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Chef’s Recipe: Chocolate Truffles from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

28th Nov 2018

Fresh from the kitchen at the world-famous Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE has provided the ultimate chocolate-treat recipe, perfect for Christmas gifting this festive season. The truffles can be flavoured to your wishes (see suggested variations below), prepared a week in advance and kept in the fridge, voila! Skill level 3…

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Fresh from the kitchen at the world-famous Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE has provided the ultimate chocolate-treat recipe, perfect for Christmas gifting this festive season. The truffles can be flavoured to your wishes (see suggested variations below), prepared a week in advance and kept in the fridge, voila!

Skill level 3 (1 simple to 5 being complex and challenging)

Serves: Makes 50 – 60 truffles

Preparation time: 5 mins

Cooking time: 5 mins

INGREDIENTS

For truffles

335g 70% Valrhona Chocolate
340ml UHT whipping cream
40g Honey
70g Butter, cubed

For coating:

500g Tempered chocolate
Cocoa powder

METHOD

Melt the chocolate to around 40°C. Once melted bring the cream and honey to the boil. Gradually whisk in the honey and cream mix to the melted chocolate. When the mix is around 35-40°C use a spatula to mix in the butter and any alcohol if required. Pour the mixture into a mould and allow to set completely in the fridge. Once cooled, remove from the mould and cut into required shapes, coat with tempered chocolate and roll in cocoa powder.

VARIATIONS

Flavour it with your choice of alcohol where stated
Or infuse the cream with a flavour before adding it to the chocolate: Earl Grey tea; fresh mint, cinnamon etc.
Fuse 40g Earl Grey tea for 1 minute then pour through a sieve, measure cream and top up to 340g
Remove the cream completely and replace with raspberry puree
If you prefer milk chocolate to the dark use 500g of 40% Valrhona milk chocolate instead
White chocolate lovers use 650g of Valrhona white chocolate instead
If you want to flavour using alcohol such as brandy, remove 30ml of cream and add brandy

Alternatively, why not push the boat out and treat your loved one to a delicious dining experience at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with the Luxury Restaurant Club and enjoy a 10% reduction from the food bill. See details here. Download the Luxury Restaurant Guide free app here.