Earl Grey-Spiked Chocolate Truffles

Truffles are actually a fungus that grows under ground at the base of trees, but these chocolate treats are meant to look like the dirt covered real truffle but be chocolate through and through. Virgin pigs are used to sniff the real thing out but these can be easily sensed by any chocolate lover (virgin or not!). We've noticed some interesting behavior among people who are lucky enough to eat these often ? our regulars at Tru. Just the word "truffles" is enough to make these chocolate lovers' nostrils twitch with excitement, like a truffle hound on the scent. While waiting for the dessert course, they start bouncing with anticipation. And when they actually spot the lovely cocoa-covered rounds heading for the table, well...we don't want to embarrass our customers. Try them for yourself and see what happens. These are undoubtedly the best truffles we've ever had, only excepting those of the masters at the Bernachon pastry shop in Lyon, who created the mixture of chocolate and creme fraiche that they are based on. When Gale was apprenticing at the Bernachon bakery, she used to eat these at night in her hotel room, one after another, trying to figure out how the Bernachons made them so wonderful. Making truffles is simple and fun, especially when you're dipping them in chocolate and nestling them in cocoa powder -- but don't forget to start the process a few days ahead.