Tartufo

Tartufo
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Layers:
1 pint of high-quality vanilla ice cream (or your favorite ice cream flavor)
1 pint of chocolate ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate fudge sauce (or melted chocolate)
1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts (or chopped almonds, optional for added texture)
For the Coating:
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (for melting)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to help melt the chocolate smoothly)
1/2 cup crushed pistachios or crushed hazelnuts (optional, for garnish)
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (optional, for rolling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Layers
Soften the Ice Creams: Allow both the vanilla and chocolate ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, until they are scoopable but not melting.

Scoop and Layer the Ice Cream: Scoop a small amount of vanilla ice cream and form a ball using your hands or a spoon. Flatten the ball slightly, then place a small spoonful of Nutella or chocolate fudge sauce in the center. You can also add a little bit of chopped hazelnuts for added crunch in the center.

Top with Chocolate Ice Cream: After adding the filling, scoop a portion of the chocolate ice cream and place it on top, sealing the filling inside. You should end up with a two-layered ball of ice cream.

Form the Tartufo: Carefully roll the ice cream into a smooth ball, making sure the layers are even and the filling is completely enclosed.

Step 2: Freeze the Tartufo
Freeze the Ice Cream Balls: Place the formed ice cream balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Freeze the balls for at least 2 hours or until they are firm.
Step 3: Coat the Tartufo
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler.

Coat the Ice Cream Balls: Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Using a spoon or fork, dip each frozen ice cream ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated tartufo back on the parchment-lined tray.

Add Garnishes: While the chocolate is still soft, you can roll the tartufo in crushed pistachios, crushed hazelnuts, or dust with cocoa powder for extra texture and flavor.

Freeze Again: Once the chocolate coating has set (it should take about 15 minutes), return the tartufo to the freezer for another 1-2 hours to allow the coating to harden completely.

Step 4: Serve
Serve the Tartufo: Before serving, let the tartufo sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Then, slice each tartufo in half to reveal the beautiful layers inside.

Garnish (Optional): If desired, serve the tartufo with extra chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.