If you truly want to make someone feel special, make them candy! These chocolate truffles are so rich, smooth, decadent, AND easy that you will be searching your calendar for occasions to make them.

Ingredients:
– 8 oz of your favorite bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
– 4 oz heavy cream
– 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
– 1/4 cup of your choice of topping to coat the truffles (I like using colorful Nonpareils or chopped toasted nuts)

How I Make Them:
– Place finely chopped chocolate or morsels into a medium bowl.
– Heat heavy cream on stove top or in microwave safe container until it comes just to a boil.
– Pour hot cream and vanilla extract over the chocolate and whisk quickly until chocolate is thoroughly combined with the cream and then continue to whisk until chocolate is smooth and shiny.
– Refrigerate about 1 hour until chocolate is firm but still scoopable.
– Scoop out desired amount of chocolate (I usually aim for about 3/4 inch ball), and place on small cookie sheet line with parchment or wax paper. Continue until all chocolate has been scooped, refrigerating for 10-15 minutes at a time, if chocolate becomes too soft to work with.
– Gently roll the chocolate scoops in your hands, to round and smooth them (I do them all in the same step as your hands will become completely messy with chocolate) and return to the cookie sheet.
– Return balls of chocolate to the refrigerator while you wash and dry your hands and prepare your topping or toppings.
– Fill a small bowl with your topping and gently roll each chocolate truffle in one at a time to coat.
– Place each truffle in a candy cup or wrapper.
– Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips:
– Substitute your favorite Liqueur or Spirit for the Vanilla Extract.
– Traditionally truffles are rolled in coco powder, but I prefer to use colorful nonpareils or toasted chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and sweetened coconut are my favorite).
– To make this recipe extra simple, you can use semi or bittersweet chocolate morsels that you may already have in your cupboard.

You will win over the hearts of the chocolate lovers in your life with these little bites of dark deliciousness!

Happy Eating!