Strawberry Pistachio Dark Chocolate Truffles: A Luxurious Bite of Sweet and Nutty Bliss

Prepare the Ganache: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, making sure all the chocolate is covered. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
Add Strawberry Flavor: Stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder, strawberry extract, and vanilla extract (if using) into the ganache until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to scoop into balls.
Shape the Truffles: Once the ganache has set, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out small portions of the ganache. Roll the portions between your hands to form smooth balls.
Roll in Pistachios: Chop the pistachios into small pieces and place them in a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the pistachio pieces to coat evenly.
Optional Powdered Sugar Coating: If you prefer a sweeter coating, roll the truffles in powdered sugar after the pistachios for an extra layer of sweetness.
Chill: Place the finished truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Serve: Serve these indulgent truffles at room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy the combination of creamy chocolate, tart strawberry, and crunchy pistachio in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips: