Chocolate Moments

CHOCOLATE is a "comfort food" that puts a smile on almost everyone's face. This evening after a hectic day it was wonderful to eat one decadent chocolate truffle. That piece of chocolate satisfied me so much that I decided to write a post about CHOCOLATE.

Cocoa beans are the primary ingredient in production of chocolate. The top countries for producing cocoa beans are 1) Cote d' Ivore, 2) Indonesia,  3) Ghana,
 4) Nigeria, and 5) Ecuador.

The biggest producers of chocolate are the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. Some of the most popular chocolate brands are Cadbury, Godiva, Guylian, Ferrero Rocher, Hershey, Lindt & Sprungli, and Toblerone.

Here's a list of the world's top chocolate consumers:

1) Switzerland
2) Germany
3) Ireland
4) United Kingdom
5) Norway
6) Sweden
7) France
8) Netherlands
9) United States

One of the most delicious type of chocolate is the "truffle." A truffle is a ganache which is the combination of solid chocolate and cream warmed together to form a velvety texture. Chocolate Truffles were invented in France. They're extremely popular in Europe.

Famous Chocolate Shops in Europe:

1) Teusher, Zurich Switzerland
2) La Maison Du Chcolat, Paris France
3) Leonidas, Brussels, Belgium

Why not make some chocolate truffles this Christmas for family, friends, co-workers or yourself?

Chocolate Truffles (French Style)

1/2 pound of good quality bittersweet chocolate
1/2 pound of good quality semisweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier liquar
Cocoa Powder for coating
Confectionary Sugar for coating

Chop the bittersweet and semisweet chocolate until fine. Place in a heat proof mixing bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan just before it boils. Turn heat off and allow cream to sit for 20 seconds. Pour cream through a sieve and into the bowl of chopped chocolate. Set mixture aside for 1 hour.

Use two small spoons to scoop out the truffle mixture and place one by onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate the truffles for about 30 minute or until they're firm. Once they are firm you can make each one into a round ball.

Roll the round balls in cocoa powder, confectionary sugar, or both. Voila….there are your truffles

Serve truffles at room temperature.
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You can use any kind of liquor you wish for the chocolate truffle recipe. It doesn't have to be Grand Marnier.


Indulge in Chocolate Moments!