How To: Make hand-rolled chocolate truffles

You will be sure to win over anyone with some decadent homemade chocolate truffles. These are so impressive and rich and the best part is they're surprisingly easy. Chef Alex will show you a few professional tricks to make this a sensational dessert.

Things You'll Need:

* 1 12-oz. bag semisweet chocolate chips

* Vanilla extract or flavored liqueur

* 1 cup heavy cream

* glass or metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water

* spoon or heatproof spatula

* glass baking dish

* teaspoon or melon baller

* powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts

* bags/small boxes for packaging

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Place the chocolate chips and heavy cream on the bowl over simmering water. Stir until melted and completely smooth (do not let the water boil!). Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or flavored liqueur. Mix in to chocolate completely. Mixture will be smooth and shiny.

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Step 2

Pour mixture into the glass baking dish. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight to set

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Step 3

Assemble the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and/or chopped nuts in small bowls. Remove the chocolate mixture from the refrigerator. Using a teaspoon or melon baller, scoop out rounds of the chocolate mixture. Place them on a plate or tray. when you have scooped out all the chocolate, put it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to re-set.

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Step 4

Remove truffles from the refrigerator. Roll each ball in your hands quickly to round them slightly (they should NOT look perfectly round). Drop into one of the toppings and roll to coat (you will have to press the nuts onto the truffles). When all are done, arrange them in small cellophane bags or boxes, available at most large craft stores. Tie with a pretty ribbon and give to someone who deserves a treat!