Our instructor, Chef Rob from Cook With Class gave us the lo-down deal on how to make our own truffles, which are surprisingly easy and a decadent idea for a date with your best friends or your main squeeze.  Sipping chocolate martinis, we dipped, mushed, smashed, and rolled chocolate all over our hands, feeling as carefree as if we were in an adult sandbox and at the end, floated away with new friends, a new skill, and a tote filled with delicious, homemade truffles.

Chef Rob's Fool-Proof Recipe for Chocolate Truffle Heaven (Makes about 2 dozen)
1/2 lb.   Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (chips or chopped into pieces)
2 Tbsp. Water
2 Tbsp. Butter, unsalted
3/4 cup  Heavy cream
2 Tbsp. Confectioners’ sugar
As needed Cocoa powder, crushed nuts (pistachios and almonds are amazing) shredded coconut, etc. for coating

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate with the water, stirring occasionally, until smooth.  Add the butter a little at a time, stirring after each addition.

Add the cream gradually, stirring after each addition until mixture is smooth.  Stir in the sugar.  Refrigerate until cool and stiff, about an hour.

Roll a small ball of chocolate in your hands and then roll in desired coating.  Eat immediately or refrigerate and try to eat within 24 hours.

Savvy Scoop: Did you know high-end chocolatiers charge as much as $2 a truffle?  Chef Rob's recipe (depending on toppings) nets out at a fraction of that.  Score!

Savvy Scoop #2: Make budget-friendly chocolate martinis with Svedka vodka, a super-savvy, excellent quality brand.