Chocolate & Christmas: MasterChef India 7 finalist Gurkirat Singh Grover’s Chocolate Truffles

As part of our series on Christmas special chocolate recipes, we spoke to Gurkirat Singh Grover, MasterChef India 7 finalist, food enthusiast and influencer.

Chocolate is often hailed as the food of Gods and quite rightly so. Be it any occasion or moment, a bar of chocolate just makes it even more special, doesn’t it? There’s something to chocolate that can only be felt when had. Some call it pure decadence, while some call it bliss. Chocolate’s versatility as an ingredient makes it all the more popular today among chefs and food connoisseurs.

With the ongoing festive season, chocolate recipes galore. From puddings to cakes and hot chocolates to fondues, it’s time to savour some of the innovative chocolate dishes prepared by chefs and bakers round the world.

As part of our series on Christmas special chocolate recipes, we spoke to Gurkirat Singh Grover, MasterChef India 7 finalist, food enthusiast and influencer.

What are you earliest memories of Christmas?

“ I belong to a Punjabi family yet Christmas has always been an integral part of my life since childhood. My mum used to decorate a homemade tree for me every Christmas and what is more exciting is that my birthday falls just the next day of Christmas. Thus, I have tonnes of memories of the festival.”

Which dessert defines Christmas for you and why?

“Two desserts which I feel Christmas is incomplete without are classic plum cake and gingerbread cookies. They are the mandates of the festival.”

What is the one dessert that you have created inspired by Christmas or the festive spirit in general?

“I remember in one of the challenge in Masterchef, I had to use spices and make a dessert using them, so I created gingerbread spiced cupcakes with rum and orange caramel and frosting which turned out so good.”

What are some of the best Christmas desserts you have had and what makes them special?

“Last year, I was in Goa during Christmas times and I had best Christmas cake there.”

How important is the role of chocolate in Christmas?

“Chocolate is always essential not only during Christmas but any other time as well. We Indians always make desserts throughout the year, but I believe that European desserts are incomplete without chocolate.”

What are different ways we can use chocolate in Christmas?

“There are several ways we can and we have use chocolates during this festive seasons. Counting from classic chocolate rum balls and yule log to modern day truffles and brownies there are hundreds of ways you can use chocolates.”

Any nostalgic food memory of yours that in a way connects Christmas and chocolates?

“As far I recall, I used to make hot chocolate during Christmas. I would keep one cup beneath the Christmas tree for Santa to come and have it. My parents used to drink that and keep some gifts under my pillow and I would get surprised every time I woke up on Christmas morning.”

Is there a signature recipe of yours that you think celebrates Christmas and chocolate in the best possible way? Would you like to share it with us?

“I make many variations of chocolate truffles. Sometimes I use coffee in it, sometimes some rum and sometimes pistachios.

Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

• 2 nos 4-ounce Cadbury chocolate finely chopped
• 150 ml Heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

• Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and set aside.
• Heat the heavy cream until it is simmers. You can heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Add the butter, if using, to the chocolate and pour the heavy cream evenly on top.
• Let the warm cream and chocolate sit for 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract then stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface (to avoid condensation) and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
• Pro tip:Pour into a flat shallow dish, such as a 8x8 inch baking pan, so the mixture sets evenly and quickly.
• Scoop the set truffle mixture into 2 teaspoon-sized mounds. Truffles taste best at room temperature.