The basil in these chocolate truffles adds a peppery flavor, while tea always pairs well with sweets.
The basil in these chocolate truffles adds a peppery flavor, while tea always pairs well with sweets.Matthew Mead/Associated Press

Unusual as that combination may sound, it works surprisingly well to create a delicious, creamy truffle with hints of herby flavor. Think about it this way – we don’t hesitate to pair chocolate and mint. Basil isn’t all that far off in flavor, lending a pepperiness that acts as the perfect foil to the richness of the chocolate. And the tea – which pairs well with sweets – lends a depth of flavor that ties it all together.

We like these truffles coated in lightly salted and chopped marcona almonds, but chocolate wafer cookies, pistachios or straight up cocoa powder all would be delicious, too.

Basil-Tea Truffles

Start to finish: 2 hours 45 minutes (30 minutes active)
Yield: Makes 54 truffles
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
2 bags Earl Grey tea
Pinch of salt
1 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Crushed cookies, toasted chopped nuts, shredded coconut or cocoa powder, for rolling
Method:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream to a bare simmer. Remove the pan from the heat, add the tea bags and basil leaves, then cover the pan and set aside to steep for 15 minutes.
Pour the cream mixture through a mesh strainer and discard the solids. Return the cream to the pan and bring back to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and add the salt and chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Cover the pan and refrigerate until completely chilled and set up, about 2 hours, or overnight.
When ready to form the truffles, place the topping or toppings of your choice in bowls. Use a spoon to scoop up about 1 rounded teaspoon of the truffle mixture. Use your hands to roll the mixture into a 1-inch ball. Roll each truffle in a topping until well coated. Store truffles in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition information per truffle: 70 calories; 60 calories from fat (86 percent of total calories); 7 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 1 g protein; 5 mg sodium.