MENU

Chocolate Category Main Page Articles & Reviews       Main Nibbles Main Page Articles & Reviews Of Foods From A To Z       Product Reviews Main Page Food, Beverages, Books, News & More

April 2007
Updated May 2009

Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Chocolate

Understanding Truffles & Ganache

Page 3: Chocolate Ganache

This is Page 2 of a three-page article. Click on the black links below to visit other pages.

Chocolate Ganache

Ganache is a velvety smooth blend of chocolate and cream, often with butter added, that is usually rolled in cocoa powder and sugar or other coatings to make a truffle. It is often used as a center for filled chocolates.

• Ganache can be made from dark, milk, or white chocolate (some chocolatiers blend dark and milk chocolate) and flavored with coffee, liqueurs, extracts—virtually any flavor that inspires the chocolatier. Using more chocolate than cream yields a firmer ganache; more cream than chocolate yields a softer, more velvety ganache.
• Ganache can be beaten with butter and used to fill and frost cakes and pastries (then it is known as ganache beurre or ganache soufflé). In its liquid state, ganache can be poured over cakes and pastries as a glaze.

French-language speakers know that the literal translation of ganache is “imbecile.” Why is something so tasty called by such a rude name?

As legend has it, a 19th century apprentice in a Parisian patisserie accidentally dropped scalded cream meant for another purpose into a bowl of chocolate. His superior called him un ganache—an imbecile—but upon tasting the “ruined” result realized that something salvageable—and wonderful—had been created.† †Along similar lines, the English fool, a dessert of stewed fruit mixed with cream, has been served since the 16th century. We presume that another apprentice foolishly dropped the stewed fruit into the cream.

Mixing up a ganache at Recchiuti Confections, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week.

Now that any mystery has been clarified, go forth and enjoy your truffles and ganaches.

© Copyright 2005-2009 Lifestyle Direct, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Images are the copyright of their respective owners.