Chocolate & Brandy Truffles

Method

To make the truffles, pour the cream into a small saucepan, bring just to the boil then take off the heat and add the chocolate pieces. Set aside for 5 minutes or so until the chocolate has melted.

Add the sugar and brandy or kirsch and stir until smooth. Leave to cool then transfer to the fridge for about 3 hours until firm.

Scoop teaspoons of the truffle mixture on to baking sheet and continue until you have 24 mounds, all about the same size. Make a dip in the centre of each, add a raspberry then press the truffle mixture around the raspberry to enclose it completely. Next roll them between two hands dusted with sifted cocoa powder to get an even round shape. Return the truffles to the fridge to chill for 1 hour or so until firm.

To decorate, add the dark chocolate pieces to a bowl and set this over a saucepan of very gently simmering water so that the bowl stands above the top of the pan and the base of the bowl is not touching the water. Heat for about 5 minutes until the chocolate has just melted.

Take the bowl off the pan then slide the prongs of a fork under one of the truffles, and hold this over the melted chocolate. Using a teaspoon, spoon a little of the melted chocolate over the top to cover completely. Slide off the fork on to a baking sheet lined with non-stick baking paper. Continue until all the truffles have been coated, and sprinkle with tiny pieces of crystallised rose petals or glitter flakes.

Chill for about 30 minutes or until firm, then transfer the truffles to petit four cases and pack into a box lined with tissue paper or non-stick baking paper. Add the lid and tie with ribbon. Keep in the fridge and eat within 3 days.