{And the art of balance}
It is only the start of January, but I have already started to feel the weight of work to be done over the next 12 months. I honestly do not know how to balance the work-life-study-blogging dynamic at this point in time. I think I just have to deal with each item, one thing at a time.
Speaking about the art of balance, have you read this post on Bakers Royale about “The cost of blogging”? A very honest read and it makes me reflect on my blogging experience in the past 5 years. Costs like camera gears, hosting, cookbooks can be estimated. But how about time? Somehow, somewhere, there need to be a balance. Kulsum and I were talking about a commitment of spending less time online, focusing more on our “real” life and enjoying other activities. I don’t think I will quit blogging. It’s part of my life that I want to keep. Hopefully I will be able to.
The recipe I am sharing today is a recent favourite. Lemon curd and white chocolate truffles. They are sweet, smooth with the lighter tangy note of citrus. A delightful after dinner bite.
White chocolate and lemon curd truffles
Making your own lemon curd is easy. I have used this recipe, but reduced the sugar a little bit. 
I served the truffles “lollipop” style, but they do soften very quickly in warm weather. In such case, simply put them in small pretty paper cases.
Based on this recipe
Ingredients
100g white chocolate
1/4 cup home-made lemon curd
1/4 cup heavy cream
a tiny bit of orange blossom water (optional)
100g biscuit crumbs (I used my home-made biscuits and process it into finely ground in the food processor)
Method
Using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate.
Add in the lemon curd, heavy cream, orange blossom water and mix well to combine.
Place the above mixture in the freezer, and chill for 2-3 hours.
Those truffles are marvelous! What a divine combination. *drool*
that post by Naomi was a really good read, and it really makes me reflect, especially since I just started working this year and have been struggling to blog consistently. the white chocolate and lemon curd truffles sure do look good though ;p
some days I feel I could blog full time and still not find enough time for it – I need to cut back a little on my blogging but it is part of eating now. I hope you don't cut back altogether as I love your posts and photos – but I know what you mean about getting the balance – good luck
They look great and they sound simple!
Ah yes, balancing beyond-blog life with blogging. It's a tricky one, but at the moment my blog, and the relationships formed through it, give me so much joy that I'm happy having it as my second job. Particularly when it leads me to truffles like these!
I just read the Cost of Blogging post that you linked to. I have never thought about it in depth before but now that I think about it, I probably spend a similar amount of time and money on blogging. I bought my first DSLR camera a few weeks ago and I am still learning how to use it. I find myself waking up a little earlier in the morning and sleeping later to fit in some more blog writing time.
Nice photos and sound mouthwatering!
Lovely photos and I'm sure I would love this flavor combo, they look great! I intend to spend less time online this year too…
Yes Yes and more yes!! Bookmarked and definitely making some.
Your truffles look fantastic Anh!!!!! I love lemon curd and the flavour combo with white chocolate sounds fantastic.
Don't forget the intangible benefits of blogging, such as the joy it brings to your readers. This lovely recipe and photos are a great example!
Look great and yet so simple!
They look so pretty! Love the flavours.
Great flavor combos! I hear you, Naomi's post was very enlightening!
I look at blogging as a healthy experience..but i am not busy like you are:) I am retired now..so have time on my hands..
I totally understand what you are trying to say! It's so hard to strike the perfect balance…
I totally understand what you are trying to say! It's so hard to strike the perfect balance…
Great looking truffles!!
I hear you in regards to balancing blogging and "real life" Anh…great looking truffles…love lemon curd!
I second u on the difficulties of blogging- family-work (and motherhood!) balance but somehow reading and appreciating beautiful pics like these truffles on my way to work always give a good start to my day!
I know what you mean about finding the balance…it's very hard. I committed to posting every second day during December and by the end I was glad to ease off a bit. Now I'm trying every third day. I made some lemon curd for a cake yesterday. If there's any left, I will definitely be trying these…yum!
The yellow is DELIGHTFUL and that includes the lemon curd! Love it.
That's always the big problem isn't it – time. We all struggle with that I think and what the right amount is. I hope you find that right balance that works for you this year, I know you've got a lot going on.
This is my first visit to your blog – it is stunningly beautiful! I know I am going to learn so much from you!
oooh so pretty and I can imagine their tart citrusy flavour. Lovely!
This is fantastic! I am sure i will love these as much as I love my Quay Lo's Rum balls.
Oh woow… I'm not a huge chocolate fan (sry if I offended anyone!!!) but I'd LOVE to try to make these. The flavour profiles sound perfect to me. Don't think I've had anything like them before too, so I'm very well intrigued. And I totally agree with you. I hate to say this but as much as I'm enjoying blogging, something's gotta give. The past few months it has been
Blogging certainly can be very time consuming. I do love it and want to continue further. I find that it actually prompts me to get out the door and discover new places where I could have fun with the photography. When we are on trips, however, my kids call my camera "El Diablo"!
have not tried this flavour combo but can imagine the tart and sweet of the lemon and choc must be divine!
we'll see how we can this year eh? 😉
Loved this post…very pensive, Anh.
DELICIOUS
Looks absolutely delicious! I would love to chow down on a big batch of them!
So pretty! I like the slight rustic feel to your pictures
Agree. It takes a lot of time and energy to publish a good quality post like yours. I don't want to give up my time with the kids, so I also spend my free time (after 9pm) for blogging. My first year, I gave up my TV, exercise for blogging, but my second year is all about balance. I'm trying to enjoy other time besides blogging, just like you! Oh please don't ever think about
Lemon is my chocolate so these special treats are right up my alley.
irresistable & droooolworthy.
Your truffles sound amazing. Lemon and white chocolate are two my favorite things in sweets, and putting them together sounds perfect!
Very true. I always wonder as well and have always tried to check for balance… I am 'not addicted' to social media tools like Twitter or Facebook and I think that helps me to stay connected with my priorities in the real world…
oh my, i love the board above!! so lovely, and your pictures are awesome..
Oh dear! I hope you are doing well and that the balance is slowly sorting itself out. Remember to do the things you love (and if blogging is one of them, then there is definitely reason to make time for it). Take care!
Yes, blogging is seriously hard work, time consuming & expensive too! Just thinking about the cooking chores, styling & photography, recipe drafting, publishing and follow-ups plus updates on social networks & submission to photo sites makes me crazy–and times like that I just need to slow down, take a break. All said, blogging is also a highly fulfilling and a rewarding experience.
Anh,
You and me both, my friend. But these truffles look so tasty…I just wish we lived closer. Thank you for making me smile after a long day at work…sorry I haven't stopped by sooner. I've been adjusting to my crazy-busy schedule. We will both do it! Hugs and love!
oh, i think i'll try this recipe. thanks for sharing. it sounds really really yummy. i love lemon type desserts and when it's mixed with cream and white chocolate? I'm there!
Glad I found your blog, Love the Chocolate and lemon curd truffles.
I made these truffles as part of the dessert for my parents' anniversary. I had to make many adjustments, but they are AMAZINGLY delicious. Thank you so much for sharing!