White Chocolate Truffles

As I write this post, few hours before the closing of 2010, I am constantly reminded of the fond memories of this year which I will treasure for so many years to come.The year started on quite a sad note with demise of one of my close office colleague back in India.I was struggling to get over it and I accidentally found myself in a foreign land, which I call home now.It looks like life has moved forward,I understand that a new phase of life has slowly ushered in with lots of responsibilities on me not only towards my family but P’s family too.I struggle each day to meet the expectations within my heart and those which I am bound to.

I certainly did lose a few good opportunities on the career front and personally,made new friends who have grown to be a really integral part of our life now.We bought our first car this year and moved to a bigger apartment.When I came here for the first time,P had only one computer table and a mattress to sleep on.It took us almost a 8 months to set up our new house.Sometimes, when I sit on the couch and look around, gazing through the walls, I recount where I bought what from, for few minutes I am overwhelmed with the fact that we finally have a four walled apartment decked up enough to be called a luxury home.I m so attached to even a small spoon of my house now The laughs I laughed & the fun moments I had were certainly life’s way of making up in full for the losses all through!

And last but not the least,I started this blog with absolutely no air of what the world of food blogging is about!I had only one confidence with me to start with-I knew cooking & could plate out a decent meal on the table.That’s it.I have learnt so much in past 5 months and yet have a minute clue of about how much of it is still untouched.The best part has been interacting with all kinds of people,few of them quite encouraging & helpful It’s so much a part of me that sometimes I wonder how I will maintain this page as life will get more and more busy..but I m sure I will coz this is my new found passion for the time being

Anyhow,having learnt from all the mistakes and taking all the fond memories forward,I bid you Good Bye 2010.And hope that 2011 will be more than fulfilling in personal life, for career & even cooking wise ..now come on its a food blog after all, how can I leave food behind! A very simple but one of my favourite recipe of white chocolate truffle recipe that I would like to close the last post of 2010 with.Take your pick guys-coconut, sesame, red chilli, peppermint or almonds or anything which u like..candied oranges, pistachios or a drizzle of dark chocolate for some ideas…below it goes:

What I need:

For the Truffles:

[Recipe makes 20 truffles]

8 oz White chocolate bar [I use Ghirardelli]
3 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur [Baileys]

For Rolling & Mixing:

Sweetened coconut flakes, lightly roasted
Toasted white Sesame seeds
4 tbsp chopped roasted almonds
2 candy canes, crushed
2 tbsp red chilli flakes

How I did :

Coarsely chop the white chocolate bars.
Place the cream in a bowl, and set the bowl over a pan of simmering water.
Let cook until heated through on very low heat.
Slowly add the white chocolate into the warm cream until completely melted.Stir using a wire whisk.
Whisk in the cream liquer and vanilla extract. It will take about 5-8 minutes for the chocolate to melt depending on the size of pieces.Keep the heat low all thorough.Do not over cook.
Divide the chocolate mixture into 5 bowls and add 1 tbsp of the coconut shreds, seasme seeds, candy canes & toasted almonds to four bowls.Add 1 tsp of chilli powder to the fifth one.
Cover the bowls with cling film and chill for atleast 1 hour or until pliable but firm enough to scoop.

Take out and a scoop, make dollops of the chocolate mixture and place on your baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Refrigerate again for about 15 minutes, until firm enough to roll into balls.
Take out shape into balls and roll again on each of the toppings.
Chill again until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year Everyone!Hope 2011 brings joy,success & good fortune to each of your homes See you guys next year!!

White Chocolate