Grand Truffles

Rich Raspberry Truffles

Oh Truffles! These little delectable chocolates are bite size and will have you coming back for more. These truffles are made from Ghirardelli chocolate for pure wonderful melt in your mouth goodness. You may say truffles seem too difficult to make. Not to worry there are only four steps involve and safe proof. I who always burns my chocolate made them perfect the first time.

Prep Time 1 hr
Bake Time 10 min
Serves 34 truffles

Ingredients

1 bag (12 oz) Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate
2 tbsp butter, softened
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp raspberry jam
1 tbsp shortening

Directions

Melt 1 cup chocolate on low heat in small sauce pan. Stir constantly, when all the chocolate is melted remove from heat. Stir in butter, whipping cream and raspberry. Place the chocolate mixture in the fridge for 15-20 min or until stiff enough to hold a shape, stir frequently. Shape into small balls and place on wax paper. If the mixture is still sticky, refrigerate for a little longer. Freeze the chocolate balls for 30 min. Heat shortening and 1 cup chocolate over low heat, stir constantly. Remove from heat and dip the frozen chocolate balls in the melted chocolate. Swirl the top to give a nice effect. Refrigerate truffles for 10 min. You can dip the truffles in white chocolate as well, or cocoa powder. To decorate the truffles, drizzle some chocolate on top. Enjoy the delicious rich chocolate. I dare you to eat just one!
Tip: to decorate the truffles with fun chocolate drizzling patterns, place 2 squares of chopped BAKER's semi-sweet chocolate in a freezer bag. Microwave on Medium for 2 1/2 min or until melted. Snip bottom corner of bag and squeeze over truffles.

HISTORY
All of my recipes are made to represent people or a time periods in history. First, I am going to let you brush up on your history. The truffles imitates characteristics of an elaborate King who ruled for many years in France?

Here is a hint: younger years

Older years

Ok, so if you guessed right it is King Louis XIV. Also known as the Sun King.
Louis was great he achieved absolute power. Louis believed in the divine right of Kings, that he was God's representative. He built the grand Versaille palais that is so elaborate and excessive. (Below are pictures of my trip to Versaille)



Anyways, Louis devoted his time to elaborate meals and parties. He seemed to rule above small daily troubles of the world. So back to my truffles. Can you see a connection. The truffles are very rich and elaborate. Some people commented that they are so rich they it is too excessive. The truffles represent King Louis the XIV because they are elaborate and rich. As well, the chocolate used for the truffles was Ghirardelli which is the best baking chocolate. King Louis would have expected only the best of the best. The truffles are deliciously rich and over the top just as King Louis XIV ruled. He lived rich and he spent all the money France had. He also reigned over the top, he built elaborate buildings and had absolute power over France.

Creativity
These truffles are creative because I was able to represent King Louis XIV with the ingredients I used. I creatively used the best chocolate I could find to use to have a rich flavor. As well the best chocolate available symbolized how Louis XIV would only have the best. These are creative because the truffles have an added ingredient of raspberry jam which adds some flare to the truffles. Just as King Louis had lots of flare with the way he dressed and spent all his money.