Square Ginger Truffles

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons heavy cream
• 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cognac or 2 tablespoons good brandy
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

• 1 line an 8-in. square baking pan with nonstick foil, letting foil extend about pan on 2 sides.
• 2 stir chocolate and cream in a small saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave on high, stirring at 10-second intervals, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. remove from heat.
• 3 stir in ginger, cognac and vanilla until blended. pour into prepared pan spread evenly. cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until set.
• 4 lift foil from pan. remove from foil to a cutting board. cut with a sharp knife in 6 rows lengthwise and 6 crosswise. sift cocoa or confectioners' sugar over tops, or dip in chocolate coating.
• 5 variation: orange-hazelnut truffles: prepare through step 2. in step 3, omit ginger, cognac and vanilla; stir in 2 tbsp orange liqueur and 1 tbsp grated orange zest. proceed as directed. coat truffles with melted chocolate; sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts.
• 6 variation: mocha truffles: stir 1 tbsp instant coffee granules into the heavy cream. prepare through step 2. in step 3, omit ginger, cognac and vanilla; stir in 2 tbsp coffee liqueur. proceed as directed. sift cocoa powder on top.