Recipe Detail Page

1. Bring 2-inches (5-cm) water to just below a simmer in a pot. Place whipping cream, butter and 6 oz (175 g) bittersweet chocolate in a bowl. Place over water without touching and stir constantly until chocolate is almost melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring until chocolate is completely melted.

2. Add finely chopped, dried cranberries and stir into truffle filling with vodka and Grand Marnier. Let filling cool to room temperature then whisk vigorously for a minute (this makes a fluffy, smooth truffle). Chill for at least 4 hours. Filling can be prepared days in advance and chilled, or weeks in advance and frozen.

3. Spoon small measures of chilled filling ½ tsp (2 mL) for mini-truffles and 1 tsp (5 mL) for regular), roll between your palms to create little balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dip your hands often in cold water and wipe dry - this will make the process easier and tidier. Once all the truffles have been shaped, freeze the tray until ready to dip.

4. Melt remaining 6 oz (175 g) of bittersweet chocolate in a pot over very low heat, stirring occasionally. Cool 5 minutes. Using your fingers (or a truffle fork, available at cake supply stores), dip frozen truffle filling in white chocolate to coat completely. If you wish, toss truffle gently in cocoa powder or icing sugar to coat and place on baking tray to set. Once chocolate has set, package as desired.

5. Truffles will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.

Makes about 50 mini-truffles (25 regular)