Gingerbread Truffles

GINGERBREAD TRUFFLES
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CREAM:
¾ cup whipping cream
10 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
1 Tbs mild-flavored (light) molasses
1½ tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

MELTED CHOCOLATE:
7 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (divided)
7 ounces high-quality white chocolate, chopped
½ cup chopped crystallized ginger

COATING:
11 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
11 ounces high-quality white chocolate, chopped
chopped crystallized ginger for garnish, optional

1. Bring cream ingredients just to boil in heavy medium saucepan; remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour.

2. Combine both chocolates in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Strain cream mixture into chocolate; stir to blend. Stir in chopped ginger. Chill filling until firm, at least 3 hours.

3. Line baking sheet with parchment. Using 1-inch melon baller, scoop filling and roll between palms to form balls. Place on parchment. Chill truffles at least 2 hours.

4. Line another sheet with parchment. Place 11 ounces bittersweet chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 115°F. Quickly submerge 1 truffle in chocolate. Using fork, lift out truffle and tap fork against side of bowl so excess coating drips off. Using knife, slide truffle off fork and onto prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. Chill until set.

5. Line another baking sheet with parchment. Place 11 ounces white chocolate in another medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 100°F. Hold 1 truffle between thumb and index finger; dip halfway into white chocolate. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. If desired, press small pieces of crystallized ginger atop truffles. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Yield: About 2 dozen
Recipe Source: This recipe originated in Bon Appetit

Cooking Tips
*Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and keep chilled.