In just a few hours, I’ll be attending a culinary potluck to celebrate Mark Bitterman‘s new book Salted: A Manifest on the World’s Most Essential Mineral, with Recipes. As a guest, I will be contributing a recipe that showcases the importance of salt. This task made me think of one of my favorite childhood fairy tales.
In the story, a father asks each one of his daughters how much they love him. When the youngest daughter compares her love for her father to her love for salt, she is banished from the family. I can’t exactly remember what happens next, but I’m sure there are countless bland dishes and recipes that follow and the father finally realizes just how much his daughter really loves him.
Moving on, when thinking about my contribution, for some reason, truffles came immediately to mind. I took the basic recipe and decided to add a touch of vanilla and a kick from cayenne pepper. Dusted with Himalayan Pink salt, these little round delights are as beautiful, decadent, and special, as they are delicious. You might want to double the amount of cayenne pepper if you want them extra spicy.
Ingredients
1/3 cup heavy cream
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli semi-sweet, but feel free to use your favorite. You can also buy a block of chocolate and cut it yourself into small pieces)
6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Himalayan Pink salt as needed (mine came from Marx Foods)
Directions
1. Bring heavy cream to a simmer in a small pot.
2. Turn off the heat and whisk in chocolate and butter until completely incorporated. If necessary, you might turn the heat on very low to help the chocolate and butter melt. If you work quickly and carefully, you will be able to avoid using a double boiling method and save an extra bowl to clean.
3. Off heat, stir in vanilla and cayenne pepper. Pour the chocolate goodness into a shallow container, I’m using a large Pyrex dish. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, or until the chocolate sets.
Time to eat! I can’t wait to hear what other fellow potluck gathers will think of these truffles.
that's one of my most favorite stories from our childhood. the father banishes the daughter and everyone is horridly upset because all the food becomes bland. the father understands his mistake and the daughter returns to the kingdom.
Glad you switched to a better brand of chocolate. ๐
Hey, Matt – what are you talking about? I've never used Hersheys :p
No, but I seem to remember that you like that brown plastic that Dove tries to pass off as chocolate. ๐
Anna! these look great. yum. I think loving something more than salt is a great compliment..I'm going to start using it! ๐
I had to check to make sure I didn't post on this already but I LOVE THESE. They look so easy and clearly sinful. Himalaya salt is one of my favorites. Love your blog!Laura @ A Healthy Jalapeรฑo
Alex – have you heard of the salt fairy tale when you were little? Each culture has its own version. Hope to see you soon! Laura Jeanne – these would be fantastic with jalapeno salt ๐ Let me know if you end up making them. Thank you!