Chai Truffles

Directions

1. Combine the coconut milk and spices in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let steep for 30 minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and return the coconut milk to the pan.
2. Line a shallow baking pan with plastic wrap leaving enough hanging over the sides to cover the ganache once it is in the pan.
3. Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl in a wide skilled or barely simmering water and stir frequently until most of the chocolate is melted. This can also be done in a microwave at 50% power. Microwave for 1 ½ minutes then stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until most of the chocolate is melted. Remove chocolate from heat and stir until smooth. Set aside.
4. Bring the coconut milk back to a boil. Remove from the heat and let it stand for 3 minutes to cool slightly. Pour the hot coconut milk over the chocolate and whisk briskly keeping the whisk in contact with the bottom or sides of the bowl to reduce splashing. Whisk until the coconut milk is completely mixed with the chocolate. Once the ganache is mixed it should be smooth and glossy and slightly thickened like pudding. Do not mix it beyond this point. Immediately scrape the ganache into the lined pan and let cool at room temperature, without stirring or disturbing it.
5. Once the ganache is cool fold the plastic wrap over it and let set at room temperature for at least several hours, preferably overnight, until firm enough to scoop. Once the ganache has set it can be refrigerated for a day or two or frozen for up to 2 months.
6. To shape the truffles use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to form ¾ to 1 inch balls of ganache. Refrigerate briefly to allow the balls to firm up slightly.
7. Melt the remaining chocolate and place the coating (cocoa powder, almonds or chocolate shavings) in a small bowl. To make chocolate shavings use a vegetable peeler to shave thin pieces from a large piece of chocolate. Place a cookie sheet or plate next to the bowl for the finished truffles.
8. To finish the truffles place a small amount of chocolate in one hand. Pick up one uncoated truffle and roll it in the chocolate on your hand. The goal is to get a thin coating over the entire truffle. Immediately drop it into the coating, and using a fork push it around until fully coated. Transfer to the cookie sheet or plate. Repeat with the remaining truffles. Refrigerate a few minutes until set, and then store in an airtight container