Chocolate Truffles
16 ounces of finely chopped dark or semi dark chocolate (or a mixture of both)
1 2/3 cups of heavy cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1/2 tsp. of course salt
unsweetened cocoa powder to use when rolling the truffles
Place chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat cream until it begins to simmer; pour over chocolate. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes. Uncover and whisk chocolate mixture until smooth. Mix in vanilla and salt. Pour into a 9-inch pie plate and let cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely set, about 3 hours.
With a melon baller, a 1-inch scoop, or a teaspoon, scoop out chocolate mixture and place on parchment paper. Coat hands with cocoa and roll truffles into balls; place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. (To store truffles, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, up to 2 weeks.) Roll in finely chopped nuts or more cocoa powder, or brush with lust dust just before serving or packaging up these wonderful little treats.