The Gift of Handmade Goodness
The holiday season is a time for generosity, thoughtfulness, and sharing moments of joy. Few gifts embody these sentiments as perfectly as something lovingly handmade in the kitchen. These Seaberry Chocolate Truffles are more than just a dessert—they’re an expression of creativity and care, offering a fresh flavour profile with a touch of elegance.
Truffles can be made with any high-quality chocolate, such as Belgian varieties, to suit your taste. For my batches, I used milk chocolate, Dulce de Leche, and white chocolate drops, infusing them with seaberry juice—a bright and tangy ingredient that adds a citrusy depth to their creamy richness. A blend of heavy cream and butter ensures they melt in the mouth, while a final dusting of red sweetened coconut adds a festive touch. The result is a decadent treat that feels as special as the season itself.
In a world of store-bought abundance, a homemade gift feels truly personal. These truffles are ideal for teachers who shape young minds, mail carriers who brave the elements, hostesses who open their homes, or even Santa himself. They’re perfect for anyone who appreciates thoughtful details and bold new flavours.
Handmade food gifts also carry deeper values—sustainability, creativity, and a connection to the people and ingredients behind them. By gifting these truffles, you’re sharing a piece of your kitchen and heart, a gesture that no store-bought item can replicate.
Creative Ways to Present Seaberry Chocolate Truffles
Presentation is half the gift! Here are a few ways to turn these truffles into a show-stopping holiday surprise:
Elegant Tin Boxes: Arrange the truffles in a decorative gift box lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note.
- Advent Calendar: A reusable advent calendar is a creative take on tradition and sustainable way to present your seaberry chocolate truffles.
Charcuterie Boards: For a holiday party, serve the truffles as part of a dessert board. Pair them with seasonal fruits, nuts, and a few classic holiday cookies to create a stunning centrepiece.
Holiday Traditions: Present them alongside a warm beverage, like spiced hot chocolate or mulled sea buckthorn cider, for an extra-special treat to enjoy by the fire.
Making Origami Boxes For Your Seaberry Chocolate Truffles.
For a creative and budget-friendly approach, you can craft an origami gift of handmade paper boxes. This design adds a personal, artistic touch and can be entirely customized for the holiday season. Here’s how to make it happen:
Steps to Create Origami Boxes
Choose Sustainable Paper:
- Use recycled paper, old wrapping paper, or decorative kraft paper to align with your eco-conscious values. Holiday-themed patterns or colours like gold, green, and red can make it festive.
Fold the Boxes:
- Follow this simple origami box tutorial. These boxes are easy to fold and require only two small square sheets of paper per box.
- For an advent calendar, make 24 boxes (one for each day leading up to Christmas) with matching or contrasting lids. Ensure the boxes are large enough to hold a truffle without crushing it. I used one paper 5.5 inches square and another 6 inches square and they fit perfectly.
Decorate the Boxes:
- Add small decorative touches like twine, sprigs of rosemary, or tiny ornaments for extra charm.
- For Advent calendars, number each box from 1 to 24 using stamps, stickers, or handwritten calligraphy.
Assembly required:
- Arrange the boxes in a pyramid or tree shape on a sturdy base, such as a piece of reclaimed wood, a shelf, or a decorative tray.
- Alternatively, hang the boxes from a string or garland using small clips, creating a festive display that doubles as decor.
Practical Tips
- Protect the Truffles: Line each box with a square of compostable parchment paper to keep the truffles fresh and intact.
- Secure the Lids: Use a small piece of washi tape or twine to keep the lids closed if the boxes will be moved or hung.
- Reusable Storage: After the truffles are enjoyed, the recipient can reuse the boxes for future gifts, small trinkets, or even next year’s advent calendar.
Why Origami?
- Personal and Handmade: Origami adds a layer of thoughtfulness and artistry to your gift, reflecting the care you put into both the truffles and the presentation.
- Customizable: The design can match any theme or colour palette, making it as simple or elaborate as you like.
- Eco-Friendly: By using sustainable paper and reusable materials, you’re giving a gift that respects both people and the planet.
Seaberry Chocolate Truffles
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 set of measuing cups
- 1 spatula
- 1 Whisk
- 1 bowl per type of chocolate
- 1 baking tray
- parchement paper
- 1 food processor optional (if you want a finer coconut powder for coating)
Ingredients
- 200 grams chocolate drops Any good quality chocolate
- 60 ml pure sea buckthorn juice
- 50 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut powder
- red, fat-based food colouring in powder form
Instructions
- Prepare the Ganache:Heat the sea buckthorn juice and heavy cream together in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot liquid over the chocolate drops in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Whisk in the butter gently but thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.
- Cover the ganache with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or until firm enough to shape.
- Shape the Truffles:Use a spoon or small scoop to portion out the ganache. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate again for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the Truffles:Roll the truffles in your chosen coating, such as sweetened coconut powder, crushed nuts, or sea buckthorn powder. Alternatively, dip them in melted chocolate for a glossy finish.
- Serve and Store:Serve the truffles chilled or at room temperature. Chocolate truffles typically last one to two weeks at room temperature. They are best kept in the refrigerator until serving.
Notes
Per Serving Nutrition Analysis for Truffles (Yield of 12 to 15)
For a yield of 12 truffles:- Calories: ~110 kcal
- Protein: ~1.30 g
- Fat: ~7.05 g
- Carbohydrates: ~11.18 g
- Sugar: ~10.42 g
- Calories: ~88 kcal
- Protein: ~1.04 g
- Fat: ~5.64 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8.94 g
- Sugar: ~8.33 g
A Sweet Gesture of Holiday Giving
These Seaberry Chocolate Truffles are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to share joy and thoughtfulness during the holiday season. Whether you make them with Belgian chocolate or your favourite variety, their unique flavour and festive presentation make them a gift to be remembered. As you package each truffle with care, you’re creating a moment of connection—one that celebrates the beauty of handmade food and the generosity of the season. Simple, heartfelt, and delicious, these truffles are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who receives them.
