Chocolate Truffle Dessert

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped, or 6 ounces
semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur, Kahlua, Amaretto, or milk
2 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Melted white and/or dark chocolate (optional)
White chocolate shavings (optional)

Chill a small mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric mixer.
Meanwhile, line an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan with plastic wrap, extending the
plastic wrap over the edges of the pan; set aside.

In a heavy medium saucepan melt chopped chocolate or chocolate pieces
over very low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate begins to
melt. Immediately remove from the heat; stir until smooth. Set aside.
In the chilled mixing bowl combine whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of
the liqueur or milk. Beat with the chilled beaters on low speed until
soft peaks form (tips curl). Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours
or until needed.

In a heavy small saucepan stir together egg yolks, remaining liqueur
or milk, and sugar. Cook and stir with a wire whisk over medium-low
heat until mixture is very thick (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat;
pour mixture into a medium mixing bowl.

Add the melted chocolate, 2 tablespoons at a time, to the hot mixture,
beating on medium speed until combined (the mixture will be thick).
Add 1/2 cup of the whipped cream mixture; beat on low speed until
smooth. Gently fold in remaining whipped cream mixture. Spoon the
mixture into the prepared pan, spreading as necessary to make an even
layer. Cover and freeze about 4 hours or until firm enough to cut.
Invert the frozen mixture onto a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet.
Carefully remove plastic wrap. Using 1, 2, and 3-inch cookie cutters,
cut shapes from chocolate, dipping cutters into warm water between
cuts to prevent sticking, if necessary. Cover and return shapes to
freezer until serving time.

To serve, drizzle plates with melted white and/or dark chocolate, if
desired. Top with chocolate cutouts. If desired, garnish with shaved
white chocolate. Store any leftovers, covered, in the freezer.
Makes about 6 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Tightly wrap and freeze the cutouts up to 1 day ahead.

Nutritional facts per serving: calories: 518, total fat: 42g,
saturated fat: 25g, cholesterol: 191mg, sodium: 44mg, carbohydrate:
35g, fiber: 3g, protein: 6g, vitamin A: 22%, vitamin C: 1%, calcium:
7%, iron: 10%