“How about a private class to learn Victor’s Famous Chocolate Chilli truffles?” my darling friend The Second Wife asked me. It took me all of 20 seconds to answer “Yes please”. Chilli and chocolate are two words that the world has gone crazy over and Victor Pisapia is the Chilli King and his Chocolate Chilli truffles are famous.
Victor Pisapia holding a picture of his former self “Mr P”
We arrive at his gorgeous Danks Street apartment (where he conducts his cooking classes) one sunny Sunday afternoon. I adore meeting new people and I was fascinated to learn about Victor’s history. Those of you may know him as the chef and partner at the former Rattlesnake Grill in Neutral Bay but you may not know that he was originally a teacher who worked in the real ghetto in Philadelphia – you know the one where violence is a real possibility. He was called “Mr P” and to avoid being targeted by students he came up with this hairdo which served more to make him look racially ambiguous (and one which made his barber father distraught). A survival mechanism by way of hair if you will.
Originally from the United States, he ran the very successful Back Porch Cafe in an area just outside of Washington DC called Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. They started on little more than enthusiasm and $7,000, 3 entrees, 3 mains and 3 desserts. They picked fresh strawberries from the field for the day’s desserts and built it up into one of the most successful restaurants which still stands today where it’s run by one of Victor’s friends. He has owned designer restaurants such as Blue Moon where designer beautiful bodies waitered. This was one of the first places to have beautiful people only waitstaff and each waiter cleared about $1,500 per night. He also opened up “dives” (albeit ones where designers were called in to make it look like a dive) such as Tijuana Taxi, a 1950’s diner. His restaurants centered around this beachside area of Rehoboth Beach where people from Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia would gather to visit during vacation.
Victor then moved to Sydney Australia and opened up the Rattlesnake Grill in Neutral Bay which served South West American food. Opening up a restaurant in Sydney is also different from the United States. Not only are there are an untold number of Sydney restaurants, U.S. customers tend to be more loyal to a restaurant whereas Sydney siders tend to like to try new things so gaining a loyal clientele is harder here.
As the “chilli king” (tomorrow he is judging the chilli category for the Royal Easter Show) he shows us his fantastic chilli collection full of Poblano chillis which become the Ancho chillies.
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The space for classes
But back to the truffles. They’re a gorgeous combination of a chocolate coating and a melt in the mouth interior. The chilli is a delicious tingly after thought, just strong enough but not too strong. Somehow the hours fly by and before we know it it’s 3.5 hours later and we were only meant to stay for 2 hours. Learning from Victor is like being taught by a soul generous in spirit and encouragement. The ideal teacher – afro or not.
Victor’sFood hosts cooking classes and team building exercises for corporates. They are also hosting a South Coast food tour with Masterchef contestant Michelle Darlington.
Victor’s Famous Chocolate Chilli Truffles
- 340g couverture chocolate
- 15g unsalted butter
- 1 cup cream (250ml or 250grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered cayenne chilli
- 280grams couverture chocolate for dipping
1. Melt chocolate into the top of a double boiler, stir until melted over medium heat. Add cream, and stir and then add butter and stir.
2. Sprinkle the powdered chilli into the mixture while stirring with a whisk. Mix until smooth.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat. Pour into a flat baking pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
4. Ensure hands are as cold as possible (wash under cold water, place palms on cold surface). With an ice cream scoop or spoon scoop some of the firm mixture and shape into rough ball with tips of fingers. Shape balls in palm of hand.
5. Place finished truffles on a flat tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Line a tray with parchment paper.
7. Melt the dipping chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
8. Using a bamboo skewer to hold the truffles, dip them into the chocolate and place onto the lined tray.
9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries, or by themselves.
This recipe is designed to make 14 truffles of about 35 grams each. However, you can make the truffles any size to suit the number of portions you desire.
These truffles can be frozen for a 2-3 weeks. If they develop a white bloom from the freezer you can roll them in cocoa. Also use the best quality chocolate possible as the chocolate quality shows up with truffles.
Recipe adapted from Victor Pisapia
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47 Comments | Add your own
oh I love truffles. these with chili must be delicious. I love chocolate and chili. I ve just posted a post with truffles
I haven’t made truffles in so long, the other I was actually thinking about making them sometime soon…it must be a sign that I should make these! Your photo of the truffles all lined up is stunningly gorgeous!
yuuuum…chilli chocolate is my fave!
Oh wow they look so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!!
Ooh these look fantastic! I’ve actually been wanting to play around with making truffles so all the truffle-making tips in this post are awesome! “Mr P” is also awesome
I can just imagine the lipsmacking taste. The way it chilli pepper hits the taste buds right after the thing is consumed.
It took you a whole 20 seconds to decide??!!?!?!?! hehehe
Love the truffles. Especially loved reading about Victor. Great post, Lorraine.
What an interesting person Mr.P. is and how exciting to have the opportunity to make the Chilli Truffles with the man himself. I love hands-on classes, you meet a great bunch of people, learn more culinary skills and get to keep and eat the final result! Very interested in the South Coast food tour, might sign up. Thanks Lorraine
Wow chilli choc truffles never tried them. These look so good! BTW I had no idea Victor was a chef until now, he was a casual teacher at my high school, always a very nice guy.
lol at that afro pic, at first I wondered who he was holding a pic of. He sounds like a really nice man and Id love to learn from him! =)
Great story. I love truffles too. Thanks for the recipe
(I might not add as much chili hehehe)
Yum! Lucky you to have a private class. These would have tasted fantastic, I’m sure
Chocolate and chili wet my whistle. Now I’m inspired to visit our gal in town who started her own truffle shop because her music wasn’t going anywhere (nashville). It’s a great story.
Lorraine they look delicious. Truffles are so good. I have never had one with Chilli. I will definately try this recipe
Oh, and to think I just spent this morning making truffles! Yours look lovely and I am intrigued by the addition of butter (I never use it as the milk and cream I use have tons of butterfat) and chili – the taste explosion!
Oohh love the truffles! They look so decadently rich… and I’m green with envy both for the truffles and the Victor Pisapia class!!!
what a delightful story, and you got chilli chocolate to boot! I love chilli addition to chocolate, who knew that chocolate could be even BETTER!
Chili and chocolate is such a wonderful combination! Victor has had an interesting history,and it must have been great fun to make truffles with him teaching.
Oh wow, thanks for this post! What a lovely recipe!
Yumm they look nice and simple. I’m not entirely certain about the chocolate chilli combo, but I’ll have to try it sometime…
What a nice place for a lesson. It would give it a relaxed atmosphere. Chocolate and chilli is great.
That sort of thing is right up my alley. I’d love it if we could get that sort of thing happening around Wagga.
Heavenly! I love chilli and chocolate together
God! That looks like fun! I wish I could be there to lick the bowl. Can you send some over please?
Fantastic story, I always wondered what happened to him after Rattlesnake Grill closed. I remember their Moon Pies fondly! Couverture chocolate and chili what a great combo!
Chocolate Chilli rules! I am so glad to find another person who spells it as “chilli” and not “chili” … LOL! Thanks for the lovely tutorial!
magnificent – I would love to taste these truffles – especially after all the fascinating info about victor and the great photos of them being made – perhaps what you need to cool your hands is a glass of an ice cold drink – it looks like thirsty work
Urk, I’ve always found chocolate and chilli a weird combo. I hope the PigPig doesn’t get wind of this post or she’s gonna try making them and experiment on me
It looks that you had fun in that cookery class!! I love hints of cayenne or chilli in my desserts!! Lovely!
I love chili. I love chocolate. But have never paired them! Interesting.
Beautiul photos and story! So glad you shared! These truffles look amazing.
Whoooo, they look spicy!
love the fro, and love the very idea of a chocolate-chili combination. gorgeous and luscious and delicious (the truffles, not the fro…).
Mmm – chilli and chocolate are two of my favourite things. And the kids probably wouldn’t eat them either!
Love that chocolate…the people going to the Winery should enjoy it…not too far from us♥x
I’ve never tried Chili Chocolate anything! Sounds interesting…even though I’m not a huge fan of chili
Thanks for sharing, Lorraine
Mmm:) yummy! Looks all too good and perfect!
mmmmmmmmm trufflesssssssss.
looking at them just makes me smile!
heard much about chocolate+chilli!
but havent tried them yet.
this sounds like THE recipe
thank you my dear lorraine!
Sounds too easy to be true!! and Yay for chilli and choc mmm having some chilli/choc/cinammon covered coffee beans right now
Those truffles sound terrific with chili! Yum! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe with us!
Hmm i have heard a lot about chocolate and chilly combination but never got to try..would love to taste these delicious truffles!
I lovee the combination!! One of my favorites!! Lucky you, to have a private class
Hi snooky doodle-Oh how very cool is that? We’re on the same wavelength!
Hi Faith-Definitely! I’m always amazed at how easy they are to make
Thankyou so much! 
Hi Reemski-It’s such a stunning combo!
Hi sandra-You’re more than welcome!
Hi Steph-Thankyou!
Oh very cool, I can’t wait to see your truffles! Hehe he is 
Hi Soma-Hehe you are right!
Yes it’s such an addictive sensation!
Hi Kyle-Haha well perhaps not even that long!
Hi Y-Thanks very much!
Hi Matilda-He was fascinating to talk to
It looks fantastic-I only wish I could go but alas it’s Halloween! 
Hi BT-They are great, believe me (as someone that ate quite a few). Oh really? What a small world! :O
Hi Brianna-I know, I couldn’t believe it, it was amazing! He’s a lovely guy indeed
Hi Anita-Thankyou! Hehe yes the good thing is that it’s all to your taste
Hi Cakelaw-Thanks, I felt very lucky indeed!
Hi Angela-Hehe! Oh yes please do and I will be waiting to read all about it with bated breath!
Hi Katherine-Thankyou!
Oh you must, they’re so good 
Hi Midge-Haha what a coincidence!
It’s such a lovely sensation at the back of the tongue!
Hi Trisha-Thankyou!
Yes I was very privileged to have the private class!
Hi Maria-Thanks so much! I know, they really are the perfect pair!
Hi yaelian-Yes it was great to learn how to make this famous chilli truffles!
But also I really enjoyed talking to him!
Hi Brenda-you’re more than welcome!
Hi Chris-Thankyou! You may want to give it a try, it’s really good
Hi Arwen-It was nice and relaxing being at his house and he was so accommodating!
Hi Amy-Oh very cool! I can imagine that it would be quite a hit!
Hi Esz-Me too and I never needed much convincing
Hi. penny-It was loads of fun
Haha I resisted (but wanted to). Sure! 
Hi Moya-Yes I remember the Moon pies too! My friends and I still talk about making Moon pie!
Hi The Little Teochew-I agree!
Hehe I admit I spell it both ways 
You’re welcome!
Hi Johanna-Yes it’s all part of the fantastic experience. Yes iced water, marble whatever I can get my hot hands on
Hi Wild Boar_noo really? Haha I’m afraid she has found the post
Hi Sophie-We had a ball! Yes it just gives a little tingle
Hi pigpigscorner-Hehe Wild Boar is worried that you’ll experiment on him!
Hi Julie-Thankyou so much!
Hi The Duo Dishes-They are just tingly spicy at the end. Not too hot
Hi grace_I loved the fro and his tactic to surviving the school with it! Haha glad we clarified that
Hi MrsDesperate-Haha so it’s win win for you! I like it!
Hi Dzintra-That’s wonderful!
Hi Liv-Oh you must! It’s such a nice combo
You’re welcome!
Hi carolyn-Thankyou very much!
Hi felicia-Hehe I’m glad it made you smile!
Oh yes please do try it and you’re more than welcome! 
Hi Ffichiban-It’s very, very easy! Sounds like you’re well prepared!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-You’re very welcome!
Hi Parita-My husband and I have been addicted to this combo ever since we first tried it!
Hi Avanika-Oh fantastic! Yes I was definitely thanking my lucky stars
I almost put chili powder in a cake recently, but I chickened out at the last minute. I’m always afraid that it will come out too spicy!
They look fantastic, really good – I will give them a try!
Wauw,,,that reminds me of the movie ‘Chocolat’,,,, Chilli passion and Chocolat love….Lovely,,,MErci.
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