Balsamic Strawberry Truffles

tartufo/truffle

It's been a fun weekend so far! My girlfriend I met in Utah, but who lives in NYC, is visiting Atlanta this weekend with her boyfriend. They are staying at my house for the weekend, and it has been wonderful catching up with her. I also met with a friend of mine who is being very helpful as she mentors me on a lil' business venture with which I am working. It also happens to be her birthday weekend. As a small token of my appreciation, and in celebration, I brought a little cake for her birthday. She is a HUGE Disney fan, so I attempted a mouse cake.

Then, I had the pleasure of a little visit from Bren (who just won the Dean & Deluca’s Spring Produce Recipe Contest...be sure to check out the D&D blog to see the write up) and her lil' girl.

During her visit, Bren tried my truffles. The truffles, yet more victims that were 86'd during the test kitchen nights at the restaurant, will be missed once they've been eaten. I think Bren liked them, as I did. However, we both agreed the Balsamic had too much of a presence. So, although I used 1/4 cup, I decreased the original amount if Balsamic in the recipe shown here. Despite the intense Balsamic flavor, I really liked these truffles. The combination of the Balsamic and the strawberries added a little twist.

Balsamic Strawberry Truffles

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
½ cup heavy cream
2 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 1/4 cup dried strawberries
cocoa powder for coating

Break up the chocolate and, in the food processor, pulse to make into small pieces/powder. Leave in the food processor while preparing the cream.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream to a simmer. Stir in balsamic vinegar into the hot cream. Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and blend them together. Add the strawberries and blend to combine. Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Cover, cool at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator until the mixture thickens/solidifies.

Using a spoon, or small scoop, to dip out the truffle mixture and form it into small balls. Roll in cocoa powder.