Aka the chocolate truffle, the bite-sized petit four is made from a creamy mixture of chocolate ganache, usually with butter and cream. However, this German version I've prepared below has less fat in the recipe but does not sacrifice the decadent chocolate flavor. As I've written prior, the quality of the truffle is primarily dependent on the quality of the chocolate you start with. I can't stress this enough.
Nougatkugeln
chefgeorgehirsch.com | Makes about 35 truffles
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
*2 Tablespoons espresso or strong brewed coffee, or as needed
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup hazelnuts or almonds, lightly toasted & ground
Optional filling: To make an all-chocolate truffle: substitute 1 cup semisweet chocolate, ground medium-fine, for the hazelnuts.
Optional flavoring: Reduce espresso by 1 Tablespoon and substitute with 1 Tablespoon of Frangelico (hazelnut flavor liquor), or Grand Marnier (orange flavor liquor). SEE DIRECTIONS BELOW
Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid overheating. As the chocolate begins to melt, remove the bowl from the heat.
In a separate bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder with a wire whisk. Mix in espresso, vanilla, and nuts. The mixture should be slightly thick; add additional espresso if the truffle mixture needs to be slightly smoother.
Cool mixture slightly, and with a small scoop or by hand, form small balls by shaping them into 1/2- to 3/4-inch diameter balls. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate.
Garniture: Place your coatings for the truffles on a plate and roll truffle balls in one of the following:
Toasted crushed nuts
Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder
Tempered chocolate striped over truffles
Coconut
Shaved chocolate
Chill until firm. Nougatkugeln is best when served at room temperature.
