Happy National Vanilla Day. Boy, these food holidays are just perfect for us candy-makers, huh? They give me a reason everyday to make my kitchen into the most delicious mess!
Vanilla Bean Truffles are smooth white chocolate truffles with an intense vanilla flavor. They're speckled with real vanilla seeds and covered in sparkling vanilla sugar.
Ingredients:
6 ounces (about 1 cup) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
5 tbps (2.5 oz) butter, diced
3 tbsp heavy cream
pinch salt
1 vanilla bean
2 tsp vanilla extract
12 ounces white candy coating
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
1. Place the white chocolate chips, cream, butter, and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted, 1-2 minutes. Because white chocolate is prone to overheating, it’s a good idea to stop heating it before all the chips are melted, and simply stir until the residual heat melts all the chocolate.
2. Using a sharp paring knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise down the front, slicing through the top layer but leaving the bottom layer intact. Use the back of the knife's blade (not the blade itself) to scrape down one side of the bean, removing the seeds. Leave the other side of the bean intact for now.
3. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and the vanilla extract to the white chocolate, and whisk until everything is combined.
4. Place clingwrap over the top of the white chocolate and refrigerate until firm enough to scoop, about 2 hours. While you wait for the chocolate to chill, prepare the vanilla sugar. Scrape the second half of the vanilla bean and add the seeds to the granulated sugar. Rub the sugar between your fingers to disperse the seeds.
5. Once the white chocolate mixture is firm, use a teaspoon or a small candy scoop to form small 1” balls, and roll them between your palms to make them round.
6. Melt the white chocolate candy coating until it is completely liquid and smooth. Use dipping tools or a fork to dip the truffles in the white chocolate, and place the dipped truffles on a foil-lined baking sheet. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the tops with vanilla sugar to add sparkle and crunch.
7. Store Vanilla Bean Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, bring them to room temperature before serving.
Recipe courtesy of: http://candy.about.com/od/whitechocolatetruffles/r/Vanilla-Bean-Truffles.htm
