Chef’s Recipe: Chocolate Truffles from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Fresh from the kitchen at the world-famous Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE has provided the ultimate chocolate-treat recipe, perfect for Christmas gifting this festive season. The truffles can be flavoured to your wishes (see suggested variations below), prepared a week in advance and kept in the fridge, voila!

Skill level 3 (1 simple to 5 being complex and challenging)

Serves: Makes 50 – 60 truffles

Preparation time: 5 mins

Cooking time: 5 mins

INGREDIENTS

For truffles

• 335g 70% Valrhona Chocolate
• 340ml UHT whipping cream
• 40g Honey
• 70g Butter, cubed

For coating:

• 500g Tempered chocolate
• Cocoa powder

METHOD

Melt the chocolate to around 40°C. Once melted bring the cream and honey to the boil. Gradually whisk in the honey and cream mix to the melted chocolate. When the mix is around 35-40°C use a spatula to mix in the butter and any alcohol if required. Pour the mixture into a mould and allow to set completely in the fridge. Once cooled, remove from the mould and cut into required shapes, coat with tempered chocolate and roll in cocoa powder.

VARIATIONS

• Flavour it with your choice of alcohol where stated
• Or infuse the cream with a flavour before adding it to the chocolate: Earl Grey tea; fresh mint, cinnamon etc.
• Fuse 40g Earl Grey tea for 1 minute then pour through a sieve, measure cream and top up to 340g
• Remove the cream completely and replace with raspberry puree
• If you prefer milk chocolate to the dark use 500g of 40% Valrhona milk chocolate instead
• White chocolate lovers use 650g of Valrhona white chocolate instead
• If you want to flavour using alcohol such as brandy, remove 30ml of cream and add brandy

Alternatively, why not push the boat out and treat your loved one to a delicious dining experience at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with the Luxury Restaurant Club and enjoy a 10% reduction from the food bill. See details here. Download the Luxury Restaurant Guide free app here.

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxfordshire OX44 7PD