Shelly's Recipe

GINGERBREAD TRUFFLES

Category: Candy

Cream:
3/4 cup whipping cream
10 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
1 tbsp mild-flavored (light) molasses
11/2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

Melted Chocolate:
7 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (divided)
7 oz high-quality white chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Coating:
11 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
11 oz high-quality white chocolate, chopped
chopped crystallized ginger for garnish, optional

Bring cream ingredients just to boil in heavy medium saucepan; remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour.

Combine both chocolates in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Strain cream mixture into chocolate; stir to blend. Stir in chopped ginger. Chill filling until firm, at least 3 hours.

Line baking sheet with parchment. Using 1-inch melon baller, scoop filling and roll between palms to form balls. Place on parchment. Chill truffles at least 2 hours.

Line another sheet with parchment. Place 11 oz bittersweet chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 115 degrees. Quickly submerge 1 truffle in chocolate. Using fork, lift out truffle and tap fork against side of bowl so excess coating drips off. Using knife, slide truffle off fork and onto prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. Chill until set.

Line another baking sheet with parchment. Place 11 oz white chocolate in another medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 100 degrees. Hold 1 truffle between thumb and index finger; dip halfway into white chocolate. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. If desired, press small pieces of crystallized ginger atop truffles. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.