Hazelnut Truffles

By LoriCaputo

Ingredients

• One half cup plus 25 individual nuts for garnish
• 7 ounces chocolate, roughly chopped
• 7 tbs. heavy cream
• 2 tbs. amaretto liqueur
• One quarter cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350 degrees, roast nuts until fragrant, about 10 - 15 minutes and chop all but 25 of the nuts.

Combine the chopped nuts, chocolate and cream in a metal bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until chocolate is melted and then stir in the amaretto. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes; then whik until a light foam forms. Chill, covered, until firm, about 30 minutes.

Form mixture into 25 balls and roll in cocoa. Top each with a whole nut and chill until ready to serve.