How to Make Easy Gourmet-Quality Chocolate Truffles

Believe it or not, delicious chocolate truffles are not difficult to make. While everyone loves a store bought truffle, making them is much less expensive and much more rewarding!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. *Gourmet Chocolate Truffles Ingredients
   
   3/4 cup unsalted butter
   3/4 cup good quality unsweetened cocoa
   1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
   1/2 tablespoon good vanilla extract
   3 tablespoons good quality light or dark rum
   3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
   extra cocoa set aside
   small foil or paper candy cups

2. *Gourmet Chocolate Truffles Instructions
   
   In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add cocoa and stir until smooth. Blend in sweetened condensed milk; stir constantly until mixture is thick, glossy, and smooth (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, nuts, and rum. Chill 4 hours until firm. Shape into 1 inch balls; roll in cocoa. Chill until firm, about 2 hours. If desired, drizzle with chocolate glaze. Place in small candy cups. Store truffles in refrigerator.

3. *Packaging Gourmet Chocolate Truffles
   
   To package your own chocolate truffles, use small white or other decorative boxes from a craft store or the bridal/candymaking aisle of a discount store. Tie each box with colorful grosgrain ribbon for a nice touch. Four truffles in a wrapped box makes a nice gift with an extra-large handwritten gift tag.