Ancho Chile and Cinnamon Truffles

This recipe combines two of my favorite ingredients; chocolate and chiles. The recipe is the creation of the Union Square Grill.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons ancho chilies, ground in burr grinder
• 2  tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2  teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3  cups heavy cream
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 2  lbs  valrhona dark bittter chocolate
• 4  cups  valrhona cocoa powder
• 1  tablespoon chili powder (ancho)

Directions

1. Combine ground ancho chili, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a boil cover and steep for 2 hours.
2. Chop Valrhona dark bitter chocolate into one-inch pieces.
3. Bring spice-and-cream mixture back to a boil and add the chopped chocolate pieces. Mix until combined and smooth. If lumps remain, stir over a double boiler until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into a parchment-lined two-inch half pan. Refrigerate until set.
5. With a small spoon, scoop out 50 equally sized ganache balls. Roll and smooth the balls with your hands.
6. Mix cocoa powder and ancho chili powder in a small bowl. Roll ganache balls in cocoa and chili mixture.