Decadent Chocolate Recipes

The chocolate truffle is number one on every repertoire of richly decadent goodies ever found on earth! This scrumptious chocolate candy has been one of the most popular forms of chocolate for quite a few centuries. At the heart of the chocolate truffle lies a superb history, right from its origins in France to its travels across Europe and its entrance into America and the rest of the world.

The year 1828 was deemed to be the greatest year in the history of chocolate-making, due to a new innovation called the cocoa press, which solidified chocolate by removing the cocoa butter. However, the most important period in the history of the chocolate truffle was 1879, the year Henri Nestle created the first milk chocolate.

Soon after, experiments on this milk chocolate conducted by chocolate producers in France and Switzerland led to the creation of the Ganache, which is essentially a combination of cream and solid chocolate melted together to form a smooth, velvety mixture. In the modern era, this ganache has become the inner core and heart of the chocolate truffle.  

Since the origins of the chocolate truffle were in France, it follows logic that the name should be French too! The truffle is a small wild mushroom found growing near tree roots in the deepest forests of France. Since the chocolate truffle resembles this little mushroom so much, the creators of this masterpiece decided that it should be named after it.

What’s relatively unknown is the fact that the actual truffle was an exquisite dish; very expensive and eaten only by the royals and the extremely wealthy folks of France. Giving the new chocolate creation this name automatically elevated it to that status. And until today, the chocolate truffle is associated with wealth and luxury.  

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The chocolate truffle soon found its way past the borders of France, into the welcoming lands of Europe. It became the newest sensation, tantalizing everyone with its sumptuous richness. Not long after, it was introduced to North America, and most other parts of the world. 

By the early 1900s, many chocolate producers worldwide had begun making their own chocolate truffles to compete with the originals. Although they are all made in the same manner, no one makes them better than the French! This fact has been proven by the chocolate truffle contest held there every year. Entries from all the regions of France make an appearance in this contest, putting to shame other chocolate truffles!

A veritable treat for the palate, chocolate truffles are easy to make, scrumptious to taste, and lovely to present! There are many different types of chocolate truffles out there today, ranging from the original basic ones to the semi-sweet to the liquor-based. The difference in the making of the ganache leads to the extreme varieties of the chocolate truffle.  

There are three main types of chocolate truffles: American, Swiss and European. These types vary both in the method of producing the ganache, as well as in the basic ingredients used for the ganache. While the American chocolate truffle is essentially basic using milk and dark chocolate, the European version uses thick syrup of cocoa powder and butter. The Swiss type is completely different and makes use of dairy cream, which drastically reduces its shelf life.

The different types of chocolate truffles that can be found on most online chocolate shopping sites include dark chocolate classic truffles, milky almond truffles, chocolate cinnamon truffles, champagne truffles and French Chocolate truffles!

Chocolate truffles make a great chocolate dessert, and are usually served with fresh fruit, or on a sliver tray lined with sprigs of mint. These chocolate candies are extremely popular in chocolate gift baskets, creating an impression of luxury and caring. Other instances where the chocolate truffles can be enjoyed are high teas, breakfast on vacations, romantic picnics, or after a hard day at work!

The chocolate truffle has become synonymous to the quintessential luxury candy of the modern world. This creamy, buttery, smooth chocolate ganache rolled in semi-sweet cocoa powder has shown the world that heaven truly does exist on earth: And it is easily obtained by popping a chocolate truffle into your mouth!

Anna O’Malley is a single mother, writer, traveller and lover of all things chocolate!
She lives in the mid-Atantic by the Chesapeake Bay.
For more great Chocolate Gift Ideas and Fun Chocolate News, please visit Gourmet Chocolates and enjoy a chocolate lovers dream!.
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Chocolates from around the world vary in taste, flavor, and potency depending on their country of origin. Below are the top chocolates in the world, by country.

Mexican chocolate

Mexico is the birth place of chocolate, from the chocolate drink “chocolatl,” a luxurious drink which was available as early as 400 AD. The drink was made from liquefied cocoa beans, spiked with chili pepper, vanilla, and annatto. Today, chocolate is a staple and highly valued commodity for Mexicans, and is most often made to a hot chocolate drink. In fact, hot chocolate is considered the national drink of Mexico and almost everyone in the county drink it every day, flavored with some pepper and spices.

Spanish chocolate

Chocolate was introduced in Spain during the 16th century by Hernán Cortés Pizarro, who discovered it from the Emperor of Mexico while having breakfast with him. For almost a centrury, the Spanish kept “chocolatl” a secret from the rest of Europe and only the royal family and the well-connected had access to this richly delicious drink. To increase its deliciousness, the Spanish added cane sugar to it. Today, Spaniards prefer their chocolate as a hot drink that is thick and creamy, flavored with cinnamon, and served together with churros. Popular Spanish chocolate products include Chocovic and Choclates Valor.

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English chocolate

The first ever chocolate house was opened in London during the 17th century. Hans Sloane, a physician, concocted a milk chocolate drink, which soon became popular to those who could afford it (During that time, chocolate was expensive and only the rich could afford to buy). Today, there are many English chocolate widely recognized by consumers all over the world, including Cadbury, Green & Black’s, Divine Chocolate, and J.S. Fry & Sons, Ltd.

U.S. chocolate

The U.S. is one of the biggest chocolate producers and distributors in the world. Chocolate production in the U.S. boomed during the Industrial era with the first chocolate factory opening in 1765. Chocolate was also used by the U.S. Military as an emergency ration and was made part of the diet of U.S. astronauts. Hershey’s is one of the most widely known U.S. Chocolate.

French chocolate

Chocolate did not get a warm welcome in the French market when it was first introduced during the sixteenth century. The French referred to it as a “noxious drug” and a “barbarous product.” But it was the wife of King Louis XIV, Maria Theresa of Austria who shared her love of chocolate to the French people. Today, some of the top quality chocolates in the world are produced and manufactured in France such as Chocolat Bonnat, Valrhona, La Maison du Chocolat, and Jean-Paul Hevin.

Swiss chocolate

Swiss chocolate is one of the main products of Switzerland and is internationally recognized for its high standards and excellent quality ingredients, particularly cocoa butter. Chocolate is a way of life in this country, with its people setting a world record of approximately consuming one bar for every person of everyday of the year.

Belgian chocolate

Belgian chocolate is the gourmet standard of chocolate and is considered by many to be the best type of chocolate in the world, especially their dark chocolate. There are more than 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium that offer handmade chocolates, and there are also a number of chocolate museums.
Chris enjoys writing about all kinds of food but especially chocolates. For more information on the most delectable Belgian chocolates and other types of delicious chocolates visit www.ultimatechocolateshoppe.com
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