Belgian Truffles
Yield: 50 truffles
|
|||
2 Sticks
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(8 oz)
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Unsalted butter, best quality
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240 g
|
5 Tablespoons
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(3 oz)
|
90 g
|
|
1 lb 2 oz
|
(1 lb 2 oz)
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Milk chocolate (38-40% cocoa content)
|
500g
|
¼ Cup
|
(2 oz)
|
Cognac
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60 g
|
1 lb 8 oz
|
(1 lb 8 oz)
|
Semi or bittersweet chocolate couverture
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750 g
|
1.
Cream the room temperature butter until light
and fluffy. Add the invert sugar and cream more.
2.
Melt the first listed chocolate to 95°F
(34°C) and add the chocolate in this temperature to the creamed butter. Mix
well and add the liquor, mix until combined.
3.
Let the mixture set for several minutes until
it sets firm enough to pipe into even mounds. Do not place the truffles in a
refrigerator. Let set in a cool area until firm.
4.
Temper the couverture chocolate as shown on
this site and dip the truffles into the couverture chocolate.
5.
Immediately place on best quality cocoa
powder. Cocoa powder can be mixed with 30% powdered sugar for flavor balance.
6.
Carefully roll the dipped truffles into the
cocoa powder ensuring not to stick the fork into the truffle cream itself.
7.
When firm shake off extra cocoa powder and
place in a refrigerator. Serve at room temperature for full flavor experience.
Things to do in Brussels ,Belgium
Brussels is Belgium’s capital and home to the European Union headquarters. The Grand-Place square at the heart of the city has shops and cafes inside ornate 17th-century guildhouses, and the intricate Gothic Hôtel de Ville (town hall) with a distinctive bell tower. The 19th-century Maison du Roi houses the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles city-history museum, including costumes for the city’s famed Manneken Pis statue.
Colorful murals throughout Brussels share the stage with the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, devoted to comic-strip art. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium encompass art from Old Masters to the present, and the Magritte Museum presents hundreds of works by the renowned Belgian surrealist. The European Quarter contains the European Parliament building, dinosaur skeletons at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Parc Léopold and art-nouveau mansions. Built for a 1958 World’s Fair, the iconic Atomium offers panoramic views. South of the city, 14th-century Beersel Castle has steepled towers, a drawbridge and a moat.
Airport to city transfer
Brussels airport is only 12 km from Brussels city centre and you can get in between them by train, bus, taxi and personal car. We provide info on all of these transfer types.
Brussels accommodation
We provide information about availability and prices of all kinds of Brussels accommodation types.
Hotels, hostels, apartments, near-airport or luxury accommodation.
Hotels, hostels, apartments, near-airport or luxury accommodation.
Brussels attractions
Sightseeing Brussels is best during the day so in the evening you can enjoy creative and atmospheric restaurants and bars. Brussels is safe and people are cultured so walking around is a pleasure. Still, best way to see Brussels attractions is the well-known Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Guided Tours
For the traveler who prefers to see the sights rather than bury his nose in a travel guide, there are guided sightseeing and topic tours available all over Brussels. Most of them have multilingual guides available who speak English, French, German, Dutch, Russian and Arabic.
Brussels card
Definitely worth buying. You get free admission to over 30 museums and monuments, discounts at guided tours and even discounts at stores, restaurants and bars. All that for only €22.
Chocolate and Beer
These two are probably what Belgium is most known for. And what you should not miss. Read more about what and where.
International institutions
Belgium as a whole might be known best for its chocolate and beer, but Brussels itself is most often mentioned in connection with the European Union and other international institutions. Learn the basics on our informative pages.
Brussels Accommodation
Since Brussels is a compact city, most of Brussels accommodation is within a good distance from the centre and tourist attractions. Public transport and taxis also make the city easily accessible from anywhere. So for someone who wants to enjoy a beautiful city without much hassle, this is a great option.
Brussels Hotels
With population of just over 1 million, Brussels boasts 32,000 beds in the entire star range of various Brussels accommodation types. Often looked for hotels categories are Brussels luxury hotels and Brussels airport hotels near Zaventem Airport.
Brussels Hostels
You can search for Brussels hostels using the form above and sorting the list by price. Just keep in mind that this Brussels accommodation option, just like anywhere else, uses shared dormitory rooms with low price but also little privacy. More people share the same room and the bathrooms are shared too. So for some people it might be uncomfortable.
You can find a bed in a Brussels hostel for around €17 - €25 per night. There are hostels located 15 minutes walk from the main square, but many are further away. Therefore make sure to look at the map too.
Hostel atmosphere is quite friendly and it is a very good place to meet fellow travellers. Many people who travel on their own like to sit in the common room during the evening and chat. Or even plan their sightseeing together.
Brussels Apartments
Apartment style accommodation is becoming an affordable alternative to hotel rooms and a large selection of quality Brussels apartments are now available. These serviced apartments are also known as "aparthotels" in Brussels and usually include living rooms and kitchens which is great for families and groups.
This Brussels accommodation option can be used for short or long term stays and is frequently used by travellers who come for work and the European Union. They normally include cooking facilities, own wireless internet and everything you would find in a fully equipped household. It is perfect for travellers who want to feel the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Brussels Museums
Sampling
some of the museums before beginning your tour around Brussels will give you a
sense for history and knowledge of what you see. For example, visit the Museum
of Brussels before exploring the city with new eyes. Or have a brief tour of
the Museum of Belgian Brewers to understand the types of beers you will find on
restaurant menus and how they make it. A museum pass that is mentioned below
will be useful for this.
The types of Brussels museums vary. There are large, spacious and information-rich museums such as the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of Fine Arts. And then there are small, interest-based museums such as the Belgian Beer Brewers museum or the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate.
Brussels Museum Pass
A Museum Pass in Brussels is called the Brussels Card. It includes free entrance to 32 museums and discounts at attractions, tours, bars, restaurants, nightclubs... It is good value for money for visitors that want to soak in information about Brussels history and culture before continuing on their journey around the city.
A Museum Pass in Brussels is called the Brussels Card. It includes free entrance to 32 museums and discounts at attractions, tours, bars, restaurants, nightclubs... It is good value for money for visitors that want to soak in information about Brussels history and culture before continuing on their journey around the city.
Museum of Brussels City
Browse this museum for a quick history of the city that you are about to visit. There are three floors, each dedicated to several aspects of the city from economic development, social development, and city development to the history of Brussels’ favourite mascot the Peeing Boy. For only €3, there is a great deal to see – just to see the 100 costumes for the Mannekin Pis is already worth it.
Browse this museum for a quick history of the city that you are about to visit. There are three floors, each dedicated to several aspects of the city from economic development, social development, and city development to the history of Brussels’ favourite mascot the Peeing Boy. For only €3, there is a great deal to see – just to see the 100 costumes for the Mannekin Pis is already worth it.
Museum of Musical instruments
This is a Brussels museum that is filled with over 7000 pieces of musical history and instruments from around the world. The fee includes a headphone that will help you listen to the musical instruments being played. At the very top of the art nouveau style building is a café with a wonderful patio that has a magnificent panoramic view of the city and its gardens.
This is a Brussels museum that is filled with over 7000 pieces of musical history and instruments from around the world. The fee includes a headphone that will help you listen to the musical instruments being played. At the very top of the art nouveau style building is a café with a wonderful patio that has a magnificent panoramic view of the city and its gardens.
Museum of Natural Sciences
A gigantic building that houses equally gigantic bones and fossils of dinosaurs and blue whales, the natural history of the world is explored extensively in this cube-shaped building. The museum is located near the Parliament Building on the banks of Leopold Park. Its interactive displays are perfect for children and adults of all ages.
A gigantic building that houses equally gigantic bones and fossils of dinosaurs and blue whales, the natural history of the world is explored extensively in this cube-shaped building. The museum is located near the Parliament Building on the banks of Leopold Park. Its interactive displays are perfect for children and adults of all ages.
Horta Museum
An art nouveau Brussels museum that is set within one of the first examples of art nouveau – Victor Hugo’s own residence in the early 1900s. The Horta Museum mesmerises its visitors with sculpted wooden and steel decorative art that is built into the house itself, making it a must see. Brussels and Belgium is filled with examples of art nouveau history, learn more about it by starting at the museum.
An art nouveau Brussels museum that is set within one of the first examples of art nouveau – Victor Hugo’s own residence in the early 1900s. The Horta Museum mesmerises its visitors with sculpted wooden and steel decorative art that is built into the house itself, making it a must see. Brussels and Belgium is filled with examples of art nouveau history, learn more about it by starting at the museum.
BELvue Museum
Brussels BELvue Museum is dedicated to the history of modern Belgium. This museum takes you through a history of Belgium from the beginning when Belgium became an independent nation in 1830 until today. The museum itself was once a palace that became a hotel and now a museum of history.
Brussels BELvue Museum is dedicated to the history of modern Belgium. This museum takes you through a history of Belgium from the beginning when Belgium became an independent nation in 1830 until today. The museum itself was once a palace that became a hotel and now a museum of history.
Museum of Belgian Brewers
For an authentic taste of Belgium, you cannot go past the beer. This Brussels museum is small but friendly and housed in the guild house or trade association of Belgian Brewers’. Lovers of beer will enjoy the video with the history of beer, beer making process and introduction to Belgian beers. Discoverers of beer, who may be slightly baffled by the passion for this common drink, will find it an eye-opening experience. A beer is included in the entry price.
For an authentic taste of Belgium, you cannot go past the beer. This Brussels museum is small but friendly and housed in the guild house or trade association of Belgian Brewers’. Lovers of beer will enjoy the video with the history of beer, beer making process and introduction to Belgian beers. Discoverers of beer, who may be slightly baffled by the passion for this common drink, will find it an eye-opening experience. A beer is included in the entry price.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
Another institution of Belgium, which surprisingly doesn’t have its own national museum, is chocolate. Tourists flock to Belgium to sample some of the most delectable treats known to humans – chocolates filled with creams, nut pastes and liqueurs – also known as pralines. This small museum offers a demonstration of how pralines are made and some information about the origins of the cocoa bean.
Another institution of Belgium, which surprisingly doesn’t have its own national museum, is chocolate. Tourists flock to Belgium to sample some of the most delectable treats known to humans – chocolates filled with creams, nut pastes and liqueurs – also known as pralines. This small museum offers a demonstration of how pralines are made and some information about the origins of the cocoa bean.
Autoworld
The Autoworld Brussels is a museum collection of old cars dating back to the late 1890s when the first cars rolled onto the roads. Based at theParc du Cinquantenaire, this warehouse holds over 400 vehicles and stocks mostly European or U.S. original models. It’s a great walk back into history for car buffs.
The Autoworld Brussels is a museum collection of old cars dating back to the late 1890s when the first cars rolled onto the roads. Based at theParc du Cinquantenaire, this warehouse holds over 400 vehicles and stocks mostly European or U.S. original models. It’s a great walk back into history for car buffs.
Toy Museum
If you are looking for a novel place to bring children or adults who are crazy about toys, this is the place to be. A three-storey mansion that is filled with toys from top to bottom, this children’s museum will excite your imagination and take you back to the days before video games. Yes, the toys here are nostalgic but still practical and playable.
If you are looking for a novel place to bring children or adults who are crazy about toys, this is the place to be. A three-storey mansion that is filled with toys from top to bottom, this children’s museum will excite your imagination and take you back to the days before video games. Yes, the toys here are nostalgic but still practical and playable.
Comic Strip Museum
The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art was built in an historic art nouveau building that used to be a shopping mall. It’s a great opportunity to admire the comics and the architecture! The comics museum takes you on a tour of how a comic strip is created, the story of Tintin and his creator Hergé and famous Belgian artists. Finish off with a tour of the comic book store or the library downstairs – it perfectly captures the modern lifestyle of Belgians.
The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art was built in an historic art nouveau building that used to be a shopping mall. It’s a great opportunity to admire the comics and the architecture! The comics museum takes you on a tour of how a comic strip is created, the story of Tintin and his creator Hergé and famous Belgian artists. Finish off with a tour of the comic book store or the library downstairs – it perfectly captures the modern lifestyle of Belgians.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts Belgium
If you enjoy art museums, then the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (not to be mistaken for the Fine Arts centre) then go to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts where the old and new are displayed next to each. Belgian artists take centre stage at this Brussels museum, which is known for its exhibition of human society. This museum sits atop the Mont des Arts (Kunstberg) the art and museum hill of the city.
If you enjoy art museums, then the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (not to be mistaken for the Fine Arts centre) then go to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts where the old and new are displayed next to each. Belgian artists take centre stage at this Brussels museum, which is known for its exhibition of human society. This museum sits atop the Mont des Arts (Kunstberg) the art and museum hill of the city.
Halle Gate
Once upon a time this medieval gate was part of the fortifications of Brussels city. In the 14th century, this tower was a part of a pentagonal wall that surrounded the inner-city of Brussels. Now it stands alone but has been turned into a museum to showcase how the city once defended itself from invaders. The ramparts give a great view of the city.
Once upon a time this medieval gate was part of the fortifications of Brussels city. In the 14th century, this tower was a part of a pentagonal wall that surrounded the inner-city of Brussels. Now it stands alone but has been turned into a museum to showcase how the city once defended itself from invaders. The ramparts give a great view of the city.
Museum of Costume and Lace
The Brussels Museum of Costume and Lace celebrates the unique textile heritage of Belgium. It is dedicated to temporary exhibitions with costume, fashion and lace themes. It is situated near the Grand Place so it is within walking distance to many other museums within the vicinity.
The Brussels Museum of Costume and Lace celebrates the unique textile heritage of Belgium. It is dedicated to temporary exhibitions with costume, fashion and lace themes. It is situated near the Grand Place so it is within walking distance to many other museums within the vicinity.
Eating Out in Brussels
Eating out is one of the pleasures of visiting Brussels but you need to know where to eat otherwise you will fall into tourist traps. Just because a place is crowded doesn’t mean the food and beverages are good. Know where the locals go to be treated with first class service and some really enjoyable fare.
Brussels people love good food, good beers and a relaxing atmosphere (preferably outdoors). If this sounds like you then you’ll fit right into the dining scene. Here are some suggestions for Brussels restaurants, a brief introduction to Belgian food and beer and a few suggested areas to eat out.
Brussels Entertainment
Brussels is a cultivated place with great concerts, opera, orchestras and cinema. If you want to go for a glamorous night out without spending a fortune on accommodation and food, then Brussels will win over Paris.
For clubbing, weekly drinks and the darker side of Brussels, explore the Brussels red light district. The nightlife is spread out all over the city but there are great spots if you know where to go.
Entertainment listings
Agenda magazine – Free and multilingual listing that is available for pick up at any metro station. They are in the newspaper bins located next to the entrance and exits. Every Wednesday a new issue will appear and it’s absolutely free. Most articles are written in three languages – French, Dutch and English. On the flip side of the magazine is a cinema section dedicated to reviewing films of the week.
Agenda magazine – Free and multilingual listing that is available for pick up at any metro station. They are in the newspaper bins located next to the entrance and exits. Every Wednesday a new issue will appear and it’s absolutely free. Most articles are written in three languages – French, Dutch and English. On the flip side of the magazine is a cinema section dedicated to reviewing films of the week.
The Bulletin magazine – This weekly publication costs slightly more and has more articles. It is only in English and aimed at the expatriate crowd. The concerts and theatre listings are thorough and cater for the whole of Belgium so you can go anywhere and know what is going on. The listings include films, music, performing arts, festivals, visual arts, community and miscellaneous happenings in all of Brussels and other cities in Belgium. You won’t be short of anything to do if you appreciate the arts. The Bulletin is available from all newspaper outlets throughout the city.
Other sources – If you are still looking for more to do in Brussels to explore the arts scene and upcoming events, then go to the Brussels Tourism Offices in the city centre. These centres have pamphlets and brochures on events in the city.
Cinema
There is a wide range of choices for cinema-goers in Brussels. Arts films, blockbusters check, and even a cinema that plays black and white silent movies with a piano if you’re willing to give it a go! The prices of the tickets are reasonable. Seats at some major cinemas are not reserved so turn up early to get the best seats.
There is a wide range of choices for cinema-goers in Brussels. Arts films, blockbusters check, and even a cinema that plays black and white silent movies with a piano if you’re willing to give it a go! The prices of the tickets are reasonable. Seats at some major cinemas are not reserved so turn up early to get the best seats.
Concerts
A wide range of musical influences have developed the Brussels concert scene over the years. Especially popular are jazz and contemporary world music styles from all over the world. Whether you like your concerts in a cosy dim stage at a club or in a modern acoustically perfect studio, you can find them in Brussels and all are equally applauded.
A wide range of musical influences have developed the Brussels concert scene over the years. Especially popular are jazz and contemporary world music styles from all over the world. Whether you like your concerts in a cosy dim stage at a club or in a modern acoustically perfect studio, you can find them in Brussels and all are equally applauded.
Opera
Modern opera performances can be found in a number of locations in Brussels. The most famous is perhaps the Brussels opera house the Mint (La Monnaie or de Munt). It is a historical venue where performances once rivalled those in Paris in the 18th century.
Modern opera performances can be found in a number of locations in Brussels. The most famous is perhaps the Brussels opera house the Mint (La Monnaie or de Munt). It is a historical venue where performances once rivalled those in Paris in the 18th century.
Orchestra
Orchestras from all over Belgium and Europe play in venues all over Brussels including the popular BOZAR, the Royal Music Conservatory and the Musical Instruments Museum. You will find all of the listings in the weekly Entertainment Listings of Brussels.
Orchestras from all over Belgium and Europe play in venues all over Brussels including the popular BOZAR, the Royal Music Conservatory and the Musical Instruments Museum. You will find all of the listings in the weekly Entertainment Listings of Brussels.
Brussels nightlife
If you stay for a whole week you will notice Brussels nightlife start on Wednesday nights and will continue straight into Saturday, gradually keeping punters up later and later into the night. From chilled out lounge bars and café bars to more dance orientated places there is a little bit of nightlife to suit everyone.
If you stay for a whole week you will notice Brussels nightlife start on Wednesday nights and will continue straight into Saturday, gradually keeping punters up later and later into the night. From chilled out lounge bars and café bars to more dance orientated places there is a little bit of nightlife to suit everyone.
Brussels red light district
Located in the north of the city, the Brussels red light district is not very well-known but it will offer a sneak peak into “the forbidden” for those who are curious to venture there. Watch out though, it’s not the safest place in the city so keep one hand on your wallet or handbag at all times.
Located in the north of the city, the Brussels red light district is not very well-known but it will offer a sneak peak into “the forbidden” for those who are curious to venture there. Watch out though, it’s not the safest place in the city so keep one hand on your wallet or handbag at all times.
Brussels Curiosities
“Brussels” is a word that normally doesn’t inspire a lot of excitement. But this hasn’t stopped it from being the namesake of several curiosities. Foods, vegetables, materials and other cities of the world have been named after Brussels. So next time you’re doing a search for the word ‘Brussels’, you may find some of the following results.
Brussels Waffles
Brussels are world famous for this doughy delicacy and rightly so because the Belgians have perfected the art of making waffles and Brussels waffles is one type of waffles that is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Waffles are still sold in vans on the corner of streets and in metro stations.
Brussels are world famous for this doughy delicacy and rightly so because the Belgians have perfected the art of making waffles and Brussels waffles is one type of waffles that is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Waffles are still sold in vans on the corner of streets and in metro stations.
Brussels Griffon
A curious looking dog dubbed a ‘toy dog’ because of its petite size. Today it is a popular show dog displayed in dog shows. It is a lively creature that thrives on the attention of one owner. Originating from Brussels and exported to England and the States, this breed became rare after world wars I and II.
A curious looking dog dubbed a ‘toy dog’ because of its petite size. Today it is a popular show dog displayed in dog shows. It is a lively creature that thrives on the attention of one owner. Originating from Brussels and exported to England and the States, this breed became rare after world wars I and II.
Brussels Sprouts
One of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, the Brussels sprouts is a favourite for parents in Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the States but not so popular with children! The main reason for this is because of the smell that comes from overcooking.
One of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, the Brussels sprouts is a favourite for parents in Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the States but not so popular with children! The main reason for this is because of the smell that comes from overcooking.
Brussels Lace and Velvet
Since its days of tapestry-making in the 14th century, Brussels has always been renowned for its dexterity at creating textiles to wow the world. Like its tapestries, the quality of Brussels lace was only fit for aristocrats and royalty and commanded the highest prices on the market in the 16th century.
Since its days of tapestry-making in the 14th century, Brussels has always been renowned for its dexterity at creating textiles to wow the world. Like its tapestries, the quality of Brussels lace was only fit for aristocrats and royalty and commanded the highest prices on the market in the 16th century.
Brussels outside Belgium
The name Brussels doesn’t only belong to the city in Belgium, although Brussels, Belgium is probably the first Brussels city in the world. After a while everyone runs out of ideas or gets inspired by Brussels. There are two other Brussels in world, one in Canada and one in the United States.
The name Brussels doesn’t only belong to the city in Belgium, although Brussels, Belgium is probably the first Brussels city in the world. After a while everyone runs out of ideas or gets inspired by Brussels. There are two other Brussels in world, one in Canada and one in the United States.
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