Did you know … chocolate truffles were named for their
resemblance to the truffle mushroom? The ganache of the first
truffle was formed into a rounded shape and rolled in cocoa
powder. The look of the truffle with the cocoa dusting
was similar to the truffle mushroom pulled from the earth,
hence the inspiration for the name.
Truffle mushrooms grow near the roots of oak and hazelnut trees and are so
highly prized for their aroma and flavor they can sell for hundreds or even
thousands of dollars per pound. The Black Perigord truffle from France and
the White Alba truffle from the Piedmont area in Italy are considered the
finest in the world. These special mushrooms are used sparingly for their
intense unique earthy flavor to elevate the dining experience.
Legend has it the chocolate truffle was created around Christmas in the
late 1800′s in France. The main component of a truffle is the ganache filling
which is a mixture of chocolate and cream. The diehard chocolate truffle
purist swoons over the original chocolate in chocolate combination.
However, truffles can be infused with a myriad of flavors that seem to have
no limits beyond the imagination.
Whether it is a mushroom or a chocolate treat, the mere whisper of the
word “truffle” is universally recognizable as a deliciously luxurious experience.
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