BOURBON TRUFFLES The rich flavor of bourbon is a perfect partner to chocolate. Offer these delectable truffles with an assortment of cordials. FILLING 1/4 cup heavy (double) cream 1/4 cup unsalted butter 6 oz (185 g) milk chocolate, chopped 6 oz (185 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey Unsweetened cocoa powder COATING 12 oz (375 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans

To make the filling, in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cream and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the cream simmers. Remove from the heat. Add the milk chocolate and the semi-sweet chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Mix in the whiskey. Pour into a bowl. Cover and freeze just until firm enough to mound in a spoon, about 40 minutes.

Line the bottom of a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Scoop out the filling by tablespoonfuls and drop onto the sheet, spacing them evenly. Cover and freeze until almost firm but still pliable, about 30 minutes.

Spread the cocoa on a flat plate. Roll each chocolate mound between your palms into a smooth ball, then roll in cocoa to coat evenly. Return to the sheet. Freeze while preparing the coating.

To make the coating, line a second baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the semisweet chocolate in the top pan of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl. Place over (not touching) barely simmering water in the lower pan. Heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.

Reroll the truffles between your palms to remove any loose cocoa. Gently drop 1 truffle ball into the chocolate, tilting the pan if necessary to coat the ball completely. Slip a fork under the truffle, lift it from the chocolate, and tap the fork gently against the side of the pan to allow any excess chocolate to drip off. Using a knife, gently slide the truffle off the fork onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle generously with the pecans. Repeat with the remaining truffles.

Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Makes about 18 truffles.

[After Dinner, Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles Series]