

Irish Cream Cupcakes

by | Mar 13, 2019 | DESSERTS, CAKES AND SQUARES | 0 comments

I just couldn’t resist making these creamy and chocolatey Irish Cream Cupcakes to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.  They’re a fun and tasty way to celebrate Irish heritage and religion by lacing both the cupcakes and the frosting with Irish Cream.  These cupcakes are deliciously moist and not too sweet with a white chocolate ganache frosting. Good any day of the year in my opinion.

So what’s the Irish in Irish Cream anyway?

Simply put, Irish Cream is a creamy liqueur made with Irish Whiskey, which can only be named as such if distilled on the island of Ireland, among other regulations.

What are we celebrating on St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration recognizing the patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick who died on March 17th, 461. He is best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Why do we wear green?

Ireland is also known as The Emerald Isle, referencing green.

St. Patrick used the green shamrock as a tool to teach people about the holy trinity.

Green is one of the primary colours of the Irish flag.

Wearing green makes you invisible to Leprechauns, who are said to pinch anyone not wearing green, and that’s reason enough for me LOL!

Author: Compelled to Cook

A single Irish Cream Cupcakes sits in focus in the foreground. It sits on a black cooling rack draped with a green and white checkered towel. The background is blurry.
Irish Cream Cupcakes
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    24 cupcakes 60 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    16-18 minutes 4+ hours
    Servings Prep Time
    24 cupcakes 60 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    16-18 minutes 4+ hours
    A single Irish Cream Cupcakes sits in focus in the foreground. It sits on a black cooling rack draped with a green and white checkered towel. The background is blurry.
    Irish Cream Cupcakes
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      24 cupcakes 60 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      16-18 minutes 4+ hours
      Servings Prep Time
      24 cupcakes 60 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      16-18 minutes 4+ hours
      Ingredients
      White Chocolate Ganache
      Chocolate Cupcakes
      Servings: cupcakes
      Instructions
      White Chocolate Ganache
      1. Heat cream and Irish cream in a small pot until just at a simmer.
      2. Add chopped white chocolate and butter to a medium size bowl. Pour hot cream over white chocolate and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill until cold, about 4 hours or up to 24 hours in advance.
      3. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whip, whisk ganache until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Use immediately or chill until ready to use.
      Chocolate Cupcakes
      1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line 24 muffin tins with paper liners.
      2. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whip attachment combine all ingredients EXCEPT the water and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add boiling water and stir to combine.
      3. Pour or scoop 1/4 cup of batter into prepared tins. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
      4. Frost with white chocolate ganache frosting.

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      Affiliate Disclosure

      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies

      Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies

      by | Feb 5, 2019 | COOKIES | 2 comments

      We all need a little love,

      What better way to show a little love than with homemade Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies. The day of love is almost upon us and this year I ’ll be sharing my heart in cookie form. And not just any cookie, Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies!  These gorgeous cookies will win the heart of your Valentine with just one bite. 

      Rolled chocolate cookie wafers get sandwiched together with a rich chocolate ganache and then drizzled with even more chocolate. These cookies are made with love and are not only beautiful but perfect for sharing and giving.  Because after all, cookies make the world a better place.

      Be creative!

      This recipe is relatively simple, however, they do take some time to prepare, assemble and decorate.  I chose heart shape Amazon Heart Shape Cookie Cutters with a simple drizzle of chocolate and candied pearls.  The shape and decorating are completely up to you, get the kids involved and have some fun. Personalized cookies show that they’re made with love and say to that special person just how much they mean to you. Happy Valentine’s Day?

      Author: Compelled to Cook

      Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        30 Cookies 60-70 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        7-8 minutes per tray 3-24 hours
        Servings Prep Time
        30 Cookies 60-70 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        7-8 minutes per tray 3-24 hours
        Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          30 Cookies 60-70 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          7-8 minutes per tray 3-24 hours
          Servings Prep Time
          30 Cookies 60-70 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          7-8 minutes per tray 3-24 hours
          Ingredients
          Servings: Cookies
          Instructions
          1. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
          2. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or electric mixer beat butter until fluffy.
          3. Add granulated sugar and beat until incorporated. Add egg and vanilla and continue to beat on medium until egg is incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
          4. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and blend together until just incorporated.
          5. Divide dough in two, scooping out onto sheets of plastic wrap. Fold over plastic wrap to seal and press each into a 1" flat disk. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
          6. Heat heavy cream and pour over 8 ounces of chopped chocolate and 3 tsp corn syrup. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Whisk together until smooth and glossy. Cover with plastic wrap directly on chocolate. Allow to sit and set at room temperature (see note), this will take several hours.
          7. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line baking trays with parchment.
          8. Remove dough from fridge and allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Flour your work surface and roll out one disk at a time, dusting your work surface underneath and the top of the dough as you roll. Roll out to 1/8" thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place 1" apart on baking trays.
          9. Re-roll remaining dough, dusting with flour as needed. Repeat with the second disk of dough.
          10. Bake cookies for 7-8 minutes, allowing to cool slightly on trays before removing to a cooling rack.
          11. Once completely cooled, spread or pipe 2-3 tsp of ganache onto the bottom of a cookie. Top with another cookie, bottom side down.
          12. Melt 2 ounces of chopped chocolate with 1 tsp corn syrup. Pour into a disposable piping bag cut with a very small hole or use a #4 round tip to drizzle chocolate over the cookie tops.
          13. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for 3-4 or the freezer for up to a month.
          Recipe Notes

          -Ganache takes several hours to cool to room temperature, make first if planning to bake and assemble cookies the same day.

          -Allowing ganache to set at room temperature allows it to be more spreadable and pipeable.  If you do chill it, allow it to come to room temperature and beat with 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream for about 30 seconds to soften it enough to pipe.

          -I re-rolled the dough 3 times with no ill effect to the final cookie.

          -Cookies are slightly crisp but soften when sandwiched together with the ganache.

          -The recipe yield will vary with the thickness of your dough, and cookie cutter used.  I yielded 30 sandwiched cookies using a 2" heart shape cutter.

          -The cookie wafers can be made in advance and frozen until ready to assemble.

          -If you happen to have any ganache left over, chill, roll into small balls and dust with cocoa for a homemade truffle!

          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake

          Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake

          by | Apr 24, 2017 | DESSERTS, CAKES AND SQUARES | 2 comments

          It’s my birthday! Blog birthday that is, and to celebrate I’m enjoying Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake.  One year ago today I posted my first recipe on my website www.compelledtocook.com That’s right, I’m only one, and in blog years that’s pretty young. So much can happen in a year and it goes by in a blink!

          I first started by brushing away the cobwebs on culinary skills learned long ago but rarely used, second, I delved into the world of photography, which deserves more than I can really say here. Third, I began to dabble in recipe development and learning that I do have at least one creative bone in my body. Such a fantastic year with great food, learning, experimenting, shopping for props and of course an increase in my food budget.

          While I am a full time working one women show, that doesn’t mean I go it alone! I have an amazing husband who helps me with most all things computer related, such as back ups, photo organization, photography tips and is an honest critic who eats most everything I make….good or bad. He is my go to guy to say the least. I also have my two wonderfully furry and sometimes pestering cats, Jazz and Peanut. It’s Peanut who takes up most of the pestering category, for stealing food props, jumping on the table and being the furriest critter I’ve ever had the pleasure of loving. They keep me company during picture taking and baking and are just simply happy that I am at home. I cannot forget my co-workers who indulge me to eat up all the baked goods I bring to work.

          As I reflect on the past year, I cannot help but be excited for the next as I continue to learn, grow as a food blogger and bring my culinary skills to the forefront.

          Now, as for the cake…..I love Tiramisu, so I wanted something reminiscent of that creamy coffee dessert. Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake is just that, with tender cake hinted with coffee and layered with a coffee ganache and coffee mascarpone frosting. It’s an adult birthday cake that’s tall and glorious with coffee flavour. Enjoy!

          Recipe source for Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake:  Compelled To Cook

           

           

          Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake
          Print Recipe
            Servings
            12 people
            Servings
            12 people
            Kahlúa Coffee Cream Cake
            Print Recipe
              Servings
              12 people
              Servings
              12 people
              Ingredients
              Cake
              Coffee syrup
              Coffee ganache
              Mascarpone frosting
              Servings: people
              Instructions
              Cake
              1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray 3 8" round cake pans with non stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
              2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, espresso powder and salt.
              3. Using a whisk attachment stir together sugar and oil until combined. Add one egg at a time, whisking well after each. Whisk in milk, kahlúa and vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients and whisk until starting to smooth out. With mixer running on low, slowly add boiling water and continue to mix until starting to combine. Increase speed and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
              4. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans, using approximately 2.5 cups of batter per pan. Tap pans lightly on counter to remove any bubbles. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes before removing to cooling rack.
              5. Flatten out top of cakes if necessary using a serrated knife. Brush each cake with coffee syrup. Place one cake on cake board and/or cake plate. Spread half of the coffee ganache evenly over first cake layer. Top with 1/2" layer of frosting. Place second cake layer on top of first and repeat with ganache and frosting. Add top cake and spread a thin layer of frosting over entire cake. Allow cake to cool in fridge for 30-60 minutes. Frost as desired with remaining frosting and garnish with chocolate covered coffee beans. Can be served immediately or kept cool until ready to use.
              Coffee Syrup
              1. In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together all ingredients. Bring to a full boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
              Coffee ganache
              1. Heat cream until hot, either in the microwave or stovetop. Pour hot cream over chocolate and whisk until chocolate melts and is smooth. Stir in kahlúa. Allow to cool in fridge, stirring occasionally until starting to firm up but is still spreadable.
              Mascarpone frosting
              1. Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar and espresso powder until smooth. Set aside. Whip heavy cream and kahlúa until soft peaks form. Gradually add mascarpone mixture and whip until thick and smooth, being careful not to over mix. Keep chilled until ready to use.
              Recipe Notes

              Cakes will flatten slightly as they cool.

              Peanut Butter Tarts

              Peanut Butter Tarts

              by | Mar 17, 2017 | DESSERTS, CAKES AND SQUARES | 0 comments

              Who loves peanut butter? I know I do, and I eat it regularly, either on a bagel, banana, in granola, and yes….straight off the spoon.  But let’s add a little chocolate ganache and watch that love intensify!! I won’t lie, I would definitely struggle with a peanut allergy. So if you’re a lover of peanut butter like me, you’ll really enjoy these easy, make ahead Peanut Butter Tarts layered AND drizzled with chocolate ganache.

              The crust is buttery and crunchy with peanuts. Top it with a layer of chocolate ganache and you’re off to a good start. The filling is a silky smooth combination of peanut butter, cream cheese and whipped cream. You’ll definitely be inclined to lick the spatula, in fact, I bet you can’t resist it! Peanut Butter Tarts are not only easy, but make a lovely presentation and can be made ahead. With better weather lurking, it’s time to start thinking of cool, creamy desserts. Enjoy!

              Recipe Source:  Compelled To Cook

               

              Peanut Butter Tarts
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                8 people 30 minutes
                Cook Time Passive Time
                10 minutes 80 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                8 people 30 minutes
                Cook Time Passive Time
                10 minutes 80 minutes
                Peanut Butter Tarts
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  8 people 30 minutes
                  Cook Time Passive Time
                  10 minutes 80 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  8 people 30 minutes
                  Cook Time Passive Time
                  10 minutes 80 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Tart Shells
                  Ganache
                  Filling
                  Servings: people
                  Instructions
                  Tart Shells
                  1. Preheat oven to 350℉. In a food processor pulse together Nilla wafers, peanuts and sugar until you have a course uniform crumb. Drizzle in melted butter and pulse a few times to combine. Using 8, 4" mini tart pans with removable bottoms add 1/4 cup of crumb mixture to tart pan and evenly spread over the bottom and up the sides, pressing lightly to compact. Place prepared tart shells on a large baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool at room temperature.
                  Ganache
                  1. Heat heavy cream in a small sauce pan or microwave until hot. Pour over chopped chocolate and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes to melt. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Scoop 1tbsp of ganache into cooled tart shells and spread out evenly over the bottom. Reserve remaining ganache for drizzling. Refrigerate tart shells for 15-20 minutes to firm up ganache.
                  Filling
                  1. Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together until light and fluffy. Add icing sugar, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Beat until combined and smooth.
                  2. Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into peanut butter mixture. Scoop a full 1/4 cup of filling into each tart shell, smooth out the top as desired. Chill for at least an hour. Drizzle remaining ganache over tarts and garnish with shaved chocolate and/or chopped peanuts and serve.
                  Recipe Notes

                  You may need to warm the reserved ganache for drizzling.  Simply microwave under medium power, whisking at 10 second intervals.