Candy

These scrumptious candies bring together three eminently compatible flavors: orange, hazelnut, and chocolate. For the best flavor, be sure to use homemade candied orange peel. These clusters are easy to make and always receive rave reviews.

Passion fruit has a sweet/tart flavor that is unique. It transports me to the tropics with every taste. It can be time-consuming to get the juice from passion fruit, so I recommend using frozen passion fruit concentrate, which can be found in some specialty markets or through some of the sources listed at the back of this book.

These bite-size candies are terrific with after-dinner coffee.

Caramel is another perfect flavor match with chocolate. I love these with after-dinner coffee.

It’s easy to grow lemon verbena in a pot inside or in the garden. The leaves themselves are bitter and unpleasant to eat, but when infused into cream, the sweet lemony flavor is a perfect pairing with white chocolate.

The flavors of milk chocolate, rum, and coconut in these truffles complement each other perfectly.

The pungent flavor of crystallized ginger blends perfectly with the richness of white chocolate. These truffles have a slightly granular texture, which adds to the pleasure of eating them.

White chocolate and apricot complement each other perfectly. The addition of apricot brandy or Cointreau gives these truffles a special zip.

Lime zest, cream of coconut, and white chocolate are blended together to create a scrumptious flavor in these truffles. Cream of coconut is sold in cans, and is available in the baking or specialty foods section of most supermarkets, or in large liquor stores. Be sure to stir the cream of coconut thoroughly before using.

The rich flavor of macadamia nuts balances very well with the delicate sweetness of white chocolate. A slightly crunchy texture adds to the delight of each bite of these truffles.

These truffles combine bittersweet chocolate with hazelnut-and-chocolate Nutella to create a smooth and distinct flavor.

These truffles are shaped into disks instead of balls, then dressed up with flakes of edible gold leaf for decoration. If the marvelous flavor doesn’t impress your family and friends, the look of these truffles will.

Gianduja is a blend of chocolate and hazelnuts. By itself it is delicious; as a truffle center it’s heavenly.

Cacao nibs add an extra flavor dimension to these truffles.

If you like almonds, these truffles are for you. California Truffles offer a bounty of almonds combined with dried apricots.

Mint adds a burst of fresh flavor to dark chocolate. These are the perfect truffles to serve after dinner, or anytime for that matter.

Top-quality Scotch whisky, like Glenfiddich, is smooth and very tasty. When it’s combined with raisins and dark chocolate, the result is flavor heaven.

Five-spice powder is a classic blend of star anise, clove, cinnamon, fennel, and pepper. Its intriguing licorice flavor adds extra intensity and depth to bittersweet chocolate in these truffles.

The finely ground hazelnuts in these truffles add extra depth to the flavor and a delightful crunch to the texture. Absolutely no one eats just one of these truffles.

Espresso coffee and chocolate are accented with coffee liqueur to produce a classic flavor combination. A candy coffee bean adorns the top of each truffle.

Green tea adds a distinct yet mellow flavor to these uncommonly good truffles.

Orange and chocolate have a natural harmony. Candied orange peel imparts a chewy texture to these truffles.

Madagascar grows some of the world’s most flavorful vanilla beans. Bourbon vanilla is not made with bourbon at all. It is named after the Bourbon kings of France, who brought vanilla cultivation to Madagascar during their rule. When vanilla and chocolate are combined, the flavor of both is enhanced and deepened.

Raspberry and chocolate are a marvelous flavor combination. When you bite into one of these truffles, a burst of raspberry flavor is your reward.