Easy Dark Chocolate Truffles

The older I get the odder my cravings get. For instance, I really never loved or appreciated dark chocolate and now I've gotten to a point where I can appreciate the deep + sharp taste of a high quality dark chocolate. So that got me thinking -- what sweet treat can I make that isn't too difficult (because #letssimplifylife) and includes chocolatey goodness? 

A quick google search led me to a Simply Luxurious Life recipe by Shannon Ables. I've been following Shannon for a few years and absolutely adore her and her outlook on life. In fact, we share quite similar views in regard to quality over quantity, cultivating a live well lived + celebrating the ordinary day-to-day life. I have to laugh a bit because when I started following along Shannon's journey, I kept having those "YES, GIRL" moments and relating so much to her stories and views. 

One of these takes me back a few years. You see, I really like champagne, like I thoroughly enjoy drinking glass of crisp champagne. When I would order a glass of bubbly it seemed like I would likely get asked, "What are we celebrating"? My answer is always, "Isn't everyday life a celebration?".

 I have adapted this recipe from Shannon, I aim to take absolutely zero credit for the delicacy that follows.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 7ounces dark chocolate (I just bought two 3.5oz bars from the local walmarts)

• 2/3 cup heavy cream1 tbsp honey or agave

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 3-5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

WHAT TO DO:

1. Chop up the dark chocolate and place in a medium bowl; set aside

2. In a saucepan, pour heavy cream and honey, stir on low heat just until you reach a boil and quickly pour 1/3 of the mixture into the chopped dark chocolate bowl. Working quickly with a silicone spatula to fold and melt dark chocolate. Mix until you get a smooth and glossy finish. Gradually add the remaining cream mixture ensuring the emulsion remains until the chocolate has completely melted and smooth. This mixture is what they call ganache. 🙂

3. Immediately add the room temperature butter to the warm chocolate mixture + allow the butter to melt completely; folding and incorporating itself with the chocolate until smooth.

4. Set aside and allow to cool until room temperature; cover with saran wrap and let set for several hours. If you're in a hurry you can place in the freezer for 10-15 min!

5. Grab an ice cream scoop or melon baller and scoop 1 inch balls of ganache and roll between your palms into smooth truffle-like balls.

6. Dust with cocoa powder

7. Serve at room temperature + enjoy!

Tip: Lightly cover your hands with unsweetened cocoa powder before rolling the ganache to help prevent it from sticking to your hands! 

What’s your favorite indulgence? How do you celebrate the ordinary everyday life?  

Thanks for reading! Until next time,

xx, Riss