Quality and unique ingredients are what I look for when making my chocolate truffles. I like trying and creating interesting types and then testing them with my friends and at shows to see what people think. I like to see the reactions and unexpected surprise at how good those little things are. I am a hobby herbalist so typically you will see some form of herb or spice that you wouldn’t think of being good in chocolate! I’ll try anything that sounds good to me but strange to others and that’s what makes creating these yummy yet interesting truffles so much fun.
I thought it would be fun to take a few days each week and introduce you to some of the ingredients one at a time and share a little history about the ingredients, some of the typical uses, and even share some of the health benefits the herb or spice might have.
This Aphrodisiac Truffle or the Love Truffle has become popular with my friends and both men and women at the shows. One of the interesting hidden ingredients in this truffle is called a Pink Peppercorn. The pink peppercorn is actually in the ganache or the center of the truffle and then I also mix a little of them with the roses petals that are decorating the tops of the truffles.
Pink Peppercorns originated in South America and comes from two trees called the Baies Rose Plant and the Peruvian Pepper tree. They are a pretty plant, so the pink peppercorn shrubs were introduced into Florida in the 19th century as decorative plants and now grow wild in California and Texas.
Pink Peppercorn Taste and Smell: The pink peppercorns have a very distinct flavor and scent. Similar to black pepper there is a little bit of heat when you bite into one and yet the heat of a pink peppercorn will actually last a bit longer than our favorite black pepper. For some people this heat may be similar to a mild chili pepper, but its distinct with a subtle sweetness and piney flavor, similar to that of juniper berries. Along with a citrus flavor and a rose-like aroma. All of that flavor packed into one tiny pepper!!
Typical Pink Peppercorn Uses: sometimes you can use it a substitute for regular black pepper; or a combination with the black pepper corns for its pink beauty. Pink peppercorns are used in light cream sauces or seafood dishes because of their appearance and they stand out in those types of dishes. You can also use pinkies in vinaigrettes, other salad dressings, on top of a salad or any other dish their mild flavor will add to the palate but won’t be overpowering. This may also be a secret ingredient that beer makers use!
Pink peppercorns essential oil is frequently used in perfumes and body care products. It has a slight rosy smell that is accented with woody and smoky undertones, somewhat like the juniper berries.
Pink Peppercorn Health Benefits: While doing my research on this spice there were a lot of big words that didn’t make much sense so I’m going to simplify my findings here by just listing the benefits in plain English.
So, there you have it, while you are enjoying your chocolate decadence remember that little Pink Peppercorn hidden inside the goodness is a healthy potent little spice!
