I love to give gifts, but I don’t always feel all that good at it. Often, I’ll be standing in line at the supermarket or rushing to work one day when I suddenly realise it’s a family member’s or this friend’s or that friend’s birthday and I haven’t got them anything yet. There then ensues a mad dash to the shops to pick something out. Or an equally as mad scurry around the Internet to see if I can find something online. Which I hate. Because rather than give something just for the sake of it, I want to be able to come up with something wholly appropriate for the person, something I think there’s a really good chance they’ll like.
I don’t think I’m one of those people whose ‘love language’ is ‘gifts’, needless to say. My mum and sister certainly are, and usually put me to shame with their beautifully-wrapped and decorated offerings and perfectly-timed and chosen accompanying cards. Luckily, Mr. Scrummy and I so far haven’t worried too much about finding the perfect gifts for each other, going on a trip somewhere nice to celebrate a special occasion instead.
But despite my self-awarded ‘could do better’ grade on the gift-giving front, one thing that I’ve ‘discovered’ recently which has possibly bumped me up half a grade is food gifts. Usually I go for chocolate bark, which I love ‘personalising’ for whoever I’m giving it to. Like this mango & pistachio version, which was a roaring success.
But just before my very good friend Debbie came to visit me over here in Greece a few weeks ago, I had my little ‘oh-no-I-think-I-missed-Debs’-birthday-what-on-earth-shall-I-get-her-and-I’ve-only-got-one-day’ moment (Yes, I’m that good a friend), then I decided to try making her something perhaps a little more elegant than chocolate bark. And something that wasn’t ‘cakey’, because our Debs knows how to bake and I wouldn’t really want to try to compete. We’re talking a baking queen who, incidentally, made this cake for mine and Mr. Scrummy’s wedding last year:
Our beautiful wedding cake made by Deborah Stephens – photo by David Murray (davidmurrayphotography.com)
Isn’t it gorgeous? The ‘people’ are strawberries wearing little chocolate jackets. And yes, that is a London bus you can see on the front of one of them. Debs wanted both Britain (me) and Australia (Mr. Scrummy) to be represented on our cake, which as you can see she achieved just perfectly!
The ‘strawberry people’ on our beautiful wedding cake made by Deborah Stephens – photo by David Murray (davidmurrayphotography.com)
Anyway, back to Debs’ gift. I suddenly remembered a recipe I’d seen in the Guardian food section for perfect chocolate truffles and decided to try adapting it to make some orange-flavoured ones. So I followed the instructions for making the truffle mixture (which basically just involves heating up some cream to just before boiling point and pouring it over a bowl of chopped-up chocolate and butter), just adding orange juice and zest to make the recipe my own.
After popping the mixture into the fridge and letting it set for a good few hours, then it was time to assemble the truffles. Now, I warn you, don’t make these while wearing a pale-coloured shirt, unless you want to soon be wearing a pale-coloured shirt with brown splodges all over it. I’m not speaking from experience, of course.
Since my mixture was a little softer than I was expecting and therefore impossible to roll into perfect little balls, I decided to go for ‘very rustic’ (ahem … aka didn’t have any other choice) and just dip spoonfuls of the mixture into melted milk chocolate and sort of tip them off the spoon onto a piece of baking paper to set. At first I wasn’t sure how the finished result would be and half expected to have to dump everything in the bin (or in my mouth) and rush out to the shops for my gift after all, but then after sprinkling a little raw cacao powder over the top of the still-wet truffles I was pleasantly surprised by how good they looked.
The true test, of course, was in whether Debs liked the truffles, and I’m happy to report that she did. A lot. So much in fact that she broke her Lenten chocolate fast in order to try them. A chocolate fast that I didn’t know she was doing, I hasten to add. Oops. The best thing about this was that I got to ‘taste-test’ rather more than I was expecting to. Well, it really would have been rude and unhelpful not to.
For me, there were two great things about these truffles. Let’s make that three. The first was the deep orange taste which cut perfectly through the sharp buttery high cocoa content dark chocolate of the truffle. The second was the contrast of the soft, creamy interior with the hard milk chocolate coating. The third was ‘cleaning’ out the leftover chocolate coating bowl after I found it hanging out in the fridge a week later.
You may find, because the cocoa content of your chocolate is different, or you leave the mixture for longer in the fridge, that it ends up firmer than mine did and you can actually roll your cute little chocolates into classic truffle shapes instead. If you would prefer to do this anyway, I suspect that it would be best to leave your mixture in the fridge overnight. It seems that despite my many hours of rolling truffles for wedding favours last year, I’m still no expert in the science of working with chocolate!
Personally, I don’t mind at all that every batch of truffles has the potential to turn out slightly differently. And I think you’d be pleased with the result no matter what. This is one delicious truffle, if I may say so, and definitely worthy of giving as a gift. Perhaps even for Mother’s Day if you happen to be from a country celebrating that very important day this Sunday.
I didn’t manage to get a photograph of this, but I packaged my truffles by piling them into the corner of a meat roasting bag
So if, like me, your gift-giving skills have a little room for improvement, hopefully I’ve given you a little bit of inspiration today.
Hope you’re having a great week!
Chocolate orange truffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy/double cream
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 ounces dark chocolate I used 70% cocoa content
- 2 tablespoons butter chopped into pieces
- 1 orange the juice of half, the zest of the whole
- 9 ounces milk chocolate
- a little raw cacao powder to decorate
Instructions
-
Break up the dark chocolate and put it in the bowl with the butter and orange zest.
-
Heat the cream and sugar together on a low to medium heat until it almost comes to the boil.
-
Pour the cream and sugar mixture over the chocolate and butter and leave it to stand for a couple of minutes to allow the chocolate and butter to melt.
-
Stir the mixture until smooth, add a pinch of salt and the orange juice, then stir well again. Cover and put in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) to firm up.
-
When the mixture is firm, break up two thirds of the milk chocolate into a bowl and melt it in the microwave
in 30-second spurts (alternatively, melt it over a bowl over a pan of simmering hot water, without allowing the bowl to touch the water). When the chocolate is melted, add the last third of chocolate* and allow it to melt into the rest, then give it a good stir.
-
Scoop up teaspoonsful of truffle mixture, roll or pat them into a rough ball, then dip them into the melted milk chocolate on the spoon. Quickly tip them out onto a sheet of baking paper to set. Sprinkle immediately with a little cocoa powder.
Recipe Notes
Recipe based on perfect chocolate truffles (Guardian life and style section).
*We add the last third of the milk chocolate to the already-melted chocolate as a quick and easy way to 'temper' it (to keep it shiny rather than matt and potentially crumbly).
Try packaging the truffles by piling them into the corner of a meat roasting bag
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whatjessicabakednext says
These look amazing and super moorish, Helen! They’d make brilliant gifts- also loving the chocolate orange combo. My fav! 🙂
Helen says
Thanks, Jessica! Yes, I have to admit they were a little moreish. It didn’t help that my friend wasn’t eating many!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
My gifts always end up being food related too 🙂 They can be hard if you aren’t super close to the person and everyone likes sugar, right? These truffles are just as beautiful as that cake, in my opinion, and I love the orange touch!
Helen says
Thank you, Mary Frances! I really loved making these and giving them to my friend. Now I’m looking for more ‘food gift’ ideas! 🙂
Ashley says
I go the food gift route with a lot of my family members that are hard to buy for! Plus, I think homemade gifts from the kitchen are always appreciated : ) Love the sound of these truffles – especially the orange / chocolate combo!
Helen says
I agree! I’d like to ‘practice’ and add some more food gift options to my list because I think you’re right – they are usually very much appreciated. I would love to receive one!
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says
I am really bad at gifts too. I am actually heading to the mall this evening to roam around for an idea for my husband. His graduation is Saturday and I still have no gift. Maybe his peanut butter cake request will be enough? These truffles look amazing. I am sure your friend was in love with them.
Helen says
Hmmm … yes, I guess you can’t really just give your husband some truffles or cake! How about a nice trip somewhere?
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Helen, these look delicious. I’m sure they are super tasty as well. Orange and chocolate-yeah!
Helen says
Thank you, Norma! So glad you like them! 🙂
[email protected] says
I always feel like I’m a terrible at picking out gifts which really stresses me out. Which only makes me worse at choosing something! I should just stick with food gifts. These truffles sound like a wonderful gift. I know I’d like to receive some!
Helen says
I feel exactly the same sometimes, Christin. It IS stressful, isn’t it? I’m enjoying having these few food gift ideas up my sleeve for those times when I need something nice in a hurry.
Lillian @ sugar and cinnamon says
If someone gave me these chocolates as a present I would be so impressed and happy! Chocolate truffles are such a good idea (especially with orange!) 🙂
Helen says
Me too, Lilli … I love how easy they are for something that ends up looking so impressive!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
Helen what a great combination of chocolate and orange. Im sure these will make great gifts
Helen says
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
What a stunning wedding cake! And I’m terrible with birthdays. Thank god for facebook (did I actually say that?) 😛 These would be perfect for anyone!
Helen says
It is a stunner, isn’t it? My friend is one talented baker. Haha … yes, don’t worry, Facebook helps me out on the birthdays front a little, too!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Gifting people food is what I love as well. I truly feel that it is the best way to make a beloved feel special! That and like you said, we do get to “taste-taste” a few! 😀 I loveee these truffles and I love the fact that you’ve included orange in it! I love that flavour combo!
Helen says
Hello, Samina, and thanks so much for paying me a visit! I loveeee that you love the truffles – orange is one of my favourite flavours to pair with chocolate.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Greetings from Niagara Falls!
It probably sounds crazy, but I love how your orange truffle balls are different sizes.
Something in my brain tells me I can eat 4 of the smaller ones to one big one (not that the big ones don’t get eaten.)
I think, the different sizes scream homemade to me….you know…made with love =)
Helen says
I like your philosophy, Laura! You’re in Niagara Falls? Wow, that is definitely on my travel bucket list! Have fun! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I would love to receive these as a gift! They sound delicious!
Helen says
Thanks, Natalie! 🙂
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Oh my goodness. I know a few little people who would devour these. Um, and maybe one larger person (like myself). I bet that tastes just pops in your mouth.
Love it. Pinning!
Helen says
So glad you approve, Melanie, and thanks for pinning, too! 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food says
I’m pretty bad at remembering birthdays and special occasions too. I used to be the type of person who would go out of their way to make homemade cards to buy thoughtful gifts, but I guess I’m just lazy these days, ha! I LOVE orange and chocolate together! Around Christmas there is this orange flavored chocolate that you hit on something and it breaks into orange wedges, I usually eat it all in one day 🙂
Helen says
You mean a chocolate orange, Isadora! We used to get one of those every year for Christmas when I was a child … and I used to have to try very hard indeed not to eat it all in one day. lol! The flavour of these chocolates was just like that!
shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Yum – these orange-chocolate truffles do sound pretty divine! A wonderful gift for any occasion {P.S.-my birthday is in September 😉 } And that wedding cake that Deb made is so fantastic – love the strawberry “people”!
Helen says
Isn’t the cake amazing, Shashi? I loved it, of course! And so glad you like the choccies, too … I’ll get my next meat roasting bag ready for September 😉
Pam says
I may just have to make these for my husband for Father’s Day. They look delicious! Great idea for a thoughtful (and tasty) gift.
Helen says
I don’t think you would regret it, Pam … they really were delicious … and your child would definitely be able to help. Let me know how they go if you do make them. 🙂
Liz says
I don’t know anyone who would refuse a gift to these truffles!
Helen says
🙂
cheri says
Oh Helen, what a thoughtful gift to give your good friend, desserts of all kinds are more work for me, but I am really starting to enjoy them as people love dessert gifts, great satisfaction right away. These are beautiful and elegant all at the same time. What a good friend!
Helen says
I haven’t been so much of a dessert-maker either, Cheri, until now, but I’m starting to try a few things. I hope you carry on making more desserts … your last one with the strawberries was gorgeous!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
There is just nothing better than a homemade gift! I’m sure your friend must have loved these truffles, and all the care that went into making them. Chocolate and orange is such a lovely combination <3
Helen says
Chocolate and orange do go well, don’t they? Thanks, Allie!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oh Helen, chocolate + orange has quickly become one of my favorite flavor pairings. Can I make these as a gift to myself?? I also use the term “rustic” when things don’t look quite as I expected them to. In this case though, “rustic” or not, they look fabulous!!
Helen says
You’re so lovely, Alyssa! I think that’s a fantastic idea to give these as a gift to yourself … why not?! 🙂
Eva says
C’est un cadeau délicieux que tu as fait! Avec ces types de cadeaux tout le monde gagne! Les truffes sont l’air si bonnes que j’aimerais inventé l’ordinateur avec l’écran qu’on puis mettre la main dedans!! Orange & chocolat, j’adore!
Helen says
Quel bel ordinateur celui-la serait! Quand tu l’inventes, tu dois m’en envoies un aussi!! Je suis tres contente que tu aimes les truffes, Eva!
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
If I promise to be your friend for even and ever – will you post me a LARGE box of these?
Helen says
Since you asked so nicely, Bintu, how could I refuse? 😉
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
Great idea for a present, I can never get too much chocolate and orange (think Terry’s Chocolate addiction), and someone that baked you that nice cake deserves a good chocolate present!
Helen says
Glad you like it, Mariana. I used to LOVE Terry’s chocolate oranges when I was younger (I would still thank you for one today!) and actually these truffles tasted exactly like that with a lovely strong orangey flavour. 🙂
Joanne says
Lately I’ve taken to giving food gifts and I find that i am much better at those than at actual storebought gifts. Truffles are always a welcome present! These look great!
Helen says
I think I agree, Joanne. I’m actually eager to see what other homemade gifts I can add to my ‘homemade gifts ideas collection’!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Home-made gifts are definitely the way to go! And these orange truffles look amazing! Love the flavor combination!
Helen says
Thank you, Gayle … and thanks so much for visiting. Chocolate and orange is one of my favourite flavour combinations!
Chrissy says
SO YUM. I love giving food gifts and usually do. I actually just hate buying gifts- i’d rather bake something, or even better, do an activity gift- like dinner or a show or something. Beautiful everything!
Helen says
Oh yes! I love activity gifts, too. I’ve started buying those kinds of gifts for my parents and they really like them!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
Wow, that cake is simply gorgeous! I’m drooling over all the chocolate going on here…mmm, truffles are awesome. 🙂 Love an orange and chocolate combo!
Helen says
So glad you like the cake, Tina. I’m very lucky to have such a talented friend, aren’t I? And, honestly, those truffles did taste amazing! 🙂
Judit + Corina says
Your chocolate orange truffles look decadently PERFECT, Helen! Love home made food gifts they are just more special. Please tell Deb, we all hope there is chocolate in heaven because we broke our Lenten fast this year too. Oh my, she is very talented for creating such an exquisite wedding cake. Just adore the decorated strawberries. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Cheers,
J+C
Helen says
Aw, thanks so much for the lovely comments about my friend. I will definitely tell her! I adored the strawberries, too, but the other great thing was that the cake tasted just perfect. I’m so glad that I have such beautiful professional photos of it. 🙂
Shiran @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet. says
Chocolate and orange are the perfect combination! The truffles look amazing Helen!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Shiran. I have to admit, these tasted even better than I was expecting! 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Oh man I wish I got a gift like this!!! Chocolate and orange is such an amazing flavor combo… and I’m pretty sure I could eat about 27 of these truffles without coming up for air. They look so divine!
Helen says
I think I just about did eat 27 of them, Chris. Even though they were a gift! LOL!
Fish Fingers for tea says
Ha, we sound far too similar when it comes to gifts! My go to gifts for other people are bark and truffles, with the occasional package of fudge or brownies. Even if they are on the rustic side I don’t think I’ve anything but a positive reaction. And chocolate and orange? One of my favourite combinations.
Helen says
We are definitely food gift twins then, Sian! 🙂
Meggan Hill says
Chocolate and orange are such a magical combination, aren’t they? 🙂 It sounds like you are a better friend than I am, I never make chocolates for anyone! I love your rustic approach. I think your chocolate bark looks pretty good too!
Helen says
Hi, Meggan! Hehe … I did make myself sound like a good friend, didn’t I? I have to admit though that this chocolate-making frenzy for friends’ birthdays has started rather recently. So happy that you like the ‘rustic’ approach. Haha! 🙂