Balsamic Chocolate Truffles

Decadent and rich, these make a lovely gift. Orginally posted by Kristine Sitko on the Design*Sponge blog: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/12/in-the-kitchen-with-kristine-sitko.html#more-16238

• Ready In: 3 hrs
• Yields: 15-20 truffles

Ingredients

• 8  ounces  best-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup  cream
• 2  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 8  dried cherries
• 1⁄2 cup cocoa powder

Directions

1. Put balsamic and cherries into a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove cherries and discard (or use later in a salad. You won’t regret it.) Set balsamic aside to cool.
2. Melt chocolate and cream in a double boiler (or a heat-proof glass bowl over a pot filled with water), making sure the water is hot, not boiling.
3. Place melted chocolate in a small bowl and add the cooled balsamic. Mix well.
4. Cool in the refrigerator about 1 hour. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, until firm but moldable.
5. Roll mixture into one inch balls and place on a parchment lined tray. Pour cocoa powder into a shallow dish and roll balls to cover.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container up to one week.