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.
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FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
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From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
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George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.