This giveaway is now closed. But be sure to scroll down for the amazing truffle recipe!!!
I love Scharffen Berger. Why, you may wonder? Maybe because they sent me free chocolate to make these amazing truffles. Or maybe because their milk chocolate is absolutely to DIE for, so rich, yet so creamy…how is it even possible? Or maybe just because it’s fun to say their name. Scharffen Berger. Scharffen Berger. Scharffen Berger. Fun, right?
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Scharffen Berger is hosting a giveaway! One randomly-selected winner will win a copy of the cookbook Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate, in addition to a Scharffen Berger 9.7-oz 99% Cacao Unsweetened Baking Bar and a 70% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Bar to get you started with your gourmet chocolate baking! To enter the contest, simply add a comment to this post by Midnight PT, Tuesday, February 16. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 16. Good luck!
Click (more…) below for the Scotch Truffle Hearts recipe pictured in this post, just one of the amazing recipes from the Essence of Chocolate cookbook!
- 7 ounces 62% semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. single-malt Scotch
- 12 ounces 82% extra dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- Line an 8X8 inch 2-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, overlapping the top slightly, and set out a fine-mesh strainer.
- Place the 62% chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate, and stir gently with a heatproof spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not whisk or splash the mixture by stirring too briskly, or the texture of the chocolates will be cakey and granular. Add the Scotch and stir just to incorporate. (Jane note: I left out the Scotch b/c I didn’t have it on hand and they came out very delicious just the same!)
- Strain the ganache into the prepared pan. Tilt the pan to level the ganache. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Transfer the pan of the ganache to the refrigerator to soften for 20 minutes. Choose a baking sheet of dish that will fit in your freezer and line it with parchment paper.
- Place a sheet of foil about 12 inches long on your work surface. Remove the ganach, using the foil that you used to line the pan to help lift it. Invert it onto the clean sheet of foil. Peel the foil from the bottom.
- Using a 1½-inch heart-shaped cutter, cut out hearts as close together as possible to avoid excessive amounts of scraps, and transfer to the prepared pan. (Jane note: I found a set of heart cutters for fondant made by Wilton at Michaels – the hearts were 3 sizes, which was helpful in making a lot of hearts with little scraps. The leftover chocolate I rolled into round balls to make a more traditionally-shaped truffle.) If the ganache becomes too soft to work with, cover with plastic wrap and return to the freezer to harden.
- Once all of the hearts are cut, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until very hard, at least 4 hours or overnight. (At this point the hearts can be placed in a an airtight container and frozen for up to 2 months.)
- TO COAT THE HEARTS: Choose a baking sheet or pan that will fit in your refrigerator and line with parchment paper.
- Melt the 82% chocolate and stir until smooth. Cool to 100-105 degrees F. (Jane note – I melted the chocolate over a double boiler. The chocolate was quite warm and took some time to come down in temperature. At 109 degrees it started to harden, so I would recommend working with it around 115 degrees – I had no problems with it melting the truffles.)
- Put the bowl of melted chocolate next to the prepared baking pan.
- Remove the hearts from the freezer one small batch at a time. Place a heart in the center of the bowl of chocolate and, using a dipping fork or table fork, flip it over and push it under the surface of the chocolate to coat completely. Slip the fork under the center and lift the heart out of the chocolate, tap the fork on the side of the bowl so any excess chocolate drips back into the bowl, and then wipe the bottom of the fork on the edge of the bowl and set the heart on the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining hearts. (Jane note: These directions were spot on and it was actually pretty easy to do if you follow them. I did need to zap the dipping chocolate twice in the process to remelt it a bit.)
- Use a small fine-mesh strainer or shaker to dust the hearts with the cocoa. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened. (Jane note: the chocolate hardened FAST”¦so if you’re going to put toppings on (cocoa, powdered sugar, decorative sugar crystals, sea salt) you gotta get them on there quickly!)
- The hearts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes 30-36 hearts.
(Last note from Jane! Remember when I had trouble making truffles in the past? The way they do it in this Scharffen Berger recipe worked like a charm. Freezing the chocolate in the pan for a while, then putting in the fridge for 20 minutes before forming the shapes made the chocolate very workable and I was far less frustrated than my previous attempt.)
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
I absolutely LOVE truffles but they’re so expensive to buy. I would love to try my hand at making them!
These truffles look so yummy!
Sounds absolutely decadent. I am an admitted chocoholic and was searching for a great Valentines Day recipe for my honey when I came across your post. Truffles it is! Thanks for the inspiration and the amazing images
Thanks for trying it without the scotch! The kids wanted to make truffles so I will try out this recipe. The photos are amazing.
Bring on the chocolate!!
Here’s to hoping!
Oh my gosh, those truffles look beautiful. Truffles are my serious weakness. They are my FAVORITE way to eat chocolate.
woo-hoo!! chocolate!!
I NEED more chocolate in my life!
I’m a man who loves truffles. There, I’ve said it. And I’m not ashamed.
I’ve even made truffles a time or two. I’m that secure in my masculinity.
Beautiful truffles Jane! Wow!
So…you probably know how I feel about dark chocolate…but I have lots of friends and family who would appreciate it if I knew how to make lovely Scharffen Berger confections!
Yum! I love dark chocolate…but no one else in my family does. I guess I’d have to eat it all myself…what a shame!
Mmm mmmm good!Mmmm
Chocolate is definitely one of my favorite food groups. Truffles have been on my to do list for a while, I can’t wait to try!
I looooove chocolate and try making some mighty fine chocolates here at home. Another few ideas would be welcomed here! I’ll have to try your posted recipe this week.
If I could do backflips, I’d be doing them now. Those look delicious! 🙂
Great contest.
Sweet! Oh, wait. Semi-sweet!
Nice work, as always, Jane.
Love, love, love chocolate!!!
I want it now!
we made truffles for Christmas, but I’d never thought about making them into cute shapes. the possibilities are endless!
nothing like a little chocolate to make a snow storm even more inviting. send them my way, please!
O.K. I HAVE to win this time. I really really love their chocolate more than anyone else in the world. It’s true. Their 62% Nibby is my lifeline. No joke. Pick me!
Fun! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
My wife needs this for her chocolate addiction. Seriously, I’d totally score if I won this for her.
Would love some chocolate coming my way.
As a child I loved white choclate but now hands down favorite is dark chocolate. And truffles–my absolute favorite!
Scharffenberger is the best!!! I just ordered a 6 pound block off their site, so I need the book! For all you who think you don’t like dark chocolate, you haven’t had scharffen berger!
I love chocolate!!!!
I’ll take chocolate any day. Thanks!
Looks delicious!!
chocolate
Wow, I shouldn’t have checked this right before bed. Now all I can think about is chocolate…
Yummy! I am a HUGE chocoholic and love Scharffen Berger!
hmmm…wonder if i’ll win;-)
the only thing better than chocolate is sharing it!
Those look so incredibly delicious – I love the heart shape!
The heart-shaped truffles are beautiful & I look forward to trying the recipe.
Ahhhhhhhhh pleaseeeeeeeeee pick me 🙂 I love scharffen berger chocolate!
Nice job, Jane!
Those are fantastic… I’m going to try and do some impressing this weekend with those for sure. Keep posting for us!
mmmmmm… Yay for chocolate!
Chocolate makes life worth living!!!
Ohhhhh my. I would love to win that…!
Chocolate and I are good friends…bring it on!
LOVE chocolate!
To a person who thinks good chocolate comes in a bag and is candy coated in pretty colors with an alphabet letter printed in white on the top, this sounds like an adventure that I need to explore, oh great, wise, clever truffle maker!
Those look beautiful! I would probably gain 20 pounds if I won…but it’s worth it!
Making truffles would be great if I could find a really easy way to dip them in the melted chocolate. They keep melting in the hot chocolate and if I let it cool it gets lumpy. So tasty though!
i can do chocolate once this baby is out! pick me!
Your truffles look fabulous! Oh yeah….and did I tell you how much I LOVE chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Yummmm…. I love chocolate!!!
These look absolutely delicious. I may have to try this out as my guilty pleasure this valentine’s day. Thank you TWFD, you provide such wonderful ideas, and have inspired me to plan my weekly meals. Keep it up!
I have never made truffles because, well, I’ve been too afraid to. But these look DELICIOUS!! I would love to learn how to create some of my own!
So glad @JylMomIF told me about your blog! I am a slave to Scharffen Berger. Randomly enough, I used to live in Tokyo and could buy bars of Scharffen Berger at the pharmacy I went to. Those bars were a ray of familiar sunshine! Beautiful truffles!
Your hard work paid off! Those are beautiful truffles :).
I think there might me some room in my diet for truffles.
I’d like to try that recipe without the scotch as well. i’m glad they tasted great without it!
Jane – is there ANYTHING you don’t ROCK at? I’m always amazed…and those truffles look insane!
I was just reminded of Scharffen Berger when I watched Julie and Julia for first time this weekend. Oooohhhh…I just love their chocolate and I remembered learning of this brand of chocolate when I went into a Williams & Sonoma store. hmmmmm…I’ve never tried my hand at making truffles…I’d love to, though!!!
I love these truffles! So yummy!
You had me at chocolate! 😉 I love Scharffen Berger chocolate, and I really enjoyed meeting the people from SB at BlogHer Food in SF. Of course, I really liked meeting the chocolate bars with almonds and sea salt!
— LTV Mom
Too bad chocolate is gross…
I keep trying to convince myself. 🙂
I tried to make truffles one time… maybe I didnt have the Sharfen Berger chocolate!
Those truffles look fabulous! I would love to try them!
That looks delicious!
please.
I’ve never tried to make this kind of chocolate dessert. I leave the truffles to my sister, but if I win I’ll make an exception.
Oh thank you for the chance to win the book. And the truffles are something I may just make Sunday
I LOVE Scharrfen Berger chocolate. It is the ultimate chocolate for baking!!! And, if you can part with it, the ultimate gift.
I love chocolate! Those truffles look absolutely amazing. Thank you for the chance to win.
I love chocolate, those look so good!
Yum! Chocolate! YUM YUM YUM!!! Just licking the computer screen trying to get a taste of those truffles.
Is there anything better than chocolate????
Oh how fun. I love Scharffen Berger chocolate, and I am sure the recipe book would be great. The heart truffles are the cutest idea. I can’t wait to try it.
Truffles! Yum!
Looking forward to trying these!
Scharffen Berger is my absolute favorite! Great taste, great name!
you’re truffles look amazing! i can’t wait to try them out!
I LOVE CHOCOLATE! 🙂
so pretty! I have never tried to make truffles before, but I do love to eat them.
I adore truffles!
i love your truffles :)) i wonder this book and i need it :))
YUM! They look delish!
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm……………….
dark chocolate! mmmm 🙂
Those look wonderful!
Happy valentine’s day everyone!
mmm…I love chocolate!
Oh this looks like fun to make. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Those truffles look wonderful!!
I want to eat it right now. I may have to reach into the pantry for some chocolate even though it’s only 6:30 am. 🙂
I would love love love to win this!!
Mmm. Chocolate.
Truffles are fun and easy to make and are definitely impressive. Chocolate (THANK THE HEAVENS) has been one of the few things that I’ve been able to stomach throughout my pregnancy so far so a cookbook with new recipes to play with would be perfect!
Yummy!
I love Sharfenberger, too!
Awesome giveaway! I would love to win!! Thanks!
Just what i needed!
I could say that this pregnancy is causing my chocolate cravings, but who am I kidding? I always crave chocolate! A delicious giveaway 🙂
Wow, these look delicious! Oh, the things I would make with this chocolate.
I think I could use this in my life!
YUM! These look delicious… and perfect for a snow day!
I am seriously impressed by your truffle-making skills!!
Mmmm…chocolate!
So beautiful, fresh, and delicious!Going to taste out someting new with the help of your recipe.Great share!
Can’t wait to try the truffles. Chocolate IS a food group all of it’s own!
I’ve been wanting to try to make truffles at home for a while now. These look amazing!
Those truffles look amazing!
Perfect giveaway for Valentines Day!
Ooooh! I hope I win!
This is a sweet giveaway! Oh, here’s to hoping that I might, might win.
I’m a little jealous that your truffles turned out so gorgeous, by the way.
I adore chocolate! But t can be so expensive for the really really god kinds…but it would be great if I won this..ahhhh
Ooh, I love truffles! Great recipe!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love truffles. Actually I’d take chocolate in just about any form!
Ooooo thank you for this opportunity to win a cookbook that every woman on this planet needs and for the truffle recipe! These look amazing…. I might have to slip the recipe to my honey as a hint 😉
How cool – something to make that doesn’t have gluten or wheat that is scrumptious as well as elegant – thanks!
Gorgeous truffles – can I be your valentine? 🙂
Wow, those truffles look amazing! I’m sure my fiance would love them!
AWWW…I love to bake, but I’ve never been able to perfect the art of the truffle! Probably because I’m not using the right kind of chocolate! I’m definitely going to try these out and hopefully I’ll at least be a winner in my husbands eyes!!
Mmmmm, your treats look delicious! This is such a great give-away. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family 🙂
i’m in for some chocolate!!!
All those look absolutely delicious. I could really go for some chocolate right now.
Those truffles look wonderful and delicious. I’m thinking I might have to make some for my honey for Valentine’s…
These look amazing!! I made some salted caramel truffles the other day but these might have those beat!!
I really want to give truffle making a try but I’ve been a little hestiant. This would give me the necessary boost.
Love me soem chocolate!
Hi, Jane, you know how much I love chocolates!!
Mmmm….Scharffen Berger, Happy Valentine’s Day to me!
I’d love to make some truffles to share.
A sprinkle of grey sea salt is my favorite addition to chocolate.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a truffle to answer that craving we all sometimes get when things get a little stressful… Having something to create, and a delicious result to answer that craving is just the best remedy! Thank you Scharffen Berger — for producing just the best varieties of Chocolate ever!
yum! hope I win.
YUMMY! I will definitely be putting these on my “list” of things to try out.
Those truffles look delicious! And I could use a good chocolate cookbook
I love chocolate way too much! Looking at those truffles got my mouth watering!
Yum! I love the different toppings you sprinkled on the truffles!
I guess I am not the only one that loves chocolate… I used to make truffles when I was in high school, (free ingredients from mom!!) But it has been so long, I think truffles and I need a reunion!
I love chocolate!
I love chocolate! This week I am making raspberry cheesecake brownies for my husband for valentines day and next week the chocoloate panacotta I was meant to make weeks ago ( I have reason for making it this time as it is my sisters birthday therefore I should do it).
Those look amazing, I would love to try and make those!
I would LOVE this cookbook. So many recipes.
I love chocolate!! nuff said.
I LOVE some chocolate! 🙂 Thank you for doing this giveaway!
Those truffles look amazing!
Chocolate is one of the best Valentine’s gifts and Scharffen Berger IS THE BEST. Hit me!
Chocolate makes the world go round.
yummy yummy chocolate.
I have a feeling you are going to pick me.
Yummy, Happy Valentine’s Day to me!
LOVE Chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those truffles look so scrumptious! The little hearts get me in the Valentine’s mood. Hope I win!
Love the technique in this recipe!
Chocolate?!?! I am sooo there! 🙂 Thanks!
Mmmmm! Chocolate! The hearts are super cute!
you can never have too many truffle recipes in your box. Thanks so much for this!!!
Mmmm… chocolate!!
Those truffles look amazing! Mmm, chocolate.
Yes please, oh how I love chocolate any day of the year, but especially Valentine’s Day.
I wasn’t planning on making truffles for Valentine’s Day, but after seeing your heart truffles, I’m going to have to make them.
I love Scharffen-Berger chocolate. One of the highlights of our trip to San Francisco, was going there. All the chocolate I bought is long gone… as they don’t use soy. My kids are deathly allergic to it. They generally only get chocolate once or twice a year! Thanks for the yummy recipe!
i love dark chocolate but have never heard of scharffen-berger. must try!
I keep reading about Scharffen Berger chocolate but haven’t had a chance to try it yet! After reading this, I will definitely have to hunt some down!!
Oh yummy! The book and the Scharffen Berger chocolate sound amazing! I love truffles and even made them once. They were easier than I thought and delicious. I would love to make them with THIS chocolate! :0)
enthusiastic comment!
Wow!!! Looks yummie and easy to do! I love baking and trying new things~ I think I will be investing in a Scharffen Berger cook book
I’m a choco-holic so you should pick me!
There isn’t anything like a good dose of Vitamin “C” (chocolate)!
I just love chocolate, and truffles so much! Please pick me!!! 🙂
Oh delicious! 🙂 i would love some truffles…
who doesn’t like chocolate?
I’d love to give it a try!
I like this chocolate brand, I use their cocoa powder frequently and the truffle recipes look very good. I have another cookbook by Alice Medrich – everything from it has been delicious.
CHOCOLATE! 🙂 nuf said.
I’ve never made truffles before but these look amazing!
Tip of the day: if you have any malformed or not quite right truffles left over, drop them into the middle of your cupcake, brownie or other baked goods for a bonus bite!
I first learned about Scharffen Berger was about 4 years ago at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. I was hanging out with Christopher. They were giving out chocolate samples and Christopher (was 1 then) kept eating the different samples and wouldn’t leave. I was a little embarrassed, so I bought a couple of these very expensive chocolate bars (like $5 a piece). It was a taste of heaven.
My boyfriend loves scotch, and he loves chocolate. What a perfect recipe to try. His birthday is in mid-March and I am definitely going to make these for him. Thanks for sharing this with us!
I heart Chocolate. Thanks for the giveaway.
Yum!! I’ve never tried making them but it looks delish.
Yummy!
Scotch and chocolate…..the hubby is going to be so very happy.
I’d love to make (and eat) some of those truffles!
I would love to try my hand with chocolate! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
These wouldn’t be for me. They would be a nice gift for my husband…really, I promise!
I’m in. I’m always in.
WOW! Love love love chocolate! Those look amazing.
I love chocolate and I love cookbooks – a perfect combination!!
My hubby loves chocolate, maybe even more than I do, so it would be a fun gift I could give to him. I’m thinking unselfishly, see? :)Thanks!
Drooling already…
Ohhh, Scharffen Berger, how I love thee! I would love this cookbook – what a neat thing it would be, to make decadent chocolate desserts with my kids!
Oh, I love a good chocolate and this giveaway sounds too good to be true! Thanks for the recipe!
Scharffen berger hot cocoa is the best. love their chocolate more than shoes.
I need all the help I can get with cooking with chocolate – had more than my share of goof-ups!
I tried this.. and failed MISERABLY.. Every step (Minus the melting the chocolate parts…)…
I would love a chance to win a chocolate cook book although I’m not sure my scales could handle the extra calories.
mmmm! that looks so good! i love chocolate and would love to make some!
cuyler loves truffles, as you know.
oh me oh my this sounds good!!!
I love Truffles and those Truffles look so yummy!
Ooohh! They look delish!
If you have to cook, it should be with chocolate!
I would love nothing more than to give into my chocolate addiction with this wonderful cookbook!
New goodies to make with chocolate-this sounds wonderful!
i can vouch for the recipe… absolutely to die for, even without the scotch!
Yum! Can’t wait to try this! Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Yum Yum Yum! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
beautiful truffles. this would be wonderful!
They have the best chocolate.
Cognac would work.
Great giveaway!! I’m on my way to the kitchen to make the truffles right now 🙂
fab giveaway! who doesn’t love chocolate?? certainly not me!! 🙂
I love chocolate!!!
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate…I love chocolate! Give me some!
These look delicious! What a great giveaway!
There is pretty much nothing better than good chocolate!
Count me in for a free cookbook!
I haven’t made truffles in years but those look so delicious I might have to take another crack at them this weekend!
I LOVE Chocolate!
Everyday is chocolate day at my house.
Those truffles look amazing!!! However, as a chocoholic, ANY chocolate looks amazing!
I’ve never been able to get truffles to look so pretty:)
What a great thing to try! Chocolate is fun and oh so yummy!
Yum! Sounds good to me.
I really hope that I can make truffles as good as those look.
mmmmmm chocolate!
I wouldn’t mind winning some chocolate!
I was lucky enough to happen upon “Choctoberfest” at Fox and Obel while I was visiting Chicago a couple years ago, and was able to attend a free chocolate lecture and tasting hosted by Scharffen Berger. I’ve been a diehard fan ever since, so I would love to win this!
I think I’m in love…
Yum – I love dark chocolate – well all chocolate really – if I am honest!!
Thanks for all the chocolate recipies this week. I made the cupcakes for a Super Bowl party too but I’m saving the oreos for tomorrow!!
Love love love chocolate the way you do it!
Scharffen Berger makes the best chocolate! I used it yesterday to make shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate.
I have some truffles chilling right now, but I didn’t have enough Scharffen Berger, so I had to use some chocolate chips. I hope they turn out yummy!
here’s hoping! looks delicious
yes please!
I love chocolate!!! Hope I win 🙂
These look delicious! Who doesn’t like chocolate… especially on Valentines Day!!
happy valentine’s day! <3
These look SO good! I have found that since I’ve been pregnant, I have become addicted to chocolate….which wouldn’t be so bad, except that I have to limit my chocolate intake b/c of the caffeine. The things we girls sacrifice 🙂
These look and taste amazing!, I couldn’t resist as soon as I saw the recipe I had to make them, so I did, and gave them to my man for Valentines Day. If you portion out the chocolate before adding the scotch, you can try a variety of flavours. Rum and coconut, brandy, even champaign gives it an amazing taste
Comment 241 feels lucky.
I read this article and then immediately went out an ordered the cookbook. It should be here any day now! Can’t wait. 🙂 Having some gourmet chocolate to go with it would rock!
This would make my day to win this!!
I love Scharffen Berger too!
Love your site and all your great ideas and recipes! I would love to try some of this chocolate.
Love SB! Well, this is torture… no flowers or chocoalte for Valentines dayour truffles look yummy!… so maybe winning thids I can make my own chocolate delight… your truffles look yummy!… thanks for a great giveaway!
cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
@projecthope7 twitter
my computer is going crazy.. a friend told me it is a Vista prob. I have to slow typing down and watch each letter…otherwise it puts letters in other words and places. so sorry about all the errors in previous message!!.
cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
I have three young daughters who are chocolate and truffle snobs (thanks to their father who also is a chocolate and truffle snob), only eating the best there is (and rejecting all others). It’s the cutest thing ever – and they all would LOVE this.
Yummy! I made the worlds messiest truffles when I was a kid, my friends gobbled them up anyway, mostly licking them off their hands.
I love chocolate…only when it’s dark!
I use Scharffen Berger chocolate for ALL my recipes, including a really awesome chocolate cheesecake 🙂 It’s the BEST.
Oh wow! Those look so yummy!! Thanks for the lava cake recipe, too. Can’t wait to try it out… on my family, of course. 😉
Yum! Who wouldn’t want to win good quality chocolate!?!
Everything looks so divine, I’d love to try my hands at making any of the recipes yum!
I suppose I won’t win anything for saying this but I just read a quote from Equal Exchange which says that Scharffen Berger is owned by Hershey’s which is “consistently singled out for having the worst record in the chocolate industry on many important social-justice, farmer, and child-welfare issues.”