Gold-Painted Chocolate Truffles

4 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
4 ounces sifted confectioners' sugar
3 ounces heavy cream
1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Powdered gold leaf

Melt 4 1/2 ounces of the semisweet chocolate in a double boiler until just fluid. Using a whisk, incorporate softened butter, then egg yolk, sifted confectioners' sugar and cream into the melted chocolate. Whisk until smooth.

Pour chocolate mixture in heart molds or any other molds (an egg poacher works well as a mold), and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

Melt remaining 4 ounces of chocolate in a double boiler until just fluid.

Unmold chocolate truffles and dip them in the melted chocolate, shake off excess chocolate and set on parchment paper. Trim excess chocolate.

In a small bowl, combine liqueur and gold dust to achieve a paint-like consistency. Using brushes, decorate hearts with gold "paint" - perhaps a fleur de lis or two, an "I love you," etc. Be creative!

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