Hello from Siem Reap

We are now in Siem Reap, Cambodia on yet another short break. Angkor temples are magical, allowing us to overlook the weather, which is super hot and dusty. More posts this weekend.

Handmade Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles

After a hiatus of three weeks caused by "work-related lack of sleep syndrome", I went back into the kitchen this weekend. First product - these handmade truffles, as a little Valentine's Day gift for E. Very easy to make and super tasting, but rather time consuming and fiddly. Labour of love indeed.

Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles

400g dark chocolate, chopped (I used 73.5% cocoa chocolate coverture)

300 ml full cream or whipping cream (at least 35%)

2 tablespoons of orange essence (or rum, kahlua, coffee, orange liqueur)

Heat up the cream until just barely boiling. Turn off the heat and put in the chocolate. Mix well, and allow to cool. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, till firm enough to roll. Using two teaspoons, scoop out a small quantity and shower with cocoa powder (this allows easy rolling so that the chocolate doesn't stick to your fingers and melt). Using the teaspoons and your fingertips, shape the truffle into a round ball and put into a candy paper cup.