Green Tea Chocolate Truffles

Peter Castillo | posted February 10, 2010 |

This is a simple recipe to make white chocolate balls with the delicious flavor of green tea. The sweetness of white chocolate is well-balanced by the bitterness of green tea powder. The truffles will be light green in color and will look simply outstanding when served with some fresh raspberries as a garnish.

Your heart and blood vessels will benefit from the antioxidants found in the green tea.  Additionally, dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure if you choose a chocolate with a 70 percent or higher cocoa content.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. white chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons green tea powder (maccha), plus more for coating
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Fresh raspberries for garnish

Preparation:

1. Finely chop white chocolate and put in a medium bowl. Put 2 teaspoons of green tea powder in a small bowl.
2. Warm milk in microwave and pour over green tea powder. Stir well.
3. Put heavy cream in a small pan. Heat the cream on medium heat and stop the heat before cream starts to boil. Stir in the milk mixture.
4. Pour the hot cream over white chocolate. Stir well until the chocolate melts. Cool the chocolate mixture until it reaches room temperature, about one hour. Scoop the chocolate into about 1 1/2 inch balls and place them on a sheet of parchment paper.
5. Cool them in the refrigerator for about one hour, or until firm. Round chocolate balls by hand and roll in green tea powder to coat. Cool green tea chocolate balls until firm.
6. Serve 3 truffles on a plate with a few fresh raspberries for color and a flute of champagne for the bubbles.

Makes 12 balls