Vegan Chocolate Truffles

I remember the first time I had a homemade truffle. I was so impressed with my friend for making them! But actually, they are super easy. Traditionally, they are made with cream and/or butter. These are vegan and with good quality chocolate, you don't miss the dairy at all. You can add whatever flavor you like. This year I made espresso and champagne. Champagne truffles are my favorite. Served with champagne, of course. But you could stir in raspberry preserves, other liquors, really whatever you want.

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

~makes about one dozen truffles

1 3.5 or 4 oz dark chocolate bar (72% or higher--the ones I like are 80-85% and have no additives, just chocolate and sugar) broken into pieces

1/3 c water

1 Tbsp sugar

In a large mixing bowl combine water and some ice cubes. Set a medium size bowl inside to chill. Make sure the water is only half way up the medium bowl. You don't want it to splash up into your chocolate later!

In a double boiler (or a small pan sitting over a larger pan of water) combine ingredients. Stir until melted and smooth. Pull off the heat. Pour out into the chilled medium bowl. With a whisk attachment on a hand mixer, whip the chocolate for about a minute. Or if using a hand whisk, for two minutes. It should start to look a little lighter. Chill in refrigerator for several hours until firm. 

Scoop out teaspoon sized chunks and roll between your palms to form balls. You can roll them in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or sugar crystals. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They are fine to sit out for awhile, but they will "sweat" and dissolve the sugar coating after a bit. 

To add flavor:

For Espresso: substitute a shot of freshly brewed espresso for half the water, following directions as above. I rolled these in cocoa.

For Champagne: add 1 tsp brandy and 1 Tbsp water to chocolate and sugar while melting. Once melted stir in 1/4 cup champagne. Then proceed with whipping and chilling as above. For these, I rolled in sugar crystals. So pretty!