Every morning I wake up bleary-eyed and look through the frosty window to see any flurry of snow, yet steady showers of cold rain and gloomy sky linger like a wet blanket. While anxiously waiting for the snow and the festive season, I’ve been thinking of ways to add more thoughtfulness and intentionality to the giving season. I love giving gifts, it’s one of my primary love languages (well, all of them are, in a way!), and it feels so good to find the perfect gift, especially if it’s unexpected with a special flourish. But this year, giving something homemade feels right. Maybe it’s the instability and uncertainty in the current world that something homemade has an air of nostalgia and old-world charm that feels so comforting to create and give. It is equally lovely, perhaps even more so, since it’s made with love and care. Homemade truffles are an easy and beautiful gift option that I recently made. You can tailor the flavors to your loved one’s preference, too, with this easy recipe. Another thoughtful touch is creating your own truffle box ( which you can purchase at any craft store or online) and covering it with beautiful, vintage wrapping paper and a silk or velvet ribbon…

This basic homemade truffle recipe is the foundation for any flavors you wish! I used what nuts I found in the baking cupboard and a touch of liqueur that was rattling in the closet. Our antique wood stove roars awake first thing in the morning to heat the entire house, so it is the perfect spot to melt the chocolate slowly. These turned out so delicious that I may make another batch and infuse them with chili, jam, or biscuit crumbles. Or better yet, dip them in tempered chocolate for a glossy finish! They are also fantastic to serve at a holiday party with a glass of red or some bubbles! Whichever combinations you choose, I’m sure they will be delicious!

Basic Christmas Truffles

Makes 12-14

4 oz quality extra dark chocolate (60-70%), cut into small chunks, or you can use chips

2/3 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon salted butter

Toppings/Fillings

Hazelnut pieces

Toasted coconut

1 teaspoon Amaretto

1 teaspoon Grand Marnier

1 heaping tablespoon of orange zest

cocoa powder for dusting

Flaky sea salt

Add the chocolate pieces and butter to a large glass bowl.

Bring the heavy cream to a low boil.

Pour the cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Don’t stir as tempting as that is!

Fill a small sauce pot with just enough water to create a double boiler and bring it to a low boil.

Place the glass bowl of chocolate over the pot and gently stir the chocolate until it fully melts. It should be smooth and creamy in consistency.

Gather a small, shallow-rimmed baking tin and pour the melted chocolate into the tin. Spread it evenly into the corners with a rubber spatula. If you want to infuse your truffles with any liqueur, gather another shallow-rimmed baking tin and pour enough chocolate you desire. Add any liqueur to the chocolate and mix it evenly. You will now have a plain and liqueur-infused chocolate mix to create with! (I added 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 teaspoon of Grand Marnier into one tray, one with a teaspoon of Amaretto, and one plain.)

Set the trays into the fridge to set for at least 2 hours until they are firm.

When you’re ready to roll them out, gather all your toppings into small bowls.

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of chocolate with an ice cream scoop or spoon. If you want to keep your hands clean, put your hands in plastic bags to roll them out. Or, if you’re like me, I just dug right in with bare hands and got rolling! If the chocolate softens, take a break and set the mixture back into the fridge to harden again.

Once you have a nice smooth, round ball, roll the truffles into any nuts or toppings. I used hazelnuts and toasted coconut with the Amaretto. And a dusting of cocoa powder over the orange Grand Marnier truffles.

Once finished, place all the truffles back into the fridge to harden further. When you’re ready to box them up, slip the truffles into mini truffle paper cups for a clean and thoughtful finish.

Now I may just go pop another one in my mouth! Enjoy x