Choosing Decadent Champagne Chocolate Truffles

By Tanisha Berg


The original French truffle was a ganache ball covered in cocoa. Today, a truffle is still known by its ganache center but many different ingredients are used and these treats come in a variety of shapes. There are many companies making quality products and these make wonderful gifts. Champagne chocolate truffles are a luxury treat often bought to celebrate a romantic occasion.

There is a legend about how the first truffle was made, attributing this to a lucky accident. An apprentice put hot cream into the wrong bowl by mistake and discovered that the cream and chocolate chunks made a mixture that could be rolled into a ball. When covered with cocoa this ball looked something like the precious fungus truffles from the Perigord region and this is how the sweet version acquired its name.

One of the most important components of a truffle is the type of chocolate used. The type chosen depends very much on personal taste but it is usually dark and plain. Some people prefer a bitter taste while others like a mixture of semi-sweet and bitter. Arguably the extra dark chocolates are more appropriate for after dinner or as something to serve with coffee.

The cream of the ganache helps to temper the sweetness. There are many different types of cream that can be used and sometimes butter is added too. Other unusual ingredients like condensed milk or double thick yoghurt are also being used today. Once again, the ingredients used in a particular product will appeal to some and not to others.

The modern coating used for a truffle strays quite far from the original one which was coated with cocoa powder. There are those who still like this rustic coating but a tempered chocolate one offers more elegance and extra crackle. Dessicated coconut, chopped nuts and icing sugar are just a few of the other coatings used. Some even offer a real taste contrast like chili or paprika.

When making a choice the type and quantity of alcohol is another consideration. Some people only want a mild flavor while other people want to taste more alcohol. A number of different kinds of alcohol such as cognac and brandy as well as liqueurs like Cointreau or Kahlua go well with a truffle. However, champagne provides a subtle taste preferred by many people. When the smooth creamy center is infused with just enough the flavor can be recognized but it does not overpower the other ingredients.

It may be possible to taste a product sample in a store. Some companies with online websites offer the option of tasting a sample too. If this is not possible, reading the reviews written by customers is helpful in making a decision. With the many varieties available, one has to be careful when choosing a gift that it suits the tastes of the person for which it is being purchased.

The quality of ingredients used is important and this is why mass produced products using inferior ingredients are often disappointing. A company producing only these types of products usually uses the best ingredients and also package their products most attractively. When buying from such a company, one can be confident of purchasing something that will taste wonderful and be much appreciated by the recipient.




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