I hate cigarette smoke. I really do. Every now and then, however, I catch the faintest whiff of the stuff and it sends me into sort of a romantic tailspin. This scent, possibly stale or even weeks old, has the power to send me reeling back in time to old boyfriends, my months of study abroad in France, and my father dressed in his stately, plaid, button-down shirts (in the days before he developed emphysema).
Scent is a powerful thing. It’s truly remarkable and probably the one sense, apart from taste, without which my passion for life would really suffer.
I do not classify cigarette smoke as a good scent necessarily. If I did, I am certain my inbox would overflow with email messages to the contrary. In general, I believe there are two basic categories of good scents. There are the scents that are objectively amazing like freshly cut grass and sun-drenched tomato vines. And, on the other hand, there are those scents that have special meaning to you whether or not the majority of the population would agree. Stale cigarette smoke is a good example. Or, perhaps you love the smell of expired sunscreen because it reminds you of summer? I could not possibly disagree.
For me, there is one scent that rises far above the pack. You might assume it’s the smell of bread baking or shallots frying in olive oil. Both are excellent guesses. However, while I agree those scents are glorious and invigorating, they do not compare to the rich smell of chocolate. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the smell of chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven or the smell of a chocolate orange cracked into pieces on Christmas Eve. It’s all wonderful. In fact, I cannot recall a time when I felt otherwise. The chocolate scented scratch n sniff stickers were always my favorite. I scratched them with such vigor they were barely recognizable. I have the sticker books as proof of this phenomenon.
Nowadays, hardly a few hours pass during which a craving for chocolate doesn’t take hold of me.
Despite these cravings, I rarely cook chocolate sweets. Their power over me is too strong. I can’t control my impulses and, thus, I routinely deprive myself of one of the most fabulous treats on earth. However, I realize it’s December. This is clearly not the time for deprivation or personal tests of will power. The holidays are barely around the corner and I have no interest in depriving all of you of the fruits of my chocolate labors.
Besides, I am a firm believer in edible gift-giving. A bottle of wine disappears into your host’s hands the moment you hand it over, but a box of homemade chocolate truffles is a marvel. A box of fresh chocolate never fails to result in much fawning, savoring, and genuine thankfulness. Chocolate melts even the coldest hearts. It’s a much loved thing.
I am quite certain you are at least vaguely familiar with the power of chocolate. If you are not aware, however, you will learn soon. This is the year you will plan ahead. This is the season you will leave the bottle of wine behind and arrive at the holiday party amidst a fragrant cloud of fresh chocolate. You will be popular beyond your wildest dreams because you will bring your host a box of homemade chocolate truffles.
I promise.
Are you with me? I hope so. Making truffles at home is not a trial. It’s a joy. It’s easy. It’s fun and it’s a wonderful task to do with friends on a rainy (or snowy) winter afternoon. Split the work and enjoy the proceeds. No one will be disappointed.
I used the recipe from Tartine this week, which I like a great deal. I suggest you start out in this manner as well, but feel free to experiment a bit. Chocolate is somewhat forgiving. I use the term “somewhat” because I don’t want you to believe you can fiddle too much with the measurements. You can’t. However, you can add a flavor here or there. A drop of vanilla is heavenly. A bit of peppermint, perhaps. Or, roll the chocolate in mint, coconut, or anything you think compliments it best.
Eat and enjoy the power of chocolate.
Chocolate Truffles
1 lb. bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 tblsp. light corn syrup
5 tbslp. unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup cocoa powder (substitute with topping of your choice e.g. crushed nuts, grated coconut)
Place the chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the cream and corn syrup and heat to just under a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for a minute or two. Stir with a rubber spatula in a circular motion until the chocolate melts. Add the butter and stir until it is incorporated. Let the mixture firm up in a cool place until it can be piped from a pastry bag. The amount of time for the mixture to become firm depends on how cool the room is. Or, place in the refrigerator to speed the process.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Transfer the contents of the bowl to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch (no. 6 or 7) plain tip. Pipe out long logs, about 1 inch wide. Place in the refrigerator and chill well, about 1 hour. If you don’t have a pastry bag and tip, you can leave the mixture in the bowl and refrigerate in the same manner.
Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and cut the logs crosswise into about 1 inch long pieces. Or, if using a bowl of mixture, remove a spoonful at a time. Roll each piece between your palms into an irregularly shaped truffle and then roll between your palms. Once the truffles are shaped, place the cocoa powder in a shallow bowl or small pile and roll each truffle in the cocoa coating evenly.
The truffles will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
Source: Tartine Cookbook
I love this idea! I did the same thing two years ago as gifts and we made truffles for our wedding favors, too!
Very pretty, friend. Can’t wait to try them. (hint hint).
Thank you! I’m adding this to my homemade holiday ideas. And the aromatic “triggers” for me this time of year are burning leaves, fireplaces and cherry tobacco. All smokey! Maybe they’re just things that make us feel cozy.
I believe in the power of scent and the power of good chocolate. These are darling little gems.
YUMMEEEEE! These look great.
I had a customer years ago when I worked vehicle licensing, He wore a lot of old spice (my Dad also had preferred that scent) and when I first waited on this gentleman, I thought OH MY GOSH, because it was so strong. But through the years, I could “smell” his presence in the office and I loved waiting on him! I love when a smell sets the heart to remembering.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kasia Brown and Robin Sheridan, Robin Sheridan. Robin Sheridan said: Who's making edible gifts this year? Make chocolate truffles! http://tinyurl.com/2dmtzr4 [...]
Lovely! Homemade truffles are so delicious.
Cheers,
Rosa
I would be really happy if I receive a gift like this!!
Your truffles look wonderful
Oh this is definitely a gift I’d love to receive!
I agree with you on the power of scents and chocolates. But i’d prefer to be the host (receiving the truffles)…
I’m giving the oven a break this holiday season and have it on my list to make truffles
yum, yum, yum! homemade treats are always good gifts.
I hope you are doing well. I am sure you are anticipating the birth of your little girl in the upcoming weeks! I know I am already ready for mine.
best,
Julia
Truffles are heavenly. My friend and I made them for her bridal shower this summer and tucked them into the little gift bags we were giving each guest. I can definitely confirm that homemade chocolate is a crowd pleaser.
Oh these look amazing! I agree that giving edible gifts are a great idea and go a lot further than a bottle of wine…I can’t wait to make my edible gifts this year…thank you for more inspiration
xox
These look delicious! I’m a huge fan of homemade (edible) holiday gifts, and especially truffles!
Hey Robin! First of all, the faint smell of cigarette smoke reminds me of my grandfather, so I’d have to agree with anyone who says it’s a nice smell. I’d understand if they said it wasn’t though;)
Second, bravo to the hubs on these photos of your beautiful truffles. They really make them look amazing. I would warmly welcome a gift like this!
Wow! I’ve made almost every other recipe in Tartine. How did I miss this one? The truffles look terrific. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve only made truffles once — peanut butter chocolate sent in a care package to my fiancée (at the time, boyfriend). They weren’t as easy as I’d hoped, but then again, the kitchen was blazing hot. Fortunately, with some finesse, they turned out and made it safely to Florida and his happy stomach. I might have to try my hand again, b/c I really like the idea of rolling in grated coconut!
Cheers,
*Heather*
I love how your writing really invokes the senses. And trust me, I am well (wellll) acquainted with the allure of chocolate. My boyfriend asked me what I wanted for Christmas recently. It’s too bad he’s not a cook of any kind or else I’d definitely send him a subtle email with this link.
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing! I was a chocolate/confectionery buyer for a specialty food store before I opened Jean Jean so I am no stranger to the mind-altering power of a good piece of chocolate
Smell is very powerful, and really key for food and dessert. If only I could smell through the monitor
mmmm, I love chocolate truffles. I used to make them as a standard holiday gift, but haven’t made them in years. I think it’s time again.
Truffles are so great for gift giving! I really like making them for family at Easter.
I love a scent brings me back! I once found an old bottle of my husband’s cologne that he used to wear when we first dated. It’s crazy how it takes you right back to a moment. I understand the chocolate craving and I was planning on making my own truffles for the first time this year. I have a flavor combo that I hope works out. Lovely post!
I use the Tartine truffle recipe, too, but I’ve only ever rolled them in cocoa powder. When you suggest rolling them in mint, do you mean in crushed peppermint candies? I’ll have to give that a try this year.
Hi Jess. Yes to crushed peppermint! Good luck! xo
Cigar smoke, Yuck! I really hate it! I even pick a fight with my brother-in-law when he started smoking inside our house.
Anyway, the only food I gave for Christmases are cookies. I’ll give this truffles a try ‘coz they look so yummy! I’m still thinking of the luckiest person to receive my second food gift….
you’ve inspired me, my friends are getting truffles for christmas!
i am so, so with you on the smell thing. smells are so powerful to me, they can take me back to a certain period in time so quickly, i get whiplash.
I love making chocolates. These turned out great and look sensational!!
thank you for leaving comment on my blog…I really love yours, and this recipe too:) Bene.
Ohh love truffles. I usually make Swedish Chocolate balls with coconut which is a childhood favorite. There is no baking involved and still too this day love them: http://delishhh.com/?p=924
Holiday Pipe Tobacco. Don’t even know if they make it anymore but, for many years, it was my annual Christmas gift to my Dad. Always wrapped in unusual shapes so he “never suspected.” He died last yr just before Xmas (at 89!!) and your talk of the power of scent just took me thru years of lovely memories.
What a lovely blog you have!!
Funny because I see the comment above is a scent I love to smell; a great cigar, evergreen, whiskey and a gardenia Diptyque candle.
Paul
[...] Truffles we made for Amy’s party [...]