If you love all things
dessert
this {Pageturner Ecookbook} is for you

441 recipes
Almond génoise
Almond sherry ice cream with honeyed figs
Almond strawberry cake
Angel food cake
Angel food cake alaska
Apple and berry crisp
Apple au gratin with apricot
Apple Beignets bretons
Apple betty
Apple blueberry crisp
Apple bread pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
Apple cake
Apple cake with hot butterscotch sauce
Apple charlotte
Apple cheese crisp
Apple coffee cake
Apple cranberry crisp
Apple crêpes
Apple crunch
Apple fritters
Apple herbert
Apple mousse grand marnier
Apple orange cake
Apple pie cragwood
Apple pudding
Apple sauce cake
Apple strudel
Apple strudel with cranberry sauce
Apple strudelettes
Apple tart alsacienne
Apple-butterscotch pie
Apple-cranberry crisp with warm toffee sauce
Apple-cranberry crumble pie
Apple-oatmeal crisp with irish whiskey cream
Apricot and plum tart
Apricot crumble
Apricot frangipane tart
Apricot purses on a cloud
Apricot sorbet
Apricot soufflé
Apricot tart
Armagnac ice cream
Baba au rum
Baked alaska snow balls
Baked pears
Banana bread
Banana cake
Banana cakes with rum sauce
Banana nut cake
Banana soufflé
Banana-blueberry nut bread
Basic crepes
Bavarois maracudja
Bavarois turinoise
Be mine Valentine meringues kisses
Bee sting cake or bienenstich
Bittersweet chocolate truffle cheese cake
Black bottom pie
Black chocolate espresso cake
Black walnut pie
Blackberry mousse terrine
Blueberry basic pie filling
Blueberry cobbler
Blueberry cobbler with peaches and raspberries
Blueberry cream cheese pie
Blueberry crême brûlée
Blueberry crisp
Blueberry gingerbread
Blueberry pie
Blueberry sour cream pie
Blueberry streusel cake
Blueberry streusel cake #2
Blueberry supreme
Blueberry-lemon bundt cake
Blueberry-rum cobbler
Bomba italian doughnuts
Bourbon chocolate cake
Bread pudding with vanilla sauce
Buñuelos
Candied grapefruit peel
Caramel custard
Caramel-pecan hand flipside pies
Caramelized apricot tart
Caramelized banana purses with white chocolate sauce
Caramelized figs with fudge sauce
Caramelized pear upside-down cake
Caramelized pear-cranberry strudel
Carrot cake
Champagne sorbet
Cherry pie crumb bars
Chiffon mincemeat pie
Chocolate almond cake
Chocolate and raspberry fontaines
Chocolate angel food cake
Chocolate banana cake
Chocolate bavarian cream pie
Chocolate bavaroise
Chocolate bourbon pecan pie
Chocolate cake for birthday cake
Chocolate cake nancy
Chocolate cake sheila
Chocolate cheesecake
Chocolate cranberry mousse pie
Chocolate creme caramel
Chocolate genoise
Chocolate hazelnut cheesecake
Chocolate Irish whiskey cake
Chocolate marquise with orange sauce
Chocolate mocha soufflé
Chocolate mocha torte
Chocolate mousse
Chocolate mousse cake
Chocolate orange cheese cake
Chocolate orange torte with raspberry coulis
Chocolate pâté
Chocolate pecan pie
Chocolate pie with raspberries
Chocolate pudding with coffee sauce
Chocolate raspberry ice cream
Chocolate raspberry ice-cream cake
Chocolate raspberry tart
Chocolate sauce
Chocolate soufflé
Chocolate-mocha soufflé
Chocolate-orange sorbet
Chocolate-raspberry soufflé
Choux pastry swans
Christmas cake
Christmas chocolate dipped maple log walnut cookies
Christmas mince pies
Cider apples
Cinnamon ice cream with satin cinnamon chocolate sauce
Cinnamon soufflé
Clafoutis with cherries
Classic cheesecake
Coconut cream pie
Coconut ice cream with mango sauce
Coconut-almond bars
Coeur a la creme
Coffee bavarian cream
Coffee custards
Cold mango soufflé
Country apple cake
Country apple pie
Cranberry and pear phyllo tart
Cranberry apple cobbler
Cranberry apple pecan bars
Cranberry crepes
Cranberry eggnog cheesecake
Cranberry mold
Cranberry pear phyllo tart
Cranberry strawberry and raspberry crisp
Cranberry walnut cake
Cranberry walnut pie
Cranberry walnut tart
Cream cheese and wild blueberry pound cake
Cream puff wreath
Cream puffs
Creamy lemon custards
Creamy pumpkin pie
Crême brulée with cherries
Creme de menthe cheesecake
Crêpes suzette
Custard cream
Dark apple spice cake
Delice au chocolat
Double apple cake
Double layer pumpkin cheesecake
Dutch apple pie
Easter bunny cake
Easy blueberry crunch
English apple pudding with rum sauce
Figs tart
Fijian cassava cake
Finnish blueberry pie - mustikkapiirakka
Flambeed bananas
Flamed apples
Floating island
Fluffy strawberry sherbet
Fondants au chocolat
French apple tart
French Canada trifle
Fresh blueberry pie
Fresh ricotta
Fried banana wontons with custard sauce
Frozen individual strawberry soufflés
Frozen lime cream pie
Frozen maple syrup mousse
Frozen orange soufflés
Fruit cobbler
Fruit sorbet
Fudge sauce
Genoise cake with grand marnier berries and mascarpone whipped cream
Gingerbread and cranberry torte
Gingerbread sticky toffee pudding
Grand marnier orange mousse
Grand marnier soufflé
Grapefruit Alaska
Grapefruit cheesecake
Grapefruit fondue
Gum paste - pastillage
Honey lavender ice cream
Irish coffee pie
Irish cream cheesecake
Irish cream sandwiches
Irish mist brownies
Irish whiskey cake
Irish whiskey date cake
Jelly-filled pears in puff pastry with caramel sauce
Key lime pie
Key lime pie
Key lime tart in sugar cookie crust
Kiwi sorbet
Krumkake cannoli
Lady fingers in pyjamas
Lemon and lime squares with pistachio crust
Lemon bars
Lemon cheese cake
Lemon cream tart
Lemon curd
Lemon custard
Lemon custard squares
Lemon krumkake
Lemon meringue ice cream pie
Lemon meringue pie
Lemon meringue pie tart
Lemon mousse
Lemon or lime mousse
Lemon pound cake
Lemon pound cake loaf
Lemon pudding cake
Lemon rhubarb mousse
Lemon shortbread coconut squares
Lemon snow pudding
Lemon sorbet
Lemon sorbet in lemon shells
Lemon soufflé glacé
Lemon souffles with macademia nut sauce
Lemon squares
Lemon squares
Lemon tart #1
Lemon tart #2
Lemon tart with walnut crust
Lemon trifle
Lemon yummy dessert
Lemon- honey jello
Lemon-scented blueberry sauce
Liége belgian waffles - gaufres de liége
Light chocolate soufflés
Light raspberry mousse
Light strawberry mousse
Lime and coconut mousse tart
Lime chiffon cheese cake
Lime curd and almond tart
Lime mousse
Lime tart with raspberry sauce
Lime Whipped Cream with fresh fruit
Luscious lemon mousse and passion
Mango cheesecake with vanilla cream
Mango coconut chia pudding
Mango sorbet
Mango soufflé
Maple almond roll
Maple apple and bluebery crisp
Maple walnut ice cream
Marbled pumpkin cheesecake
Marbled strawberry bombe
marionberry pie
Mascarpone cheesecake
Meringue apple tart
Meringue baked apples
Meringue pavlova
Meringue roulade with praline whipped cream
Meringue-strawberry
Meringues with ginger ice cream and chocolate sauce
Millefeuille Prince Albert
Nanaimo bars
New york-style cheesecake with chocolate crust
No-bake nutella cheesecake
Nutty peach crisp
Oatmeal pie
Oats and berry crumb dessert
Oeufs a la neige
Olive oil pumpkin bread
Orange cake 1
Orange cake 2
Orange charlotte russe
Orange chiffon cake with orange fluff icing
Orange mousse
Orange mousse cake with grand marnier
Orange mousse meringue pie
Orange mousse meringues
Orange parfait
Orange pound cake
Orange prune nut loaf
Orange raisin cake
Orange sherbet
Orange sherbet bombe
Orange soaked cake
Orange-honey jello
Palmiers
Pamplemousse pie
Panna cotta with berry compote
Pasteis de nata - portuguese custard tarts
Peach almond compote
Peach and cream dessert
Peach cake pudding
Peach cobbler #1
Peach cobbler #2
Peach crisp
Peach custard ice cream with fresh peach compote
Peach ice cream
Peach melba
Peach-blackberry tart
Peach-raspberry beggars purses
Peaches in sauternes
Peanut butter coconut pudding
Pear and almond cream tart
Pear apple crisp
Pear cake with walnut streusel
Pear frangipane tart
Pear tart tatin
Pear-cranberry crumble
Pear-hazelnut cheesecakes
Pears vigneronne
Pecan pumpkin pie
perfect white cake
Pizzellis
Plum crumb cake
Plum frangipane tart
Plum pudding
Plum raspberry sorbet
Poached peaches with a strawberry and sparkling clairette sauce
Poached pears in red wine
Poached pears with spiced caramel sauce
Poppy seed chocolate torte
Prekmurska gibanica -poppyseed walnut and apple strudel pie
Profiteroles
Prune ice cream with armagnac
Prune kumquat sticky pudding with armagnac toffee sauce
Prune soufflés
Prune whip
Prunes poached in red wine
Pudding diplomate
Pumpkin cheesecake
Pumpkin chocolate cinnamon and salted caramel mousse cake
Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie-pumpkin-shaped
Pumpkin-orange pie
Raspberry bavarian cream
Raspberry champagne
Raspberry cheesecake
Raspberry coconut squares
Raspberry crême brulée
Raspberry delight
Raspberry hazelnut praline soufflé glacé
Raspberry mousse
raspberry mousse with apricot sauce
Raspberry pie
Raspberry soufflé with sauce sabayon
Raspberry triple crown
Raspberry-apricot pie with hazelnut streusel topping
Raspberry-blueberry cake
Raspberry-rhubarb custard tart
Rhubarb and berry coffee cake
Rhubarb and red wine jelly
Rhubarb and strawberry crisp
Rhubarb cobbler
Rhubarb compote
Rhubarb crisp
Rhubarb crumb bars
Rhubarb custard pie
Rhubarb ice cream
Rhubarb pithiviers
Rhubarb pound cake
Rhubarb sponge pudding
Rhubarb strawberry trifle
Rhubarb tart with orange-ginger glaze
Rhubarb-strawberry custard tart
Rhubarb-strawberry-banana sorbet
Rich vanilla ice cream
Roasted pears and figs compote
Rose macarons
Rose shaped apple dessert
Rum-broiled grapefruit
Russian Tea Cakes
Saint-honoré
Salted butter caramel
Sicilian cannoli
Simple rhubarb fool
Sorbet doudou maracudja
Souffléed crêpes with cointreau
Southern pecan pie
Spiced pumpkin bread
Spicy poached peaches
Sponge cake pancakes
Strawberries with zabaglione sauce
Strawberry and peach compote
Strawberry bavarian
Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust
Strawberry cheesecake with rhubarb sauce
Strawberry daiquiri sorbet
Strawberry delight
Strawberry linzertorte
Strawberry mousse cake
Strawberry napoleons with caramel sauce
Strawberry orange shortcakes
Strawberry parfait
Strawberry purses
Strawberry rhubarb crumble bars
Strawberry shake with red berry coulis
Strawberry shortcake
Strawberry-orange sherbet
Strawberry-topped lime mousse tart
Swiss roll
Tangerine jelly
Tangerine soufflés
Tarte tatin
The chocolate cake
The summit cake
Toffeed pears
Tofu coffee pudding
Trianon or Gâteau Royal
Trifle
Triple blueberry and strawberry pie
Triple chocolate cheesecake
Upside-down peach cake
Valentine truffle cake
Vanilla custards
Vanilla-pomegranate parfaits
Vatrushki cream cheese buns
Walnut white chocolate snowball cookies
Warm blueberry and mango compote
Warm chocolate torte
Watermelon sorbet
White chocolate and raspberry tart
Wild blueberry flan
Wine jelly
Winter citrus compote
Yogurt orange cake
Yogurt with cranberry port topping

liquid Measures
Weight & temperature Measures
non-liquid ingredients
Top 5 countries
Last Page

The Page Turner E-Cookbook dessert offers a delightful collection of dessert recipes ! You can explore a variety of sweet treats, from cakes and pies to tarts and more . The e-cookbook provides detailed instructions and tips to help you create delicious desserts at home.

Almond génoise

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Cakes can be filled with chocolate butter cream, Mocha butter cream or chocolate mousse filling.

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup almonds, ground
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line 2 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Butter and flour bottom and sides.
Whisk whole eggs and sugar in an electric mixer. Beat until triple in volume. In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar to form soft peaks. Add sugar while beating. Fold egg whites into whole egg mixture. Fold in ground almonds, flour and butter. Distribute batter between the two pans. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until lightly brown and springy to touch. Cool in pans and unmold over racks.

Almond sherry ice cream with honeyed figs

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

For ice cream:

3 cups half and half
4-inch strip fresh lemon zest
4-inch strip fresh orange zest
1/2 cinnamon stick
8 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Amontillado Sherry*

For figs:
12 soft (moist) dried Calimyrna figs
1 cup Amontillado Sherry
1 cup fresh orange juice
6 tablespoons honey
candied orange zest

preparation

Make ice cream:
Bring half and half with lemon and orange zests and cinnamon stick just to a boil over moderate heat. Cover and let stand off heat 25 minutes, then reheat to a simmer. Discard zests and cinnamon stick.
Whisk together yolks, sugar and Sherry in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk in hot milk mixture.
Transfer custard to cleaned saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat back of a wooden spoon. Pour custard through a fine sieve into a bowl and cover surface with wax paper to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill until thoroughly cold, about 3 hours. Freeze in an ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Make figs:
Bring figs, Sherry, juice and honey, cover to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer, covered, just until figs are tender, about 40 minutes, then uncover and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 1 cup. Cool figs in syrup.

Serve ice cream with honeyed figs and syrup and a few candied orange zest sprinkled over.
*Note: Amontillado is a mellow almond flavor sherry.

Almond strawberry cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
For filling:
2 pints strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon gelatin powder
1 tablespoon water
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Lightly oil a 9-inch springform pan. Dust pan with flour, tilting to coat evenly and tapping out the excess. Line bottom with parchment or wax paper. Lightly oil paper.
Spread almonds in a shallow pan and bake for 4 to 8 minutes, until light golden. Let cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and toasted almonds. Process until almonds are ground. Set aside.
In a measuring cup, combine buttermilk, oil and vanilla and almond extracts. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, egg whites and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes. The beaters should leave a ribbon trail when lifted.
With a rubber spatula, alternately fold reserved dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into egg mixture, making 3 additions of dry ingredients and 2 additions of liquid.
Gently spread batter in prepared pan and tap the pan once on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 45 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched and cake shrinks away slightly from sides of pan.
Place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen edges of cake from pan, remove pan rim and invert cake onto rack. Remove pan bottom, peel off paper and let cool completely.
To prepare berries: In a large bowl, toss strawberries with sugar. Set aside.
To make vanilla cream: Chill a mixing bowl. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand for 1 minute.
In a large saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a simmer. Adjust heat so water barely simmers. In a heatproof mixing bowl large enough to fit over the saucepan, combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and softened gelatin. Set the bowl over the simmering water and beat with an electric mixer at low speed until an instant-read thermometer registers 140 degrees F. Increase mixer speed to high and continue beating over the heat for 3½ minutes. Remove bowl from heat and beat meringue until completely cooled, about 4 minutes more.
In the chilled bowl, combine cream and vanilla and beat with electric mixer at medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold one-fourth of the meringue into the cream. Gently fold in remaining meringue.
To assemble cake:
No more than 2 hours before serving, place the cake on a serving plate. Using a serrated knife, slice cake horizontally into 2 layers.
Carefully lift off top layer. Spoon half the berries and all the juices onto the bottom layer. Spread with half the vanilla cream. Cover with the top layer. Spoon remaining vanilla cream on top and arrange remaining strawberries over cream. Refrigerate until serving time.

Angel food cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cake flour, sifted
12 egg whites (1 3/4 cups) (at room temperature)
1/3 cup warm water
1 teaspoon orange extract, or extract of your choice
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift half of the sugar with the salt and the cake flour, setting the remaining sugar aside.

In a large bowl, use a balloon whisk to thoroughly combine egg whites, water, orange extract, and cream of tartar.
After 2 minutes, slowly add the sifted reserved sugar, beating continuously at medium speed.
Once you have achieved medium peaks, sift enough of the flour mixture in to dust the top of the foam. Using a spatula fold in gently. Continue until all of the flour mixture is incorporated.

Carefully spoon mixture into a 10-inch (4L) ungreased tube pan. Bake for 35 minutes before checking for doneness with a wooden skewer. (When inserted halfway between the inner and outer wall, the skewer should come out dry).

Cool upside down on cooling rack for at least an hour before removing from pan.

Angel food cake alaska

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:2 minutes

Ingredients

1 angel food cake
1/2 gallon strawberry ice cream or 1/2 raspberry and 1/2 strawberry ice cream
For meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Remove the inside of angel cake leaving one inch thick sides and bottom to form a trench. Fill with ice cream. Freeze until ready to use.
For meringue: In an electric beater, whisk egg whites with cream of tartar until meringue is firm. Add sugar and vanilla.
Beat for 2 more minutes. Cover cake entirely with meringue using a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tube. Bake at 450 degrees for 1 to 2 minutes to brown. Decorate with whole berries and serve.

Apple and berry crisp

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
4 cups sliced peeled apples
10 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries
10 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Topping:
1 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour and lemon rind.
Add apples, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries, stirring gently to combine.
Spoon into 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
TOPPING:
In a small bowl, stir together oats, sugar, flour and cinnamon.
Drizzle with butter and toss.
Spoon over fruit.
Bake in until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Apple au gratin with apricot

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds baking apples
2 tablespoons dark rum
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 teaspoons sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel apples. Core, and cut into thin round slices.
Combine rum and sugar. Pour over apples. Let stand a hour.
Spread apricot preserves over bottom of an 8-inch round baking dish.
Arrange apple slices on top. Save juice.
Sprinkle apples with sugar.
Bake until soft and brown. Cool.
Heat liquid, pour over apples. Serve warm.

Apple Beignets bretons

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

These little treats are fluffy and airy, super tender and delicious to the very last bite.
The recipe is a specialty from Brittany, France. The Reinette apples variety is used for the recipe

Ingredients

3 apples (Honeycrisp, Stayman, Jonathan, Reinette)
2 tablespoons of rum or Calvados
3 heaped tablespoons of flour
2 tablespoons of fine sugar
3 eggs
1/4 l (1 cup) milk
salted butter

preparation

Peel, core and grate the apples.
Sprinkle them with the rum or Calvados and mix everything well.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and beaten eggs. Add the milk and whisk everything together to remove any lumps.
Fold the apples into the batter.
Melt a teaspoon of butter in a small pan (blini pan style). Place 2 tablespoons of the beignet mix in the frying pan, distributing the grated apples over the surface.
When the beignet is set and browned on one side, flip it. Add another teaspoon of butter to the pan and brown the other side.
Repeat the operation with the apple-batter mixture.
Reserve the beignets pancakes in a dish.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Enjoy still warm.

Apple betty

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

6 cups apples, peeled and sliced, (granny smith or McIntosh)
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup orange juice
Topping:
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine baking apples, Graham cracker crumbs,
dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice.
Arrange as a mount in a buttered baking dish.
Topping:
Combine Graham cracker crumbs, bread crumbs, dark brown sugar,
melted butter, and vanilla. Spread over apples.
Bake 40 to 50 minutes. Test center for doneness.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Apple blueberry crisp

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

8

6 cups fresh blueberries
4 cups sliced peeled green apples
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Spoon in an oven proof casserole dish.

Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup quick oatmeal
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, apples, sugar,
cornstarch and lemon juice.
Spoon in an oven proof casserole dish.
Topping:
Combine the dough and crumble by hand over fruit.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown
and apples are tender.
Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Apple bread pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

You can use other bread like Challah bread, panettone, brioche.

Ingredients

4 4x4-inch slices firm white bread, crusts trimmed
2 teaspoons butter
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
8 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon dried currants or raisins
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Hot Butterscotch Sauce (Makes 2 ½ cups )

1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cups light cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly butter 9-inch-square baking dish.
Cut each bread slice into 4 squares with crusts trimmed.
Arrange half of bread squares in single layer in prepared dish.
Melt 2 teaspoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add apples; sauté 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar; sauté until apples are golden, about 5 minutes.
Arrange apples atop bread in dish. Sprinkle with currants.
Top with remaining bread slices in single layer.
Bring milk to simmer in small saucepan.
Whisk eggs and remaining 6 tablespoons sugar in medium mixing bowl to blend.
Gradually whisk in hot milk, then vanilla and cinnamon.
Pour over bread and apple mixture.
Place pie dish in roasting pan.
Add enough hot water to roasting pan to come halfway up sides of pie dish.
Bake bread pudding until top is golden and custard is set, about 40 minutes.
Remove from water. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Butterscotch Sauce

In saucepan, bring sugar, syrup and butter to boil; stirring; boil for 3 minutes. Stir in cream and bring back to boil. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Cool to room temperature.

Apple cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups oil
2 cups sugar
2 eggs beaten
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 large apples, grated
1 cup nuts, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a large tube pan.
In a mixing bowl, mix first 3 ingredients well.
Add dry ingredients, then apples, nuts and vanilla.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes,
or until skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes.
Remove from pan and cool completely on rack.

Apple cake with hot butterscotch sauce

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup Calvados or apple cider
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups grated peeled apples
3 cups flour
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Hot Butterscotch Sauce

Makes 2 ½ cups

1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cups light cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 13x9-inch cake pan. Heat dates and Calvados, covered until bubbly; simmer for 1 minute. Let cool.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time: stir in apples and date mixture. In separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves; gently stir into apple batter just until mixed. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched in centre.
Serve cake warm with Hot Butterscotch Sauce. Recipe adapted from Canada Living October 1990 Georgian Bay restaurant The Spike & Spoon.

Hot Butterscotch Sauce

In saucepan, bring sugar, syrup and butter to boil; stirring; boil for 3 minutes. Stir in cream and bring back to boil. Remove from heat; add vanilla.

Apple charlotte

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

8 large baking apples
1/2 cup apricot jam
1/2 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 cup whipped cream
18 lady fingers
1 cup whipped cream
1/3 cup apricot jam for glaze

preparation

Peel, quarter and core apples.
Melt apricot jam in a thick bottom saucepan.
Add apples and cook slowly until apples are melted into a thick sauce.
Dissolve unflavored gelatin in cold water. Set for 5 minutes.
Add to hot apple mix.
Cool mix. Fold in whipped half of the cream.
Line lady fingers on bottom and sides of a charlotte mold.
Spoon apple mixture in mold. Cover and chill.
Unmold apple charlotte unto a serving dish.
Melt the remaining 1/3 cup apricot jam. Strain and spread over charlotte.
Decorate with remaining whipped cream.

Apple cheese crisp

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/3 cup soft butter
1/3 cup flour
5 large tart apples
1/3 cup cider

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine grated sharp cheddar cheese,
brown sugar, nutmeg, soft butter and flour.
Peel, core and slice large tart apples. Arrange in a buttered pie dish.
Pour cider over apples. Crumble flour mixture over.
Bake for 40 minutes or until apples are soft.

Apple coffee cake

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

For topping:
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Batter:
2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup peeled grated apple

preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine the topping ingredients, mix well and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder,
baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Beat eggs, sour cream, and melted shortening in a small bowl.
Stir into dry ingredients and mix just until blended. Stir in apple.
Spread evenly in a greased 9-inch-square pan. Sprinkle topping over batter.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Apple cranberry crisp

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

Topping:
1 1/4 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sliced almonds
4 pounds tart apples, peeled, quartered, cored and sliced
3 cups cranberries
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
vanilla ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a 13-by-9-by-2 inch baking dish or a 3-quart baking dish, 2-inch deep. In a bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamon, and salt.
Add butter and mix all ingredients until crumbly. Mix in the almonds. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries and granulated sugar. Mix in 1 tablespoon flour and remaining cinnamon and cardamon. Mix well. Transfer to the prepared dish.
Spread the oat mixture evenly over fruit. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 50 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream.

Apple crêpes

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For crêpes:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla or rum extract

For apple mixture:
6 large baking apples
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup Calvados or apple brandy
1 teaspoon cinnamon

preparation

Crêpe batter:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oil, eggs, egg yolks,
and 1/2 cup milk, beating until blended and smooth.
Add remaining milk, whisking until batter is smooth.
Strain batter into a clean bowl. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours or longer.
Melt the butter over low heat, and mix into the crêpe batter.
Flavor with vanilla or rum extract.

Apple mixture:
Peel apples. Core and slice thinly. Melt butter in a non-stick frying pan.
Add apple slices. Sauté for 2 minutes over high heat.
Add brown sugar and Calvados or apple brandy.
Sprinkle cinnamon over cooked apples. Transfer to a bowl.

Make apple crêpes:
Heat a 7-inch non-stick skillet until a drop of water sizzles and rolls off.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of batter, rotating pan to cover bottom of skillet evenly.
Spoon 2 large tablespoons of prepared apple mixture over crêpe,
spreading evenly over surface of crêpe.
Pour enough batter to cover apples. Cook for a minute.
Flip the pancake. Use a spatula if necessary. Cook till brown.
Transfer apple crêpe to a greased baking tray.
Continue cooking remaining crêpes.
Can be prepared 2 hours ahead.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Finish baking crêpes until apples are soft, 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a crêpe on each plate.
Top with vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Serve at once.
Note: as an alternative, use half apples, half pears.

Apple crunch

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

For butter crunch:
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For apple mixture:
6 apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Butter crunch:
Combine ingredients of the butter crunch in a mixing bowl.
Spread one half over bottom of 8 by 8- inch baking pan.
Bake until light brown, about 15 minutes.
Apple mixture:
Peel, core and slice apples. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples,
brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and melted butter.
Spoon apple mixture over butter crunch .
Bake at 350 degrees until apples are cooked and tender.
Sprinkle remaining crunch on top. Bake to brown topping, about 10 minutes.
Serve at room temperature.

Apple fritters

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (unsalted or salted)
2 egg whites

4 medium apples (Golden delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh or honey crisp) peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4” rings
3 Tbsp lemon juice, juice
Canola oil , or vegetable oil for frying

preparation

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a second large bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolk and melted butter. Gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.

Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a large pot or dutch oven and heat over medium/high heat to 375˚F on a thermometer.

Peel core and slice apples into 1/4”-thick rings and place into a shallow dish. Squeeze lemon juice over apple slices and gently toss apple rings to coat with lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a medium bowl, beat 2 egg whites with an electric hand mixer, egg beaters or a whisk until stiff peaks form, but whites are not dry. Use a spatula to gently fold whites into the batter until fully incorporated.

Remove apple slices from the lemon juice, then dip both sides of the apples in batter to fully coat, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
Fry in hot oil batches in a single layer, frying for about 2 minutes per side or until browned, flipping once. Keep oil above 350˚F while frying.

Remove with a strainer and transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. To serve, dust with powdered sugar or dip both sides in cinnamon sugar.

Apple herbert

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

4 large baking apples
2 teaspoons raisins
2 teaspoons soft butter
2 teaspoons sliced almonds
4 teaspoons melted red currant jelly
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup dark rum

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut apples in halves horizontally, remove core.
Combine raisins, butter, sliced almonds, and melted red currant jelly.
Spoon in core of apple halves.
Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over apples.
Pour a splash of dark rum over apples.
Bake till tender.

Apple mousse grand marnier

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

8 large golden delicious
2 tablespoons sugar
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For custard cream:
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup milk, scalded
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel, core, and slice apples. Cook in saucepan to make a purée. Add sugar.
Cook till dry and thick. Cool mixture.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in an electric mixer.
When firm, add sugar and continue beating for 1 more minute at medium speed.
Fold in apple mixture. Add Grand Marnier.
Make a caramel with sugar, a little water and lemon juice.
Pour in a soufflé mold. Pour apple mix in mold.
Bake in waterbath for 30 minutes. Unmold mousse on a serving plate.
Serve with custard cream.
Custard:
Mix sugar and egg yolks till creamy. Gradually whisk in boiling milk.
Add vanilla. Heat in a saucepan and stir with a wooden spoon over low heat till thick.
Do not allow to boil. Strain and cool.

Apple orange cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

Topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons chopped pecans
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons butter
Cake:
2 cups chopped peeled apples
1/2 cup raisins
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 2/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/3 cup orange juice

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Topping:
Mix together brown sugar, pecans, flour and cinnamon; blend in butter.
Cake:
Mix together apples, raisins, 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon. Beat together brown sugar, sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in orange rind and vanilla. Mix together flour, baking powder and soda. Mix together sour cream and orange juice. Add flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately to egg mixture, mixing just until blended. Stir in half of apple mixture.
Spread batter into pan.
Top with remaining apple mixture and sprinkle with Topping. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack. Cake can be frozen.

Apple pie cragwood

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust and more for lattice top
4 cups cooking apples, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
4 ounces Calvados or Brandy

for custard:
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 ounces melted apricot
1 beaten egg

preparation

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Line pie crust in a 9 inch pie plate. Peel, core, and cut apples into wedges.
Melt butter in a saute pan. Add apples. Cook for 2 minutes. Mix in the cinnamon, sugar, and Calvados and cook apples until tender. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
To prepare the custard:
combine the sugar, flour, lemon zest, cream, eggs, and vanilla.
Pour over apples and blend well. Pour mixture in pie crust.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Top with the melted apricot jam.
Decorate top of pie with strips of remaining dough into a lattice work.
Brush with a beaten egg. Bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes, until pie is golden brown.
Allow pie to cool, then serve at room temperature.

Apple pudding

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

9 large tart apples
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon butter

Topping:
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6 teaspoons cold butter
1 cup milk
1 egg

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Peel large tart apples.
Core and slice. Layer slices in bottom of dish.
In a bowl, combine apple juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon,
ground cloves, grated nutmeg, dark brown sugar, and lemon rind.
Pour the mixture over apples. Dot the surface with butter.
Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon.
Add cold butter and process to a coarse meal.
Stir in milk. Drop dough onto apple filling.
Brush with a beaten egg.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until soft in the center.

Apple sauce cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup apple sauce
3/4 cup raisins

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and egg. Add molasses. Stir in dry ingredients, apple sauce, and raisins.
Bake in a buttered-floured 8-inch square dish 40 to 45 minutes.

Apple strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

6 phyllo sheets
1/2 cup melted butter
3 cups diced apples, peeled and cored
1/2 cup raisins
3 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 ounces melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon melted butter
confectioners's sugar
vanilla ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Brush phyllo leaves with melted butted.
Stack together to fit in a baking sheet.
Soak raisins in dark rum.
Brown dry bread crumbs with melted butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine apples, raisins, crumbs, brown sugar,
chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Mix ingredients well.
Spoon filling on the lower end of phyllo in a heap, lengthwise.
Roll strudel like a jelly roll. Brush top with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are soft.

Apple strudel with cranberry sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cooking time:30 minute

Ingredients

For sauce:
2 cups cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 tablespoons kirsch

For strudel:
1/4 cup raisins
1 1/2 tablespoons kirsch
3 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored, cut 1/3-inch pieces
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons gingersnap cookie crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
9 sheets phyllo
powdered sugar

preparation

Sauce:
Combine Cranberries, sugar, water and kirsch in heavy medium saucepan.
Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Reduce heat and cook until most berries burst, about 10 minutes.
Cool slightly. Transfer to processor and purée.
Strudel:
Combine raisins and kirsch in small bowl. Let stand 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine apples, 1/2 cup crumbs, sugar and raisin mixture in bowl.
Brush large baking sheet with some of melted butter.
Place 1 phyllo sheet on work surface with 1 long side parallel to edge of work surface.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cookie crumbs over.
Top with second phyllo.
Brush with butter, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of crumbs.
Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets, melted butter and gingersnap crumbs.
Spoon apple mixture in 3-inch wide log along 1 long side of phyllo,
leaving 2-inch border at long and short edges.
Fold bottom long side over filling, then fold in short sides and roll up jelly roll style.
Transfer strudel to baking sheet, seam side down. Brush top with butter.
Bake strudel 15 minutes. Brush with remaining butter.
Bake until golden, about 30 minutes more.
Cool on baking sheet. Lightly sift powdered sugar over.
Cut into portions. Arrange on serving plates.
Spoon sauce around strudel.

Apple strudelettes

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound phyllo dough
1/2 cup raisins
3 teaspoons dark rum
3 pounds granny smith apples
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 stick (4 ounces)butter
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick melted unsalted butter (to brush phyllo sheets)

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Soak raisins in rum. Peel, core and slice apples.
Chop coarsely in food processor. Transfer to mixing bowl.
Combine with sugars.
Brown breadcrumbs in butter, and add to apples with raisins, and half of cinnamon.
Brush a phyllo sheet with butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cut into 4 strips about 41/2 inch wide.
Place 2 tablespoons of apple mixture on lower left corner.
Enclose phyllo in apple mixture.
Brush melted butter over phyllo. Continue with remaining phyllo and filling.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until apples are tender.

Apple tart alsacienne

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:
4 ounces butter, soft
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 egg
2 pounds baking apples

Filling: 1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Crust:
Mix butter with flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and egg to make a dough.
Roll and line an 9-inch pie plate.
Peel apples. Core,slice into small slivers and arrange in crust. Bake for 20 minutes.
Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, flour, cornstarch, eggs, vanilla.
Pour over apples. Continue baking at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
Combine icing sugar with cinnamon. Sprinkle over pie. Serve warm or cold.

Apple-butterscotch pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

Basic Pie crust for a Double-Crust Pie
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup half-and-half
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch wedges
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
grated zest of 1/2 lemon
grated zest of 1/4 orange, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees .
In a small saucepan, stir 3/4 cup of the brown sugar and
the half-and-half over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and add the butter and the vanilla.
Stir until the butter melts. Set the butterscotch mixture aside to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, the cornstarch, lemon zest,
and the orange zest (if using), cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the larger disk of dough into a
13-inch round about 1/8 inch thick. Fold the dough in half.
Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, and gently unfold the dough to fit into the pan.
Sprinkle the bottom of the dough with the flour.
Fill the pie pan with the apple mixture.
Pour the cooled butterscotch mixture over the apples.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the remaining pie dough into
a 10- to 11-inch round about 1/8 inch thick.
Fold the dough in half, and gently unfold over the apples to cover the filling.
Using scissors or a sharp knife, trim the edges of the 2 pie crusts to a 1-inch overhang.
Pinching the 2 crusts together, fold the dough under itself so the edge of
the fold is flush with the edge of the pie pan.
Flute the crust around the edges of the pan.
Cut a few slits in the top crust so the steam can escape.
Bake until golden brown and the juices are bubbling (look into the slits to check), about 45 minutes.
Cool completely on a wire cake rack.

Apple-cranberry crisp with warm toffee sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Rich toffee sauce adds lavishness to this tart autumn-fruit crisp.

Ingredients

Toffee Sauce:
1/4 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Apple Crisp:
8 cups peeled and sliced apples
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries, cut in half
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
6 tablespoons melted butter

preparation

1. For toffee sauce; measure water into a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Add sugar and butter; do not stir! Measure out whipping cream, set near the stove along with vanilla.
2. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil without stirring. Let bubble briskly for 5 to 7 minutes or until the sugar begins to change color. Swirl pan gently on the unit until the color becomes deeply golden. Avert your face (as hot steam rapidly rises) and near the side of the pan, pour in whipping cream. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Slide pan off heat; stir in vanilla. Cool until lukewarm before pouring into a container; sauce thickens as it cools. (Once cooled, sauce can be covered and refrigerated for up to a week.) Warm sauce in a small saucepan or briefly in the microwave before serving.
3. For crisp, evenly spread fruit in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan. Stir brown sugar with flour and cinnamon; mix in oats. Pour in butter; stir until crumbs form and topping is evenly moistened. Spread over fruit.
Bake in preheated 350ºF (180ºC) oven 40 minutes, or until fruit is soft when tested with a skewer. Crisp is delicious warm or at room temperature. (If made ahead, cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Warm, uncovered, in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.)
To serve, pour about 1 tablespoon of toffee syrup onto each serving plate, cover with a portion of the crisp and drizzle a bit more sauce overtop.

Apple-cranberry crumble pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
1/3 cup oatmeal (not instant)
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cut into pieces
1 16-ounce can whole cranberry sauce
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 9-inch deep dish frozen pie shell, unthawed

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For topping:
Mix first 4 ingredients. Add butter, mix until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
For filling:
Place baking sheet in oven. Toss apples, cranberry sauce, sugar and cornstarch until well blended.
Transfer apple-cranberry filling to frozen pie shell, mounding in centre.
Sprinkle topping over pie. Set pie on baking sheet in oven. Bake until apples are tender, juices bubble thickly and crust is golden, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Apple-oatmeal crisp with irish whiskey cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 pounds Rome Beauty or Winesap apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom Pinch salt
1/4 cup Irish oatmeal
1/4 cup toasted, chopped walnut pieces

Irish Whiskey Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey

preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly butter an 11 by 7-inch baking pan and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the apples, lemon juice, 1/2-cup of the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the flour. Stir well, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the whiskey, cinnamon, cardamom and salt, stir well, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl combine the remaining flour, oatmeal and remaining 1/2-cup sugar. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, and with your fingers or a pastry blender, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the walnuts and mix well.
Place the apple mixture in the greased pan and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 35 to 40 minutes. Serve hot with the Irish Whiskey Cream.
Irish Whiskey Cream:
Whip the cream until it begins to form soft peaks. Add the sugar and whiskey and beat until stiff peaks form. Cover and chill until needed.

Apricot and plum tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

a 1-inch piece vanilla bean split lengthwise
1 tablespoon sugar
a pinch cinnamon
1/2-pound frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
4 plums, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
6 fresh apricots, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons apricot jam, melted, strained, and kept warm
vanilla ice cream as an accompaniment if desired

preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean with a knife into a small bowl, discarding pod, and stir in sugar and cinnamon.
On a lightly floured surface roll out pastry 1/8 inch thick and drape pastry over tart pan, pressing dough gently onto pan.
On pastry arrange plum and apricot slices, overlapping them slightly, in rows and sprinkle with sugar mixture.
Bake tart in middle of oven until pastry is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool tarts on a rack and brush with jam. Serve tarts warm with ice cream.

Apricot crumble

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sliced fresh apricots
1 cup graham-cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon melted butter
light cream or ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine brown sugar, graham-cracker crumbs, melted butter and lemon juice.
Blend gently with sliced apricots.
Spread in shallow buttered baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes. Serve with light cream or ice cream.

Apricot frangipane tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe Pate sablée

For the frangipane:

6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup almond flour
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 tablespoons flour

12 small apricots, (2 lb) halved and pitted
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Recipe of Pate sablée

Beat butter and icing sugar until pale and creamy. Beat in egg. Add almond flour, and beat until just combined. (Frangipane can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week.)

Spoon frangipane into cooled tart shell, and smooth with a spatula. Let stand for 10 minutes. Bake until set, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pan of water to a boil. Lightly score bottoms of apricots. Add apricots to boiling water, and blanch to loosen skins, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice-water bath to stop the cooking, about 1 minute. Remove apricots, and gently peel. Cut in quarter, and remove pits.
Arrange apricots in concentric circles, sitting upright with the cut side on a slight angle.
Bake until browned, about 50 minutes. Let cool.
Remove the tart ring; dust with icing sugar and serve.

Apricot purses on a cloud

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

3 sheets of phyllo dough, 12 by 17 inches
1/4 cup melted butter
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
4 slices pound cake, 2 inches squares by 1/2 inch thick
16 apricots halves
8 mint leaves, 4 chopped and 4 reserved for garnish
For sauce:
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint liqueur or drops of peppermint extract
4 chopped mint leaves

preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Brush the sheets of phyllo with melted sweet butter.
Dust sheets with 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar, and stack the three sheets.
Quarter the phyllo sheets.
Place a 2 inch square, 1/2 inch thick slice of pound cake on each square. Arrange 2 apricot halves on each cake square, stem down.
Brush strawberries with melted butter, sprinkle each square with 1/2 teaspoon chopped mint.
Gather the edges of each phyllo quarter to encase the apricots, leaving a 2-inch opening in center of phyllo purse. Brush the outside with melted butter.
Dust with confectioner's sugar.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until purses are golden brown.
Sauce: Combine vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, peppermint liqueur or drops of extract, and 4 chopped mint leaves. Stir until soft and creamy. Refrigerate.
Spoon the mint sauce on plates. Place a purse on each plate. Garnish with mint leaves.

Apricot sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients

8 apricots, pitted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
mint sprigs as garnish

preparation

In medium saucepan, combine apricots, sugar, water, orange and lemon juice over high heat. Bring to boil.
Reduce heat to medium; simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until apricots are very soft. Let cool slightly, then spoon into food processor; process until smooth. Cool in a mixing bowl. Freeze in an ice cream maker until firm enough to scoop. Spoon into serving bowl; garnish with mint.

Apricot soufflé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh pitted apricot halves
1 cup apricot jam or preserves
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon water or Kirsch
6 egg whites

preparation

Cut apricots in halves. Remove pits.
Slice apricot halves in a heavy bottom saucepan. Add preserves and combine.
Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer apricots until they are tender and take the consistency of preserves. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water or Kirsch.
Whisk into the simmering apricot until thickened.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter and sugar the inside of the soufflé molds. Coat evenly with sugar.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until fluffy and smooth.
Fold about 1/3 of the egg whites into the apricot mixture. Add the rest of the egg whites to the mixture and fold in with a rubber spatula. Spoon the soufflé mixture in the prepared molds. Fill the molds until heaped.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve.

Apricot tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

For best results, use tart pans that have removable bottoms

Ingredients

All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 recipe never fail pie crust
8 firm but ripe apricots(about 1 1/2 pounds), pitted and cut into sixths
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon heavy cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Roll dough out into one 12-inch circle, and drape over tart pan that has removable bottoms.
In a medium bowl, toss apricots together with sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, zest and cream. Spoon apricot mixture in tart pans. Spread out evenly. sprinkle with sugar.
Place tart on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes; lower oven temperature to 375°.
Continue to bake until tart is evenly browned and apricots are bubbling, about 25 minutes more. Transfer tart from baking sheet to a cooling rack, and cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Armagnac ice cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Armagnac
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar

preparation

Have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water. In a 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan simmer 1/2 cup Armagnac (being careful not to let ignite) until reduced by about half. Stir in cream and milk and bring mixture to a simmer.
In a bowl whisk together yolks and sugar. Add hot milk mixture to yolk mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Transfer mixture to cleaned saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 170°F (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine sieve into a metal bowl set in ice water. Stir in remaining tablespoon Armagnac and cool custard completely.
Freeze custard in an ice-cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden. Armagnac ice cream may be made 1 week ahead.

Baba au rum

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup rum
1 tablespoon yeast
1/3 cup warm milk
1 cup flour
2 eggs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
pinch salt
1 teaspoon sugar

SYRUP:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup dark rum
3/4 cup apricot glaze
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 cup strawberries, cleaned and sliced
1 cup whipped cream

preparation

In a small bowl, soak raisins with 1/4 cup rum and set aside.
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast with milk. Let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes.
Mix in the flour and eggs, beating well until dough is smooth. Cover the bowl, and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes. Mix the softened butter, salt and sugar in the dough, slapping it against the sides of the bowl. Mix in the rum-soaked raisins.
Fill individual buttered molds 2.5 inch high by 1.75 inch diameter about half full. Let rise until molds are full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
For syrup: Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat, and cool until lukewarm. Add the vanilla and rum.
Soak the babas in the syrup to absorb as much of the syrup as possible. Heat the apricot glaze, and brush over the babas. Place the soaked babas on plates. Pipe rosettes of whipped cream on plates. Decorate with kiwis and strawberries.
SAVARIN is a ring-shaped cake made with the above recipe.

Baked alaska snow balls

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe Fudge sauce
1 recipe chocolate sauce
1 recipe Meringue

1 pint coffee or maple walnut ice cream

preparation

scoop 6 1/3-cup balls of ice cream onto a plate lined with film wrap and freeze.

For the wafer crumb crust:

1 1/4 cups finely ground chocolate wafers
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
5 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Process the wafers and sugar to a powder. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the crumb into the center of 6 3-inch fluted round tartlet pans. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the pans. The crusts should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the crusts on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool. (can be made a day ahead.)

To assemble:
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Slip the tartlet shells out of their pans and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place an ice cream ball in the center of each tartlet. Freeze.

To serve, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons fudge sauce onto each of 6 warm dessert plates. Drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Prepare the meringue. Spoon meringue in a pastry bag fitted with a large #5 star tube, pipe and completely cover the ice cream with meringue.
Bake for one minute to brown meringue. Watch carefully.

Baked pears

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

8 ripe pears
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dark rum
1 cup sour cream

preparation

Peel pears, quarter, and core. Place in a round baking dish.
Sprinkle brown sugar on top.
Dot with butter. Pour rum in bottom of dish. Cover with foil Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove foil, baste and bake until pears are cooked and tender. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Banana bread

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

the recipe uses honey and applesauce instead of sugar and oil or shortening. Bread keeps, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature 3 days or frozen 1 month.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3 mashed overripe bananas

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Banana cake

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup yogurt
2 1/4 cups flour, all purpose
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups banana, mashed

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream shortening and sugar.
Beat in the eggs vanilla and yogurt.
Crush the bananas. Sift the remaining dry ingredients. Add to batter. Mix in the bananas.
Grease and flour 2 (9-inch by 3-inch) loaf pans.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
A cake tester inserted in center of cake should come out clean.

Banana cakes with rum sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

6 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup self rising flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
Sauce:
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup water

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously butter six 4-ounce ramekins with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
Make the Cakes:
Mix the flour with the baking soda. In another bowl, beat the remaining 4 1/2 tablespoons butter until creamy. Add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat just until incorporated. Beat in the mashed bananas.
Using a large spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the batter until incorporated. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins and set them in a baking pan. Carefully pour enough hot water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cakes are firm but spring back when pressed lightly with your finger.
Remove the pan from the oven and with tongs transfer the ramekins to a rack; let cool slightly. Run a sharp knife around the sides of the cakes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the butter with the sugar, rum and water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat. Spoon some of the sauce onto dessert plates.
Set the cakes on the sauce, spoon the rest of the sauce on top and serve. Serve with a few candied pecans on top of each cake.

Banana nut cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups banana, mashed
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour baking pans, one (13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch) or two 9-inch, or 3 8-inch round layer pans.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat 3 minutes scraping bowl occasionally.
Pour into pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes.
If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Banana soufflé

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
4 bananas, thinly diced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk, scalded
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

preparation

Makes two 1-quart soufflés
Prepare the soufflé molds:
Butter the bottom and sides of molds. Coat the inside surface with sugar.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, combine the bananas, sugar and rum. Let macerate at room temperature for 1/2 hour.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and whisk in the milk. Stir over medium heat till thick. Stir in the vanilla and sugar. Continue to cook over low heat for 5 more minutes.
Transfer to a large bowl. Cool mixture for 20 to 30 minutes. Mix in the egg yolks one at the time. Blend in the banana mixture.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until medium-firm. Fold into the banana mixture.
Spoon into the soufflé dishes. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Banana-blueberry nut bread

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1-1/2 cups sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
2-1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup uncooked oats
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup melted shortening
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1 cup chopped nuts

preparation

Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of flour over the blueberries.
Sift remaining flour with sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in oats.
Blend eggs, shortening and banana.
Combine with dry ingredients. Stir in nuts. Fold in blueberries. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for one hour. Let cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool before slicing.

Basic crepes

Serves: 10

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

The crepes can be stuffed with an endless variety of ingredints and rolled. Cut across into bite-size as appetizers.

Ingredients

2 cups + 3 tbsp (500ml) whole milk
4 large eggs, beaten
3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (250g) All-purpose Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp (12g) of white sugar
1 tbsp (15ml) Rum or 1 tsp of vanilla extract

To Cook
2 tbsp softened butter

preparation

1. Place the milk and eggs in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Add the butter, rum or vanilla and whisk it in.
3. Place the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
4. Add about ¾ – 1 cup of the liquid and mix gently to form a smooth paste.
5. Add the rest of the liquid and mix to form a smooth, watery batter. You can put it through a fine meshed strainer, and it will come out lump-free.
6. Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 20 – 30 minutes. The batter can be kept in the refrigerated for a day.
Cooking the Crepes
1. Preheat a 10-inch non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Brush butter on the heated pan.
3. Always mix the batter first, before you make each crepe.
4. Pour ¼ cup of the batter into the hot pan, and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Swirl and spread the batter along the edge of the pan first and then fill the middle with the remaining crepe batter. Make sure the batter is as evenly spread as possible.
5. Place the pan back on the heat to let the crepe cook.
6. cook the crepes until the edges are starting to brown become a little crisp (about 40 seconds). Flip the crepes over and cook for a further 10 – 15 seconds on the other side until the crepes has turned light brown Repeat until all the batter is used up.
7. Stack the cooked crepes on a plate. Cover with film wrap when cold. When ready to use, you can warm them up gently in a frying pan withor without butter.

Bavarois maracudja

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

also known as Passion fruit bavarian

Ingredients

FOR JELLY ROLL:
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup passion fruit jam

PASSION FRUIT BAVARIAN:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup passion fruit preserves
1 cup passion fruit juice
2 fresh passion fruit
3/4 cup whipping cream

preparation

Jelly roll cake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine eggs, and sugar. Whip over a double boiler until hot and frothy. Then whip until volume quadruples. Fold in sifted flour, then, the cooled melted butter. Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper, buttered and floured. Spread mixture over surface of pan. bake 12 minutes.
Flip cake on a towel sprinkled with icing sugar. Remove paper. Spread passion fruit jam over cake. Roll from the widest side. Wrap in towel. Cool. Unwrap, slice thin across.
Line top and bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with removable bottom with wax paper. Line bottom and sides of pan with cake slices. Hug them well together. Cover and chill.

PASSION FRUIT BAVARIAN:

Soak 1 envelop unflavored gelatin in 3 tablespoons cold water. Combine 1/2 cup passion fruit jam with 1 cup passion fruit juice. Add the inside of 2 fresh passion fruit if available. Heat a little. Stir in the melted unflavored gelatin or the gelatin sheets without the water. Beat 3/4 cup whipping cream till firm. Fold in chilled passion mix. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold. Chill for several hours to set. Unmold on a platter.

Bavarois turinoise

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup scalded milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chestnut puree
1 ounce melted semi-sweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons dark rum or brandy

preparation

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. In an electric mixer, cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour and whisk the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour in saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Stir in the gelatin. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Mix in the vanilla, chestnut puree, and melted chocolate.Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold in the cool custard. Mix in the rum or brandy. Pour in a decorative mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Unmold and decorate with whipped cream flavored with rum and glazed chestnuts.

Be mine Valentine meringues kisses

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

3 egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 drops red food coloring
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil

preparation

In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and vinegar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
Continue beating, and gradually add the sugar. Beat until very stiff, about 2 minutes. Add coloring and continue beating for 5 minutes at medium speed. Spoon the meringue mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch plain tube.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe 3/4- to 1-inch drops onto prepared baking sheet; after each drop is piped by squeezing the bag, release from squeezing, and pull straight up with the bag to create the very fine curled tip on each drop. Bake until drops are hard to the touch but not browned, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Repeat to use all meringue. Meringue drops may be made a day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl, or the top of a double boiler, set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oil until well combined. Dip the bottom of each cooled meringue drop into the melted chocolate; stick two together if desired. Turn upside down on a cooling rack, and let chocolate harden. This can take up to 50 minutes at room temperature or just freeze on parchment paper for 5 minutes. Serve.

Bee sting cake or bienenstich

Serves: 8

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:50 minutes

The base of this cake is an airy, buttery brioche. With a rich custard topped with honey glazed almonds similar to the Tropezienne, a specialty from the French Riviera.

Ingredients

2 tablespooons dried yeast
1/4 cup (55g) fine sugar
3 cups (450g) plain flour
5 large eggs
300g unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
Creme patisserie - pastry cream
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup (75g) sugar
1 tbs cornstarch
600ml whole milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp powdered gelatin or 3 gelatine leaves
Topping

70g unsalted butter
1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar
60g runny honey
100g slivered almonds

preparation

Place yeast and 1 tsp sugar in a bowl with 200ml lukewarm water. Stir to combine and set aside for 5 minutes or until frothy.
Place flour and remaining 50g sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook and make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Whisk eggs into yeast mixture, pour into the well and stir to combine. Knead on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until a dough forms. With the motor running, add butter, 1 piece at a time, until fully incorporated. Knead for a further 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth.
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour 20 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease a 20cm round cake pan and line the base with baking paper. Deflate the risen dough to release the air and knead into a smooth ball. Sprinkle the work surface with flour, roll out the dough using a rolling pin. Form a disc of 20 cm and 2 cm thick.
Place dough in the centre of the prepared pan and set aside for 20 minutes to proof. Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Combine the gelatin powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water. If using gelatin sheets, soak in cold water.
Meanwhile, for the creme patissiere, whisk egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Place milk and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to just below boiling point, then remove from heat. Pour hot milk mixture over egg mixture, whisking slowly until combined. Return mixture to the saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 5-6 minutes to get a thick custard. Add the dissolved gelatin powder or the gelatine sheets without the water to creme patissiere and whisk until completely dissolved. Strain into a clean bowl, cover surface directly with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.

Whisk crème patissiere until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a wide fluted nozzle and chill until ready to use.
For the topping, combine butter, sugar, honey and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until melted and combined. Stir in almonds, then set.
To assemble, use a large serrated knife to slice brioche in half horizontally. Pipe crème patissiere over the cut side of one half of brioche, then top with other half.
Reheat the topping over medium heat until almond are golden brown at which time, pour over the surface of the cake. serve immediately.

Bittersweet chocolate truffle cheese cake

Serves: 14

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
1 cup cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon cocoa
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 8-ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup strong coffee
8 ounces chocolate, bittersweet
1/2 cup sour cream
4 ounces chocolate, bittersweet
1/2 cup heavy cream

preparation

CRUST:
Combine first 4 ingredients. Press mixture on bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate.
FILLING:
Beat cream cheese with sugar. Add the eggs. Stir in the strong instant coffee, chocolate and sour cream. Pour into pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40 to 50 minutes or until center is barely set. Refrigerate.
GLAZE:
Shave a few curls of chocolate for garnish. Heat the cream with remaining chocolate until melted and smooth. Spoon over cake. Garnish with curls.

Black bottom pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate, melted
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup Graham crumbs
1 tablespoon cocoa

For the raspberry filling:
one 10-ounce package raspberries, pureed and strained
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the custard:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup milk
2 egg yolks

1 tablespoon rum
1/4 cup sugar

preparation

the crust:
In a medium bowl, Mix chocolate with butter. Combine with crumbs. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

the raspberry filling:
Combine ingredients in double boiler. Whisk until thickened. Cool and cover.
Dissolve 1 envelop unflavored gelatin with 1/4 cup water Allow to set for 5 minutes, and mix in with the raspberry filling.

the custard:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn starch and milk. Cook over medium heat until thick. Mix in egg yolks.
Cook one more minute. Set aside.
Cool and cover.
Mix half of the custard with 1/4 cup melted semi sweet chocolate.
Pour over crust bottom. Refrigerate until firm.
Spoon in raspberry mixture. Chill to set.
Add 1 tablespoon rum to remaining custard. Cool. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar.
Add 1/4 cup sugar. Continue beating until firm. Fold into custard.
Spoon over pie. Chill.

Black chocolate espresso cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, in small pieces
8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 1/3 cups strong, freshly brewed, dark-roast coffee, cooled to room temperature
3 cups sugar
3 tablespoons Kahlua
3 tablespoons brandy
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cake and pastry flour, not self rising
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze:
10 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, in small pieces
additional unsalted butter, at room temperature for greasing the pan
16 dark chocolate-covered espresso beans, for garnish
lightly sweetened whipped cream, optional

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease a 10-inch springform pan, line with a circle of parchment paper, and lightly grease the paper.
Combine the butter, chocolate and coffee in the top of double boiler, or a stainless steel or glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water, and stir frequently with a wooden spoon until melted.
Place the sugar in the bottom of a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of an electric mixer.
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, and pour over the sugar. Stir to blend and dissolve the sugar, and allow to cool for 10 minutes. With a wire whisk or the paddle attachment of the electric mixer, add the Kahlua, brandy, and vanilla extract to the cooled chocolate mixture and blend well.
Blend in the lightly beaten eggs, making sure they are thoroughly incorporated. The batter at this point will be extremely thin; don't worry, just make sure to work each added ingredient into it carefully. Sift the flours, baking soda and salt together. Add dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture in two additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.
Beat on medium speed for one minute. The batter may have little lumps, but they won't affect the finished cake.
Place the prepared pan on a baking sheet to catch any leaks, and pour the batter into the pan.
Bake for 1 3/4 hours to 2 hours, rotating the pan several times during that time to ensure even baking. A crust will form on the top of the cake. Test for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer in a fault of the crust, poking near the centre of the cake. It should come out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven, and cool completely in the pan set on a rack. (The cake may be made up to two days ahead of time, and kept in the pan at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

To prepare the glaze, combine the chopped chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler or a bowl set over barely simmering water. Stir frequently until melted, then remove from the heat and cool slightly, stirring occasionally.
Run a thin knife around the cake, and loosen and remove the sides of the pan.
Using a long bladed serrated knife, carefully even off the top of the cake, slicing off any domed or uneven part of the crust.
Place a dab of the chocolate glaze on a 10 inch cardboard circle, and invert the cake onto the board. Remove the pan bottom and the parchment paper.
Brush any crumbs from the cake, and pour the warm glaze onto the centre. Using a metal spatula, coax the glaze to the edges of the cake and over the sides; quickly spread the overflow evenly onto the sides. Garnish with the chocolate cover espresso beans, placing one for each piece around the perimeter of the cake.
Set the glaze an hour or so, then serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Black walnut pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe never fail pie crust

3 large eggs
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons melted butter
1 cup black walnuts, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Roll out the dough over an 8 inch pie plate, trimming and crimping the edge. Chill dough.
FILLING:
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with brown sugar.
Stir in the maple syrup, vinegar, and melted butter. Spread the coarsely chopped black walnuts evenly on the bottom of the shell.
Pour the filling over them.
Bake pie for 35 minutes.
The center will not be completely set. It will set as pie cools.
Can be made one day in advance.

Blackberry mousse terrine

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

5 ½ cups blackberries or raspberries
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/2 light sour cream
1 1/2 whipping cream

preparation

Reserve 1/2 cup berries for garnish.
In food processor or blender, purée remaining berries. Press through sieve into bowl to remove seeds and make about 2 cups. Stir in lemon juice.
In top of heatproof bowl over simmering water, stir 1 cup of the purée with 1 cup of the sugar. Add eggs and egg yolk; whisk for about 10 minutes or until thick enough to leave trail after whisk is pulled through the bowl. Let cool to room temperature. Fold in sour cream.
Whip cream until firm; fold into purée mixture. Pour into plastic wrap-lined 9x5-inch loaf pan; cover with plastic wrap.
Freeze for at least 8 hours or until solid. In food processor or blender, blend reserved purée and remaining sugar until sugar is dissolved. Uncover terrine and loosen at ends using hot knife; invert onto platter. Remove pan and plastic wrap. Slice using hot dry knife. Pool sauce onto plates; top with terrine. Garnish with reserved berries.

Blueberry basic pie filling

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups blueberries
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup lemon juice

preparation

Mix blueberries, sugar and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan.
Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Mix cornstarch with enough water to make a paste. Pour into the berry mixture, stirring constantly until thick. Cool.
The mixture can be cooled and stored orpPour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes or until crust is golden.

Blueberry cobbler

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

"Cobble up" means to put together in a hurry.

Ingredients

½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Biscuit topping:
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
vanilla ice cream (optional)

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Blend in blueberries and lemon juice. Arrange into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Set aside.
Combine egg, melted butter, and cream in a bowl; Whisk and set aside.
Biscuit topping:
Combine in a bowl, flour, sugar, and baking powder. Make a well in center of dry ingredients, and put egg mixture into well. Mix dry and wet ingredients and work dough until just mixed together. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto fruit, spreading evenly over the surface. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until biscuit topping is golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream.

Blueberry cobbler with peaches and raspberries

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled, cut into pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled, cut into pieces
2 egg yolks

6 cups peach slices
6 1/4 cups blueberries
2 cups raspberries
1/3 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1¼ cups sugar

preparation

Combine first 3 ingredients in processor; add 3 tablespoons sugar and process until blended.
Add butter and cream cheese and process until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolks; process just until moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; flatten into rectangle. Wrap in plastic; chill 30 minutes.
Butter 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish.
Combine peaches, blueberries, raspberies, tapioca and sugar in large bowl; toss to coat. Let stand 45 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Transfer fruit to prepared dish. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 14 by 10-inch rectangle.
Using cookie cutters, cut out a few decorative shapes in dough. Transfer dough rectangle to top of fruit and sides of dish.
Arrange cutouts around edge of cobbler.
Place on baking sheet. Bake until crust is golden , fruit is tender and juices are bubbling and thick, about 1 hour. Cool slightly.

Blueberry cream cheese pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

Shell:
1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup melted butter
Filling:
1-(8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
Topping:
4 cups blueberries
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon. lemon juice
whipped cream (optional)

preparation

For shell:
Combine cracker crumbs, brown sugar, nuts and butter; press into a 9-inch pie pan. For filling:
Combine cream cheese, sugar and eggs. Mix thoroughly and pour over shell. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.
For topping:
Mix topping ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Cool. Top pie with cooled topping and serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Blueberry crême brûlée

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon or orange liqueur
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar, sifted

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Whisk together sugar, egg yolks, eggs, liqueur and grated lemon rind;
whisk in milk and cream. Strain into pitcher.
Pour into six 1-cup ramekins or custard cups. Sprinkle with blueberries.
Place in large shallow roasting pan; pour in enough hot water to come halfway up sides of ramekins.
Bake in centre of oven for about 35 minutes or until edges are set but centres still slightly jiggly. Let cool.
(Make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day).
Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle sifted brown sugar over crèmes.
Place on baking sheets; broil just until sugar melts and turns caramel color.
(Or caramelize sugar with blowtorch).

Blueberry crisp

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

9 cups fresh blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For topping:
1 cup flour
1 cup quick oatmeal
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup melted butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the sugar, flour and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
Blend in the fruit. Spoon in an oven proof casserole dish.
Mix the topping ingredients by hand in a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle over fruit.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Blueberry gingerbread

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup molasses
1 egg
2-1/2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup hot water

preparation

Cream butter. Add sugar and molasses. Beat until light. Add egg and beat well.
Sift dry ingredients together and use a small amount to coat berries. Add remainder alternately with hot water to first mixture, beating until smooth. Fold in floured blueberries.
Bake in greased and floured 13-inch by 9-inch 3-inch pan at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.
Serve hot or cold with blueberry sauce.

Blueberry pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

Double Crust Pie Dough
Makes enough pastry for 1 2-crust pie

Ingredients:
2 1/3 cups All-purpose flour
4 tsp Granulated sugar
1 tsp Salt
1 cup Cool unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 Large egg, directly from the fridge
2 tbsp Cold water
2 tsp White vinegar or lemon juice

Cooked Blueberry Filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 medium apple, peeled and coarsely grated
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
1 tsp lemon or lime zest
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
2 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
Assembly:
1 recipe Double crust pie dough
1 egg mixed with 2 Tbsp water, for brushing
Turbinado or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

preparation

Directions for Double Crust Pie Dough:
Combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut butter into small pieces (you can pull the butter from the fridge 30 minutes before adding) and add to the flour, mixing it in until the dough is a rough, crumbly texture.
Whisk the egg, water and vinegar or lemon juice and add it all at once, mixing until dough comes together. Shape dough into 2 logs or discs, wrap them in plastic and chill for at least one hour before rolling.
The pie dough can be frozen for up to 6 months and thawed in the refrigerator.

For the filling, bring the blueberries, apple, sugar, citrus juice, zest and cinnamon up to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, cooking until the blueberries are soft and tender, about 10 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water and add this to the blueberry filling, stirring and returning to a simmer until the filling has thickened and is glossy. Set aside to cool to room temperature. If making ahead, store the filling chilled, but bring it up to room temperature before baking into a pie.

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pull out the dough from the fridge 15-30 minutes before rolling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first disk of dough into a circle just less than ¼-inch thick. Dust a 9-inch pie plate with flour and line the plate with the pastry, leaving the edges untrimmed. Spoon the blueberry filling into the crust.

Roll out the second disk of pastry slightly thinner than the bottom crust, about 1/8 - inch, but into more of a square shape. Use a knife or pastry wheel to cut long strips about ½ -inch wide (you should have between 12 and 18 strips). Lay half of the strips over the blueberry pie filling, leaving a ½ -inch between them. Gently lift alternating strip of pastry, folding them halfway back. Place a new strip of pastry perpendicular against where the strips are folded back, then fold those very pieces over the newly laid strip. Now lift the opposite alternating strips and fold them back as far as they can go (to the edge of that newly laid strip) and place a second perpendicular strip beside it. Repeat this technique moving toward one side of the pie shell, and then repeat towards the other side, until the top has a complete lattice top. Trim away the excess pastry and pinch the edges to create a fluted design. Brush the lattice top with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the pie for 10 minutes at 400 F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 F and cook for about another 40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Cool the pie to room temperature and then chill until ready to serve.

Blueberry sour cream pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust (unbaked)
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cups fresh blueberries

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine sour cream, flour and brown sugar; add egg and beat well.
Place one half of the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
Mix blueberries and 1/2 cup brown sugar together, then spread over sour cream mixture.
Cover berries with remaining cream mixture.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Chill several hours.

Blueberry streusel cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For cake:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, soft
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla

For streusel mixture:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups blueberries

preparation

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar till light. Add eggs, one at the time, mixing well after each addition. Add flour mixture to batter alternately with sour cream and vanilla.
Combine streusel ingredients. Set aside ½ cup. Toss remaining with blueberries. Spread batter in pan. Sprinkle with half of the blueberry mixture. Then spread of the batter and sprinkle with remaining blueberries.
Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle reserved mixture over batter. Bake 60 to 65 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

Blueberry streusel cake #2

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups flour, sifted
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons milk

Streusel:
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar over berries; set aside. Mix our, sugar and salt. Combine salad oil and milk in a small bowl and whip with fork. Pour over flour mixture. Mix with fork until moist.
Turn into a greased 8-inch by 8-inch by 2-inch cake pan. Press dough into pan, building up edges about one inch deep. Spread berries over the dough.
Streusel:
Mix sugar, flour and salt together. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Blueberry supreme

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

One recipe Quick and easy pie crust
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound blueberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup sugar
garnish with whipped cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Pour into crust. Bake for 15 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, cornstarch and sugar.
Cook over low heat until thick and bubbly. Spread over pie crust. Chill. Decorate top with whipped cream.

Blueberry-lemon bundt cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons flour
1 lemon cake mix
1 cup sour cream
4 large eggs

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour Bundt pan. Sprinkle flour over blueberries. Combine dry cake mix and sour cream. Add eggs, one at a time, beating at low speed. Beat at medium speed until smooth.
Bake for 45 minutes. Cool on rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan.

Blueberry-rum cobbler

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Ingredients

6 cups fresh mixed berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup rum
1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel

For topping:
2 1/4 cups cake and pastry flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons brown sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Grease an 8-inch baking dish and set aside. If using strawberries, slice in halves. Place berries in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, using a fork, stir sugar with cornstarch until blended. Add to berries along with rum and orange peel. Stir gently until mixed. Turn into prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
Topping:
Using a fork, stir flour with baking powder, lime peel, salt and sugar. Cut shortening into flour mixture until it resembles oatmeal.
Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in milk. Mix just until a wet dough forms. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of dough randomly on top of berry mixture. Use back of a spoon to spread a little dough just over open spaces.
Sprinkle dough evenly with brown sugar. Place baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake until topping is golden and cooked through, from 50 to 55 minutes. Insert a skewer into centre of cobbler. If it comes out fairly clean except for berries, it is done.

Bomba italian doughnuts

Serves: 20

Preparation time:2 hours

Cooking time:12 minutes

Soft and light Italian bomba, bomb Doughnuts rolled in sugar and filled with Nutella. These doughnuts are delicious.

Ingredients

4 cups double zero “OO” flour (or all purpose)
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 t instant yeast
1 vanilla bean
zest of one orange
pinch of salt
1 cup of milk, heated to 110 degrees
3 whole eggs
3 1/2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Nutella

preparation

Place the flour, sugar, instant yeast and zest into a large mixing bowl. Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape to remove the seeds, add the seeds to the flour mixture.
Make a well in the flours and add the warm milk. With a wooden spoon mix the ingredients together. Alternatively, you can use your kitchen aide mixer with the dough hook attachment to prepare your dough.
Add the eggs all at once and mix until a soft ball forms.
Add the butter in small pieces a little at a time.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. The dough should be a little soft but not sticky.
Place the dough in a well oiled mixing bowl, covered with plastic wrap and in a warm window until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Punch the dough down lightly and roll out on a lightly floured surface until a 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough with a 3 inch cookie cutter and place on a cookie sheet
Take the leftover dough and roll into a ball. Place the dough back into the oiled bowl to rise for another 1/2 hour or so. Roll the dough out and repeat the process.
When all the dough has been used let the rounds raise again covered and in a warm place until doubled in size.
Fill a large pot with enough oil until it is 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil to 340 degrees. Fry the doughnuts until golden brown.
You may use a pastry bag with metal tip to fill the doughnuts with Nutella or just serve Nutella alongside the warm doughnuts and start dipping.

Bourbon chocolate cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Delicious and rich chocolate cake. Definitely worth to splurge on good chocolate!
This mousse-like cake really does melt in your mouth. It can be baked up to a day before serving and stored lightly wrapped at room temperature.

Ingredients

11 oz. semisweet good quality chocolate, chopped
6 oz. (12 Tbs.) unsalted butter
6 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 oz. (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For serving:
1 cup heavy cream
1 to 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

preparation

Position an oven rack on the middle rung and heat the oven to 350°F.

Butter a 9×3-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment and butter the parchment. Set the cake pan in a roasting pan large enough to accommodate it.

Melt the chocolate and butter over a double boiler. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
With an electric mixer (a stand mixer with the whip attachment or a hand mixer), beat the egg yolks with the brown sugar on medium speed until very pale, thick, and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed, add the chocolate mixture, and mix just to combine. Add the flour, mixing just to combine and scraping the bowl as needed. Blend in the bourbon and vanilla. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In a clean mixing bowl with clean beaters, beat the egg whites with the salt on high speed until they hold soft peaks, 1 to 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula, fold one-third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, and then gently fold in the remaining whites. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Set the roasting pan on the oven rack and add enough warm tap water to come halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake until the top feels set, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the cake pan from the water bath and run a paring knife around the inside of the pan (or the inside of the parchment collar) to loosen the cake and then let the cake cool completely in the cake pan on a rack. When the cake is completely cool, loosen the sides once more with a paring knife. Cover the cake with a serving plate and invert the cake onto the plate. The bottom of the cake is now the top. Peel off the parchment. (Don’t worry if the surface looks a little ragged; you’ll be dusting with confectioners’ sugar).

To serve: In a chilled bowl, beat the cream and sugar to medium-soft peaks. Dust the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar, slice, and serve each slice with the whipped cream.

Bread pudding with vanilla sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

FOR BREAD PUDDING:
6 cups raisin bread, cubed
4 ounces melted butter
5 eggs
5 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla

FOR VANILLA SAUCE:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 scoops vanilla ice cream

preparation

BREAD PUDDING
Cut bread slices into one inch squares and toast in a hot oven. Place in the bottom of a casserole dish and drizzle with melted butter. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over bread. Bake at 350
degrees until custard is firm, approximately 45 minutes.

VANILLA SAUCE:
Combine cream and sugar in a two quart saucepan and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks, flour, vanilla and salt; stir in a little of the hot cream. Add this mixture to the rest of the hot cream. Cook, stirring constantly until just thickened. Remove from heat and add ice cream, stirring until melted. Strain. Serve with Bread Pudding.

Buñuelos

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

A buñuelo is fried dough. It is a popular snack in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Morocco, and is a tradition at Christmas, Ramadan, and among Sephardic Jews at Hanukkah. Ref: Wikipedia

This recipe can be made the day before and placed in the refrigerator to rise covered overnight.

Ingredients

1/4 cup warm water (105 to 110 degrees F.)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast
7 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying.

preparation

In a small bowl, stir together the warm water and the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over this and let it set for about 10 minutes
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the milk, shortening, and salt just until the shortening melts. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down to lukewarm
Place the flour into a large mixing bowl and begin to mix in both the yeast and the milk mixtures, stirring briskly to mix in all the ingredients. When the dough becomes to thick to mix with the spoon, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a minimum of 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when pulled and not sticky. It should spring back slightly when you poke a finger into it.

Roll the dough ball in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
When dough has risen, punch down the dough, cut it into four (4) equal sections, and allow it to rest for another 10 minutes.
While the dough is resting heat your oil to 375 degrees F. (a skillet or electric fryer works best).
Divide each dough quarter into three (3) pieces. Pat them into a 4-inch circle, stretching and pressing until a round shape is formed.
Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil and fry until they puff up and are browned, approimately 1 minute. With a slotted spoon, flip the Buñuelo over and cook for another 1 minute to brown the second side. Remove from the hot oil and drain well.
Buñuelos can be kept warm in a 200 degree F. oven for up to 1 hour. They refrigerate well and can be reheated in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Candied grapefruit peel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 large grapefruit
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water and peel

preparation

Remove the yellow part of the peel of one grapefruit with a vegetable peeler. Cut into 1/16-inch -wide strips.
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and grapefruit strips. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain the grapefruit peel and spread it on wax paper. Cool 10 minutes, sprinkle with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, toss to coat completely. Let peel dry overnight.

Caramel custard

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

FOR THE CARAMEL:
3/4 cup sugar
2 ounces water

FOR THE CUSTARD:
6 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 quart boiling milk

preparation

CARAMEL: Combine the sugar and water in a thick bottom medium saucepan. Boil over high heat until sugar starts to caramelized and turns golden brown. Add 1 tablespoon water or more to thin the caramel. Pour caramel in a ring mold or other appropriate oven-proof individual molds.
CUSTARD: Beat the eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the boiling milk. Stir in the vanilla. Strain the custard mix through a fine strainer. Pour into the caramelized mold. Bake in a water bath at 350 F 30 minutes for a ring mold, 20 minutes. for individual molds. Refrigerate caramel custard for until cold. Unmold on a platter or plates. I garnish the caramel custard with fresh fruit, oranges, strawberries, peaches, or raspberries.

Caramel-pecan hand flipside pies

Serves: 12

Preparation time:3 hours

Cooking time:40 minutes

At Seattle's High 5 Pie, owner Dani Cone makes these adorable, portable pies (she calls them "flipsides")

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
4 sticks unsalted butter (1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch dice and chilled
3/4 cup ice water

FILLING AND TOPPING
1 1/2 cups pecans (6 ounces)
2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Salt
1 cup corn syrup
5 large eggs, 1 egg beaten
1/4 cup turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

preparation

In a large (preferably 12-cup) food processor, combine the flour, salt and sugar. Add the butter and pulse in 1-second bursts until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Drizzle the ice water over the dough and pulse in 1-second bursts until it just comes together. Turn the dough out onto a work surface, gather up any crumbs and pat into 2 disks. Wrap the disks in plastic and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

On a floured work surface, roll out 1 disk of the dough to a 16-inch square, a scant 1/4 inch thick. Using a small pot lid or plate (5 1/2 to 6 inches) as a template, cut out as many dough rounds as possible. Repeat with the second disk of dough. Reroll the scraps, chilling if necessary, for a total of 12 dough rounds. Transfer the pastry rounds to parchment paper–lined baking sheets and refrigerate until chilled, about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, until browned and fragrant. Let cool, then coarsely chop the nuts.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of the sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Cook over moderate heat, swirling the pan gently once the caramel begins to form, until the caramel is medium-amber, about 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, cream, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Transfer 1 cup of the caramel to a large bowl and let cool slightly. (Save any remaining caramel for later use.) Whisk the remaining 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the corn syrup into the caramel in the bowl. Whisk in the 4 unbeaten eggs until smooth. Add the pecans and a generous pinch of salt.
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Pour the pecan filling into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until set. Let cool slightly, then scrape the pecan filling into a bowl and gently stir to recombine.
Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Working with one baking sheet at a time, brush the pastry surfaces lightly with some of the beaten egg. Scoop a scant 1/4 cup of the pecan filling onto each round and fold the pastry over to make a turnover. Press the edges to seal and crimp with the tines of a floured fork. Refrigerate the hand pies while you prepare the rest.
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Using a sharp knife, make a small slit in the top of each pie. Bake the pies in the middle and lower thirds of the oven for 40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown; shift the pans halfway through baking. Let the pies cool on the baking sheets before serving.
MAKE AHEAD
The pies can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Rewarm before serving.

Caramelized apricot tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons whipping cream
9 fresh apricots, halved, pitted, or 18 canned apricot halves in extra light syrup well drained
1 9-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry thawed

preparation

Preheat to 425°F. Combine 1/2 cup sugar if using canned apricots (or 3/4 cup sugar if using fresh apricots) and 2 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup is deep amber, about 8 minutes.
Add butter and cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until any caramel bits are dissolved. Immediately pour caramel into nonstick 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet; swirl to cover bottom of skillet. Carefully place apricot halves, rounded side down, tightly together atop caramel.
Roll out puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 12 1/2-inch square.
Using 12-inch tart pan bottom or platter as guide, cut pastry into 12-inch round. Place puff pastry round atop apricots in skillet.
Gently press down pastry around apricots at edge of skillet.
Bake tart until pastry is puffed and deep golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 1 minute.
Cut around edge of pastry to loosen. Place large rimmed platter atop skillet.
Using oven mitts as aid, hold skillet and platter tightly together and invert, allowing tart and syrup to fall onto platter.
Carefully lift off skillet. Rearrange any apricots that may have become dislodged. Serve warm.

Caramelized banana purses with white chocolate sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For crumble:
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped coarsely

For filling:
3/4 cup sugar
6 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup lime juice 6 medium bananas, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices
2 teaspoons Frangelico or amaretto
10 sheets phyllo dough
3/4 cup unsalted butter
For white chocolate sauce:
6 ounces white chocolate
1 1/2 cups whipping cream.

preparation

For crumble:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a saucepan, combine butter and sugar. heat to melt. Remove from heat.
Mix in flour and hazelnuts. Spread on baking sheet. Bake until dry and golden, about 30 min. Cool. Break into small pieces. (can be made a day ahead).
For filling:
Stir sugar, butter and lime juice in a non stick skillet. Heat to dissolve. Increase heat to high. Stir to brown around edges of pan. Add bananas and liqueur. Stir until bananas are coated.
Transfer to a large bowl and cool. Mix 1 cup hazelnut crumble into banana mixture. Brush a phyllo sheet with butter. Fold in half crosswise. Brush with butter. Fold in half again, forming square.
Place phyllo in large muffin tins. Spoon 1/4 cup filling in center of square. Bring edges together.
Squeeze firmly at top, forming purse. Repeat with remaining phyllo forming 10 purses. Bake at 350 degrees until golden.
Serve with white chocolate sauce.
White chocolate sauce:
Boil cream. Pour over chocolate. Whisk until smooth.

Caramelized figs with fudge sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter,
½ cup sugar
¼ tsp coarse salt
12 fesh figs, halved lengthwise)
Fudge sauce (recipe below)
Vanilla ice cream

preparation

In a medium shallow bowl, stir together sugar and salt. Press the cut side of each fig into the sugar mixture to coat.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter to melt. Add sugar-covered figs, cut side down, and cook until sugar and juices caramelize, about 3-4 minutes. As figs caramelize, turn them over.
Remove from heat and add lemon juice, gently swirling to combine.
Transfer to a serving dish. Serve with the fudge sauce and vanilla ice cream.

For the fudge sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup light cream (half and half)
3/4 cup heavy cream
Preparation:
In a medium pot, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cream. Bring to boil on high heat for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream. Bring to boil, simmer for 8 minutes. Keeps well refrigerated for a week.

Caramelized pear upside-down cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

This recipe is adapted from Fine Cooking

Ingredients

2 ounces unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces (4 tablespoons)
about 1 pound medium firm-ripe Bosc pears

For the Cake:
6 3/4 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour (1-1/2 cups)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened (8 tablespoons)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs

Basic Caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

preparation

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x2-inch round cake pan (don't use a springform pan, as the caramel might leak out during baking). Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment and butter the top of the paper.
Make the Topping:

1. Peel, core, and cut the pears lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pear slices on the bottom of the pan in a circle around the edge, overlapping them slightly, with the pointed ends towards the center. If necessary, cut a little off the pointed ends to make the slices fit better. Or if the pear slices don't reach all the way to the middle, arrange a few of the shorter slices in the center to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Make the Basic Caramel according to the directions. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the 4 tablespoons of butter one piece at a time, until they are completely melted. Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pears (it should spread over the pears and onto the bottom of the pan).

Make the Cake Batter:

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt into a medium bowl. Stir to combine. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vanilla.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Turn the mixer to medium and slowly add the brown sugar. Increase the speed to high and continue to mix until lightened in texture and color, 2 to 3 minutes total. Reduce the speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Reduce the speed to low and alternate adding the flour mixture and milk mixture in five additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix each addition just enough to incorporate, as overmixing will lead to a tougher cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl one last time and mix briefly to blend well.
Bake the cake:

1. Spoon the batter in large dollops over the pears and smooth it into an even layer with an offset spatula. Bake the cake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan. Turn a cake plate upside down on top of the cake pan and, using pot holders, carefully invert the cake pan onto the plate.
Basic Caramel:

1. Fill a cup measure halfway with water and put a pastry brush in it; this will be used for washing down the sides of the pan to prevent crystallization. In a heavy-duty 2-quart saucepan, stir the sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup cold water. Brush down the sides of the pan with water to wash away any sugar crystals.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, occasionally brushing down the sides of the pan, until the mixture starts to color around the edges, 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Gently swirl the pan once to even out the color and prevent the sugar from burning in isolated spots. Continue to cook until the sugar turns medium amber, about 30 seconds more. (Once the mixture begins to color, it will darken very quickly, so keep an eye on it.)

Caramelized pear-cranberry strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 large ripe pears
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 sheets phyllo pastry
icing sugar

preparation

Toss fresh cranberries with cornstarch. Reserve.
Peel pears; core and chop into bite-size pieces.
Melt two tablespoons of the butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Add pears and toss to coat in butter. Sprinkle with sugar and add fresh cranberries. Cook, tossing, until pears are golden and cranberries are beginning to split.
Stir in dried cranberries, orange peel, ginger and cinnamon. Cool to room temperature.
Melt remaining butter. Spread a sheet of phyllo on counter and brush evenly with butter. Add remaining layers, brushing liberally with butter between each layer. Leaving a 1-inch border along one of the short sides of the pastry and at top and bottom, spoon the pear mixture in a band down the side of the phyllo.
Fold over the edge and roll to encase fruit. Brush all edges with additional butter and press together to fully encase fruit.
Turn phyllo bundle so that the seam side faces down on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Brush remaining butter over top.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice three vent holes in strudel using a sharp knife. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden .
Cool pan on a rack. Sprinkle with icing sugar. Serve sliced at room temperature or warm.

Carrot cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

4 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups carrot, shredded
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In an electric mixer, beat eggs well. Add sugar, oil, flour, soda, salt, baking powder and cinnamon.
Add carrots, pineapple and nuts.
Pour into well greased 9 inch square pan.
Bake 40 45 minutes. Frost with a vanilla cream icing or a cream cheese frosting.

Champagne sorbet

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1 quart water
1 pound sugar
2 ounces lemon juice

For meringue:
4 ounces sugar
1/4 cup water
4 egg whites
6 ounces champagne

preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to boil. Cool in a mixing bowl. Freeze in an ice cream maker. When almost set, spoon in the meringue, (see recipe below) and 3 ounces of Champagne, and continue churning in the ice cream maker until creamy and set.

Meringue:
Boil water and sugar to a temperature of 230 F to 240 F.
Beat egg whites in an electric mixing bowl until medium firm. Slowly, add the hot sugar while continuing to beat the whites, and beat until cool.
Serve in chilled champagne glasses. Pour remaining Champagne over sorbet.

Cherry pie crumb bars

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Unsalted Butter Melted (cooled to room temperature)
½ cup Granulated Sugar
1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
½ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
2 cups Fresh Cherries (pitted, each sliced in half)
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 375℉.
Line a square 8" baking pan with parchment paper. Butter the sides and bottom of lined pan. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together cherries, cornstarch and lemon juice.
2 cups fresh cherries,1 Tablespoon cornstarch,1 Tablespoon lemon juice.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and sugar.
½ cup unsalted butter melted,½ cup granulated sugar
Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and stir with a fork until the mixture resembles crumbs.
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour,½ teaspoon baking soda,½ teaspoon baking powder,¼ teaspoon salt
Reserve ¾ cup of mixture.

Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of prepared pan.
Spread cherry filling over the crust.
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over cherries.

Sprinkle sugar over crumb topping.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Bake bars for about 25 minutes OR until the top is golden.
Cool completely before cutting.

Chiffon mincemeat pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe never fail pie crust, baked

1 cup mincemeat
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brandy
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2/3 cup milk
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped candied cherries

preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine mincemeat, lemon juice, Brandy and gelatin. Let stand for 5 minutes. Heat to dissolve gelatin.
In a double boiler, combine egg yolks, sugar, salt, lemon rind, and milk. Stir until thickened. Combine with mincemeat mixture. Chill on ice. Spoon into pie crust.
Whisk egg whites with cream of tartar. Gradually add sugar, and whisk until firm peaks appear.
Whip cream until firm.
Fold into egg white mixture together with candied cherries. Top pie with cream mixture.
Brown in 450 F. oven.

Chocolate almond cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 50 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

for the COCOA SPONGE CAKE:
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon all purpose flour
4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup all purpose flour sifted together with 1/4 cup cocoa powder
for the cocoa syrup:
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder

for the chocolate mousse filling:
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate
2 cups heavy cream, whipped until stiff
1/2 cups sliced almonds, toasted
3 ounces chocolate for curls

preparation

the cocoa sponge cake:
Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8-inch springform pan. With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites, slowly adding the sugar, and continue to whip until stiff.
Beat in the egg yolks, then gradually fold in the flour sifted together with cocoa powder. Pour the batter into the cake mold and bake for 15 to 18 minutes Remove from heat and unmold on a pastry rack to cool.
For the cocoa syrup:
Bring 1/4 cup of water, sugar, and cocoa powder to a boil in a small pot. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the chocolate mousse filling:
Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Cool until warm to touch. Fold in the whipped cream until smooth.
To assemble:
Place the cake on a round cake circle.
Split the cake horizontally into 2 equal disks with a serrated knife. Brush the bottom disk with half of the cocoa syrup.
Spread half of the chocolate filling over the cake, then sprinkle with half of the almonds. Cover with the top disk.
Repeat the same process with the syrup, filling, spreading some filling around the sides.
Decorate the sides with almonds, and the top with chocolate curls.

Chocolate and raspberry fontaines

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

This recipe comes from the restaurant Daniel in New york City .
Crispy phyllo packages stuffed with warm, bittersweet chocolate ganache topped with raspberries. The recipe can be prepared 6 to 8 hours in advance.

Ingredients

Ganache:
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 teaspoons raspberry brandy (eau de vie de framboise)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
8 sheets phyllo dough, 10 by 20 inches
1/2 cup sweet butter, melted
1 recipe cocoa sponge cake (see recipe) or commercial pound cake
1 pint raspberries

preparation

Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan and pour over the chocolate. Stir to melt.
Add 2 tablespoons of the raspberry brandy, and combine until smooth. Set the chocolate ganache to cool.
Syrup:
Combine 1/3 cup of water in a small pot; add confectioners' sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the raspberry brandy. Remove the syrup from heat.

Cut the cocoa sponge cake or commercial pound cake into 12 disks 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick with a cookie cutter.
To assemble:
spread 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface, brush with a tin coating of the melted butter, dust with sifted confectioners' sugar, and cover with a second sheet.
Brush with melted butter again and dust with sugar. Cut the rectangular phyllo dough into 3 equal strips, about 6 1/2 inches wide by 10 inches long.
Place a disk of chocolate cake in the center of each strip and moisten each disk with a little of the raspberry syrup. Cover each disk with a generous spoonful of the ganache and place 8 to 10 raspberries on top.
First, fold one end of the phyllo dough over the raspberries and then the other, tucking under to form a small closed purse fully encasing the chocolate and the raspberries.
Repeat this process until you have made 12 packages.
Brush each one with butter and refrigerate (or freeze) until ready to bake.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the packages on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with more sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep warm.
Top each fontaine with the remaining raspberries and serve hot

Chocolate angel food cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2/3 cup superfine sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Sift sugar, cocoa, flour and salt together in a bowl.
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and vinegar until medium stiff. Add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at the time. Beat until soft peaks form.
Fold in the dry ingredients.
Spoon into a 10-cup angel food cake pan. Smooth the top. Tap the pan on work surface to release any air pockets.
Bake about 35 minutes. Test the center of cake with a tester.
Invert cake to cool for an hour. Loosen cake with a thin spatula or a knife. Unmold and cover with egg white frosting. Decorate with chocolate shavings.

Chocolate banana cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:60 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs, beaten
3 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup boiling water

Frosting:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In an electric mixer, cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and bananas.
Mix well. Sift cocoa, flour, soda and salt. Add alternately with buttermilk while whisking.
Mix in boiling water. Bake in a 13 by 9-inch ungreased pan 50 to 60 minutes.

Cool and cover with frosting.

Frosting:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until sauce comes to a boil.
Remove from heat. Add vanilla, and frost cake while icing is hot.

Chocolate bavarian cream pie

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

10

For the crust:
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon cocoa
1/3 cup butter, melted

For the filling:
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 envelop unflavored gelatin (or 3 large sheets)
1/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
8 egg yolks
2 cups scalded milk
2 cups heavy cream

Garnish:
whipped cream
chocolate shavings

preparation

Crust:
Combine first 4 ingredients. Press mixture on bottom of a 9 inch pie pan . Refrigerate.

Filling:
Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. If using gelatin sheets, immerse in cold water.
Cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour into saucepan.
Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon.
Do not boil. Stir in the gelatin and melted chocolate. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold 2/3 into the cool chocolate custard. Save remaining for garnish.
Pour into prepared pie. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Decorate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Chocolate bavaroise

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 envelop unflavored gelatin ( or 3 large sheets)
1/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
8 egg yolks
2 cups scalded milk
2 cups heavy cream

For chocolate sauce:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream

preparation

Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. If using gelatin sheets, immerse in cold water.
Cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour in saucepan.
Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon.
Do not boil. Stir in the gelatin and melted chocolate. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold in the cool chocolate custard. Pour in a decorative mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Unmold and serve with chocolate sauce around bavaroise.
Chocolate sauce:
combine cream and chocolate. Stir over low heat to melt. Cool

Chocolate bourbon pecan pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked

3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons sweet butter
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup Bourbon
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate
1 cup whole pecans

preparation

Preheat oven tot 375 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla and bourbon until well combined. Strain.
Grate the chocolate into bits. Sprinkle over the bottom of unbaked pie crust. Cover with the pecans.
Pour mixture into pie shell.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Cool for an hour before serving.

Chocolate cake for birthday cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For the cake pans:

1 tablespoon soft butter
2 tablespoons flour

For the cake:
1 cup milk, divided
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Butter and flour 2 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the milk and the grated chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool then add the vanilla.
3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Separate the eggs. Keep the whites in a mixing bowl, and stir the yolks into the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Stir the baking soda into the remaining 1/2 cup milk. Whisk into the butter-sugar mixture until creamy.
4. Combine flour and baking powder in a bowl.
5. Beat the egg whites in an electric mixer until they hold stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites alternately with flour into the butter mixture. Finally fold in the melted chocolate-milk mixture. Pour half of the batter into each of the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until the center springs back when pressed lightly.

Chocolate cake nancy

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces (2 sticks) sweet butter
12 ounce dark semi sweet chocolate
10 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
10 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Melt over low heat.
Beat egg yolks and sugar in an electric mixer until mixture is light and lemon colored. Add vanilla, and continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the chocolate-butter mixture and blend well.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff and fold in the chocolate mixture.
Line the bottom of two 9 inch cake pans with a sheet of parchment paper.
Butter and flour the bottom and sides of pan.
Pour the mixture in the pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until center is firm.
Let the cake stand on a rack for 10 minutes. Unmold on a rack.

Chocolate cake sheila

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup boiling water

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour 2 9-inch cake pans.
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients except the water.
Beat with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the water. Pour batter in cake mold.
Bake 40 minutes or until center is set and dry. Use a cake tester.

Chocolate cheesecake

Serves: 16

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Recipe by Philadelphia Original Brick Cream Cheese.

Ingredients

18 vanilla creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 pkg. (4 oz. each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, broken into pieces, melted and cooled
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

preparation

Heat oven to 325°F.
Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 min.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add chocolate; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 45 to 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim.
Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours. Top with strawberries just before serving.

Chocolate cranberry mousse pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 cup Graham cracker crumb
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon cocoa

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups whipping cream
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

preparation

Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine first 4 ingredients. Place in a food processor until fine. Press on bottom and sides of a greased 9 inch pie plate.
Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons cream.
Microwave to melt chocolate or heat over medium heat to melt. Spread chocolate mixture in bottom of pie crust.
Refrigerate until chocolate is set.
Melt white chocolate with 1/4 cup of the cream in microwave or over low heat. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate to cool.
Beat remaining cream in an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold 1 cup of the whipped cream into white chocolate mixture until blended.
Fold remaining cream and orange peel into mixture; blend well. Spoon of the whipped cream mixture over chocolate mixture. stir cranberry sauce by spoonfuls over whipped cream to swirl.
Repeat with another of the whipped cream to swirl. Repeat with another of the whipped cream mixture and remaining cranberry sauce.
Spoon or pipe remaining of the whipped cream mixture around edge of pie.
Refrigerate for 6 hours or until firm.

Chocolate creme caramel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

For caramel:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

for custard:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar

preparation

For caramel:
In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. When golden brown, carefully add 1/3 cup water to thin down. For custard: Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Pour into 8 6-ounce ramekins to coat the bottom of the dishes evenly. Place the ramekins in a baking pan large enough to hold them without touching. Bring the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Pour in a mixing bowl. Add the chocolate and vanilla, and stir to melt.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and yolks with 1/2 cup sugar. Gradually whisk in the milk chocolate. Put through a strainer, then pour in the ramekins. Pour enough hot water into the pan to reach about half way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until custards are just set in center. Transfer the ramekins to a rack to cool. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or more.
To serve, run a knife around each custard, dip in hot water for about 2 minutes. Invert custards onto plates. Scrape bottom of ramekin molds and spoon caramel over the custard.

Chocolate genoise

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons (42 grams) hot melted unsalted butter
1/2 cup (65 grams) cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (30 grams) unsweetened regular or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
4 large eggs
2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Butter, or spray with a non stick spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

Sift the flour with the salt and cocoa powder.

In a heatproof bowl whisk together the eggs and sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisking constantly, heat the eggs and sugar until lukewarm to the touch (this will take about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to the bowl of your electric mixer. Beat on high speed (about 3-5 minutes) until the egg mixture has cooled, tripled in volume, and looks like softly whipped cream (the batter will fall back into the bowl in a ribbon-like pattern). Beat in the vanilla extract.
Then sift about one-third of the flour mixture over the whipped eggs and gently fold in using a large rubber spatula or whisk. Fold in half of the remaining flour, and then fold in the rest. (Do not over mix or the batter will deflate). Take about 1 cup of the batter and fold it into the hot butter mixture.
Then, with a spatula, gently fold the butter mixture completely into the egg batter. Pour into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake until the cake shrinks slightly from the edges of the pan and the top springs back when lightly pressed (about 20 - 25 minutes). (A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.) Cool on a metal rack.
When the cake has cooled completely, run a small knife around the edges to release the cake. The genoise will keep two days in the refrigerator or it can be frozen for a couple of months.

Chocolate hazelnut cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Ingredients

4 oz (200g) honey nut cornflakes
14 oz (400g) jars chocolate hazelnut spread
7 oz (200g)cream cheese,softened
1 tbsp roasted and chopped Hazelnut

preparation

Put the cornflakes and half a of the chocolate hazelnut spread in a bowl and beat to combine. Press the mix into the base of a 4-inch (10 cm) springform tin.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the remaining chocolate hazelnut spread. Smooth onto the cornflake base, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze overnight.
Remove from the freezer 30 mins before serving, or until you can cut it easily with a sharp knife. Serve in slices with hazelnuts sprinkled over. Will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Chocolate Irish whiskey cake

Serves: 14

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

Cake:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups strongly brewed coffee
1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp. Irish whiskey
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the sauce:

1/2 stick (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup 15% light cream
1/4 cup Irish whiskey

preparation

The cake
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add coffee, whiskey, butter, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Place over moderate heat and whisk until butter has melted. Remove from heat and add the sugar. Whisk until incorporated. Pour mixture into a large bowl and let cool slightly.
Whisk together eggs and vanilla extract and gradually pour into chocolate mixture. Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Mixture will be very thin.
Pour batter into a greased and floured bundt pan.
Bake for 45-55 minutes.

The sauce:
In a heavy saucepan combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil for 3 to 5 minutes until thick and bubbly. Add the cream, boil while stirring about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove pan from heat and stir in Irish whiskey . Sauce keeps, covered and chilled, 1 week. Reheat sauce before serving.

Turn the cake out and poke holes all over the surface and very slowly drizzle 1 1/2 cups of the sauce over the cake . Wrap in foil and let cool completely. Store in an air-tight container.

Chocolate marquise with orange sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

For the mousse:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
5 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream

for the orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon grated orange rind

preparation

For the mousse:
Melt chocolate in a double boiler.
Beat egg yolks with confectioners sugar until light an thick. Beat in the melted chocolate until mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the soft butter and sifted cocoa, beating until mixture is well blended. Whip the cream to a medium peak.
Fold in the chocolate mixture.
Spoon mousse in a decorative mold. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
For the orange sauce:
Boil the orange juice and reduce to half. Beat the eggs with the sugar. Add the scalded milk and orange rind. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until thick. Do not boil. Add orange juice. Refrigerate. Unmold mousse. Serve with the sauce.

Chocolate mocha soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon instant espresso
1 teaspoon hot water
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon flour
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup whipped cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter and flour a 5 cup soufflé mold. Chill until ready to use. Combine espresso with hot water, stir until dissolved. Melt chocolate in on top of double boiler. Stir in the cream and coffee.
Beat egg yolks and flour. Stir this into the chocolate. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to a soft peak.
Gradually add the sugar, and beat egg whites to a stiff peak. Stir a 1/4 of the whites into chocolate mixture, then fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites, a little at a time.
Pour mixture into the prepared mold. Bake for 35 45 minutes. Serve hot with whipped cream .

Chocolate mocha torte

Serves: 14

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For the pecan layer:
2 1/2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the chocolate fudge layer
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

For the mocha layer:
5 eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted soft butter

Frosting:
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 ounce package instant vanilla pudding
2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
Chocolate coffee beans

preparation

the pecan layer:
Butter the bottom and sides of a 10-inch spring form pan.
Chop pecans finely in a food processor. Combine with sugar, salt, and butter. Press the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour.

The chocolate fudge layer:
Melt chocolate and cream over a double boiler. Stir in the butter and corn syrup. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
Allow to cool, then spread over the pecan layer. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

The mocha layer:
Combine eggs, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
Remove from heat. Add the chocolate, and stir to melt. Dissolve the coffee in a tablespoon of hot water.
Add to the chocolate mixture. Blend in the butter. Spread mixture over the fudge layer. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or until very firm.

Frosting:
Whip the cream with the instant pudding until thick and firm. Gradually mix in the confectioner's sugar.
Dissolve the coffee in a tbsp of hot water. Cool coffee and blend in the whipped cream.

Remove the sides of the spring form. Frost the sides of torte with the mocha cream. Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip (such as ateco #4), pipe the remaining whipped mocha cream over the cake. Decorate with chocolate coffee beans

Chocolate mousse

Serves: 12

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

10 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
6 egg yolks
2 cups heavy cream
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup Cognac (optional)

preparation

Melt semi sweet chocolate over a double boiler. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Boil to a temperature of 225 degrees. Beat egg yolks in an electric mixing bowl until creamy.
Gradually pour hot syrup over egg yolk mixture while whisking. Continue mixing until cool.
In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream to a firm consistency. Fold cream and chocolate into the egg yolk mixture.
In a mixing bowl, whip egg whites with cream of tartar to a medium stiff consistency. Fold into chocolate mousse together with the cognac. spoon mousse into a clear glass serving bowl or into individual serving glasses. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Chocolate mousse cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Makes 1 12-inch cake or 2 9-inch cake
To make 2 8-inch cakes, use half of the recipe
Fill the cake layers with Chocolate mousse filling and glaze top with Ganache

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups boiling water
1 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Mix cocoa in boiling water. Cool. Sift dry ingredients.
Beat soft butter with sugar. Add eggs one at the time. Add cocoa mix and flour mix to butter mixture.
Blend at low speed while alternating cocoa and flour. Mix until batter is smooth, scraping edges and bottom of bowl with a spatula.
Line the bottom of one 12-inch cake pan or 2 9-inch pans with parchment.
Grease and flour. Pour batter in mold. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until center is cooked. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold on a rack. Cut in layers.
Fill with the chocolate mousse filling recipe.

Chocolate orange cheese cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Plain thick plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute for the plain yogurt as there is no need to strain the Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

3 cups plain yogurt
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup sifted cocoa
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 8-ounce package light cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind
2 cans (10-ounce each) mandarin orange segments, drained

preparation

Line a large sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth; set sieve over bowl.
Pour yogurt into sieve; let drain in refrigerator 4 to 6 hours or until yogurt remaining in sieve measures 2 cups. Discard liquid in bowl.
Spray base and sides of 8-inch springform pan with nonstick baking spray.
Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over base of pan; set aside. Stir together sugar, cocoa and cornstarch.
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Beat in eggs and egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Slowly blend in cocoa mixture and orange rind until combined.
Whisk in yogurt until smooth.
Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until cheesecake is just set but centre still jiggles slightly. Turn oven off.
Run a sharp knife around edge of pan to loosen. Leave cheesecake in oven with door closed for 1 hour. Remove from oven. Place on wire rack; let cool completely. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled. Release sides of pan; place cheesecake on serving plate.

Chocolate orange torte with raspberry coulis

Serves: 14

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 eggs
sifted unsweetened cocoa powder

Raspberry coulis:
1 package frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon orange liqueur

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line bottom on 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Over simmering water, melt together butter, chocolate, sugar and orange juice, stirring to blend.
Remove from heat; stir in liqueur and vanilla. Let cool; whisk in eggs, one at a time.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until edges are slightly crusty and middle is just set. Let cool on rack.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
Raspberry coulis:
Purée raspberries in food processor; press through sieve to remove seeds. Stir in sugar, and liqueur.
Invert cake onto serving plate.
Sift cocoa powder over cake and garnish with raspberries. Slice and serve with raspberry coulis.

Chocolate pâté

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

16 ounces semi sweet chocolate
4 ounces sugar
1/2 cup water
7 egg yolks
1/4 cup Cognac
1 cup heavy cream

Mocha creme:
8 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon espresso instant coffee
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

preparation

Melt semi sweet chocolate over a double boiler. Combine sugar and water. Boil to 240 degrees.
Beat egg yolks until creamy. Pour hot syrup over yolks while beating continuously at medium speed until cool. Add cognac. Mix.
Whip cream until stiff. Fold cream into egg mixture. Add chocolate and fold thoroughly.
Spoon in a loaf pan with bottom and sides lined with parchment paper.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours or up to 2 days.
Invert on a platter and slice portions onto plate using a warm carving knife. Decorate with fresh fruit and if desired serve with Mocha creme sauce.

Mocha creme:
Beat the egg yolks and sugar until lemony in color. Bring the milk to a gentle boil. Gradually blend into the egg mixture and cook over low heat while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The custard should coat the back of a wooden spoon. Do not boil custard as it will curdle.
Strain into a serving bowl. Dissolve coffee in water. Mix coffee and vanilla into custard.stir to cool.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. May be prepared two days in advance.

Chocolate pecan pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch Quick and easy pie crust

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate, melted
2/3 cup white corn syrup
1/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

preparation

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine melted chocolate, corn syrup, sugar and eggs. Stir in the pecans.
Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes.
Reduce temperature to 350 degrees, and bake 20 minutes longer.
Cool then chill. Slice and serve with ice cream and Satin chocolate sauce.

Chocolate pie with raspberries

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

200 grams (7 oz) of dark chocolate
150 ml (6 oz) cream
PATE SABLEE, baked (see recipe)
150 grams (5 oz) fresh raspberries
Icing sugar

preparation

Prepare the PATE SABLEE crust, baked (see recipe)

Melt the dark chocolate in a water bath, then add the liquid cream while mixing vigorously to obtain a smooth and unctuous ganache.

Pour this preparation onto the precooked pie bottom, then allow to cool.

Arrange the fresh raspberries on top and sprinkle with a icing sugar.

Chocolate pudding with coffee sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup skim milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons walnut or canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/3 cups strong brewed coffee
3/4 cup brown sugar
confectioner's sugar for dusting

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Coat 6 ramekins or custard cups ( about 1 1/4 cup capacity) lightly oil and set on baking sheet.
Spread nuts in pie plate and bake about 10 minutes, until fragrant. Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
In measuring cup, stir together milk, egg,oil and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Divide the batter among ramekins. Mix together coffee and brown sugar.. pour about 1/6 of the coffee over each dessert.
Sprinkle with reserved toasted nuts.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tops spring back when touched lightly. Cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

Chocolate raspberry ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cream
1/2 pint raspberries
1/4 cup sugar

preparation

In a heavy saucepan, combine chocolate and milk. Heat over very low heat and stir until chocolate is fully dissolved into the milk. Remove from heat and cool.
Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add cream and vanilla and beat more. Add chocolate mixture, beat thoroughly, and chill until cold.
Mash the raspberries with the sugar, cover, and refrigerate. When chocolate mixture is cold, freeze it in your ice cream maker.
When the ice cream is thick and smooth, add the raspberry mixture. Continue churning until ice cream is set and creamy. Finish freezing and enjoy

Chocolate raspberry ice-cream cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons sugar

Cake:
3 cups chocolate ice cream
2- 10 oz (300g) packages frozen raspberries
1/4 cup raspberry liqueur or schnapps
2 tablespoons sugar
6 cups vanilla ice cream
chocolate curls

preparation

Crust:
stir together crumbs, chocolate, butter and sugar until well moistened. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
Bake in 350 F. (180 C.) oven for 10 minutes. Let cool. Line inside of pan above crust with double thickness waxed paper extending 2 inches above pan and overlapping by 1 inch. Tape or staple edges together. Let chocolate ice cream stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes or until softened; stir until smooth. Spread over crust and freeze. Meanwhile, reserve 24 raspberries in freezer for garnish.

Cut 1 cup of the remaining berries in half; set aside in freezer. Thaw remaining berries and puree in food processor; press through sieve into bowl to remove seeds. Stir in raspberry liqueur and sugar.
Soften 3 cups of the vanilla ice cream; stir in halved raspberries and 1 1/2 cups of the puree.
Spread over chocolate layer and freeze for 1 hour. Soften remaining vanilla ice cream; spread over raspberry layer, smoothing top.
Freeze for 15 minutes.
Spread remaining puree over top; freeze until solid. (Can be wrapped and stored in freezer for up to two weeks.)
Garnish with chocolate curls and reserved frozen raspberries. Let stand in refrigerator for 1 1/2 hours before serving.
Making chocolate curls:
Melt chocolate and spread evenly and thinly with palette knife onto clean baking sheet. Refrigerate until set but not hard, about 5 minutes, letting warm again at room temperature if necessary. Scrape a knife or scraper across chocolate in opposite direction, forming curls of desired width.

Chocolate raspberry tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

The perfect Valentine cake

Ingredients

For the chocolate Crust:

1 2/3 cups finely crushed chocolate graham crackers
1/2 cup butter, melted

For the raspberry Coulis:

12 oz fresh raspberries
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspooons lemon juice

Chocolate Filling:

1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 lb bittersweet chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

preparation

For The Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Crush the graham crackers in a food processor until it’s fine and resembles coarse sand. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl, and then stir in the crushed graham crackers, mixing until well combined. Press the crust into a tart pan, and bake for 7-9 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool while assembling the chocolate filling and raspberry coulis.

For The Raspberry Coulis: Combine the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil, about 5 minutes. Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove from heat. Blend with an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, and set aside.

For The Chocolate Filling: Heat the heavy cream and chocolate together in a mixing bowl in the microwave at 15 second increments, or until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Assembly: Pour 1 cup of the raspberry coulis into the bottom of the crust, making sure it coats the crust evenly. Spoon the chocolate filling evenly on top of the raspberry layer. Transfer to the fridge, and allow to chill for at least 2 hours, and up to overnight. Top with fresh raspberries just before serving, and serve with extra raspberry coulis drizzled on top.

Chocolate sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Store the chocolate sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Rewarm before serving.

Ingredients

1 cup (250 ml) water
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1/2 cup (160 g) light corn syrup or agave nectar
3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
2 ounces (55 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

preparation

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, corn syrup (or agave), and cocoa powder.

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s just begun to simmer and boil, remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.

Let the Chocolate Sauce stand for a few hours before serving.

Chocolate soufflé

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into small chunks
2 egg yolks
8 egg whites

preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Brush the inside of the soufflé dishes with soft butter. Lightly sprinkle with sugar and rotate the dish so the sugar evenly coats the surface.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Add the flour and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually whisk the scalded milk over the egg yolk mixture, and whisk well to blend. Transfer to saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until mixture thickens and comes to boil, about 5 minutes. Boil 1 minute. Pour into medium bowl. Stir in the chocolate and egg yolks. Press plastic onto surface of pastry cream.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff.
Fold egg whites into custard mixture.
Spoon the the mixture into the two prepared molds or the small molds.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes for the 6-cup soufflés or 12 to 16 minutes for the small soufflés. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Chocolate-mocha soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso
1 teaspoon hot water
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon flour
6 egg whites
1 pinch cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter a 5-cup soufflé mold. Coat inside with teaspoon sugar. Combine espresso with hot water, stir until dissolved.
Melt chocolate on top of double boiler. In a mixing bowl, combine melted chocolate with cream and coffee.
Beat egg yolks and flour. Stir into the chocolate mixture.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to a soft peak. Sprinkle in sugar, and beat until stiff peak. Stir a 1/4 of the whites into chocolate mixture, then fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites, a little at a time. Pour this into the prepared mold.
Bake for 35 45 minutes. Serve hot with lightly whipped cream.

Chocolate-orange sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 2 hours

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 cups water
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons grated orange zest

preparation

Combine sugar and cocoa. Whisk in water. Bring to boil in a saucepan, whisking constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.
Reduce heat, and add remaining ingredients. Stir to melt chocolate. Refrigerate 1 hour or more.
Make sorbet in an ice cream maker.

Chocolate-raspberry soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted, shelled raw pistachios
Unsalted butter (for ramekins)
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for ramekins
6 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup high-quality raspberry jam or jelly
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more
6 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup heavy cream

Special Equipment
4 (6-ounce) ramekins

preparation

Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°F. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until fragrant and slightly darkened, 5–6 minutes. Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop.
Meanwhile, butter ramekins, making upward strokes up the sides with a pastry brush. Sprinkle with sugar, tilting to coat completely and tapping out any excess. Arrange prepared ramekins on baking sheet.
Combine chocolate and jam in a medium heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water; stir constantly until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, 1–2 minutes. Remove bowl from heat. Stir in egg yolk and 1/4 tsp. salt.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, and beat until medium peaks form, 6–7 minutes.
Using a rubber spatula, fold one-quarter of the beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining egg whites in 2 batches. Divide batter among prepared ramekins, filling completely.
Transfer baking sheet with ramekins to oven and bake soufflés until puffed and tops feel firm to the touch, 18–20 minutes.
Meanwhile, using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Dollop soufflés with cream, top with chopped pistachios, and serve immediately.

Choux pastry swans

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs

FOR THE FILLING:
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Stir in flour all at once.
Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat.
Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one. Beat mixture until smooth.

SHAPING THE SWANS:
Bodies:
Spoon cream puff mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2-inch tip. Pipe 8 mounds of dough, the equivalent of a tablespoon onto ungreased baking leaving 3 inches apart.
Flatten each mound slightly with a fork dipped in water. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven to 350 degrees and continue baking until the choux puffs are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Cool on rack.

Heads and Necks:
Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.
Fit a pastry bag with a small plain tip, pipe S-shaped figure shapes, each about 2 inches long on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes longer. Cool on rack.
FILLING:
In an electric mixer, whip the cream with sugar and instant vanilla pudding until stiff.

TO ASSEMBLE SWANS:
To make wings, slice the top off each body with a serrated knife. Cut each top in half, lengthwise; set aside.
Pipe the filling into the cavity of each choux puff, finishing about 2 inches above the top of pastry.
Insert two wings, rounded edges down, into the center of each cream filling, so that they form a V-shape. Insert the S-shaped neck into the cream.

Christmas cake

Serves: 15

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

6 oz (175 g) pitted prunes
6 oz (175 g) dried apricots
4 oz (125 g) dried pineapple
4 oz (125 g) dried black Mission figs,
hard stem ends removed
4 oz (125 g) dried cherries
4 oz (125 g) Thompson raisins
4 oz (125 g) golden raisins
3/4 cup (175 mL) port
1/2 cup (125 mL) dark rum
1/2 cup (125 mL) brandy
1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
1 cinnamon stick, 3 inches (8 cm) long
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind
1½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1¼ tsp (6 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cloves
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground allspice
1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (375 mL) demerara sugar, packed
4 large eggs, at room temperature

preparation

Cut prunes,apricots, pineapple and figs into small pieces (smaller than ½ inch/1 cm). Put in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot along with cherries, raisins, port, rum, brandy, bitters, honey and cinnamon stick. Place pot over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until fruit mixture is plump and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in grated lemon rind. Scrape into a large glass or ceramic bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand for a few days, or ideally a week, stir ring every few days.
2 Preheat oven to 275°F (140°C). Grease 5mini loaf pans, 5 x 2 x 2 inches (13 x 5 x 5 cm) approx., and fully line with parchment paper.
3 Combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and all-spice in a small bowl and stir with a fork until uniform.
4 Beat butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating really well between additions and scraping down sides as needed to keep batter from separating. Add flour mixtureand beat until just combined (batter will be on the thin side). Scrape in dried fruit mixture and any syrupy liquid and stir until just combined.
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 2 hours 20 minutes or until cakes are deeply golden and a cake tester comes out with crumbs clinging to it.
5 Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out ontowire racks, peel off parchment paper and let cool fully. Wrap cooled cakes well and keep in airtight containers until ready to eat or share. No aging necessary.

Christmas chocolate dipped maple log walnut cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

These little maple logs are delicious and a great idea for Christmas. Children love dipping the ends in chocolate.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
3 tablespoons warm milk
3/4 cup ground walnuts

preparation

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and maple flavoring.
Combine the flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
On a lightly floured surface, shape dough into 1/2-in.-wide logs. Cut into 2-in. pieces. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 325° for 15-18 minutes or until set and very lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Mix melted chocolate and milk; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each cookie into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Roll in walnuts. Place on waxed paper until set.

Christmas mince pies

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:25 minutes

Mince pies can be made ahead, frozen and reheated as required.
Fruit mince will keep for months in an airtight container in refrigerator. The flavors will intensify the longer it is left before using.

Ingredients

300g (2 cups) plain flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
6 1/2 oz 185g unsalted butter, chopped
55g (1/4 cup) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 egg yolks
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg white, whisked

for the cranberry studded mince- makes about 600ml / 2½ cups

2 oz - 60 ml brandy, rum or ruby port
2 1/2 oz - 75 grams soft dark brown sugar
11 oz - 300 grams cranberries, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
3 oz - 75 grams currants
3 oz - 75 grams raisins
1 oz -30 grams dried cranberries
finely grated zest and juice of 1 clementine
2 tbsp brandy
3 drops almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 F - 190°C .
Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add egg yolks and enough lemon juice to bring ingredients together to form a dough.
Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Halve, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out one pastry half between 2 sheets of baking paper until 1/4 inch or less, 3-5mm thick. Using a 2 1/2 inch (6.5cm) fluted round cutter, cut out 12 rounds, reserving leftover pastry. Place rounds into one of the prepared pans. Spoon 2 teaspoons of fruit mince into each. Repeat with second pastry half and fruit mince.
Re-roll scraps of pastry and cut into small stars. Top each pie with a star. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with extra sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Leave to cool completely in pans. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Make the mince fruit in advance.
In a large pan, dissolve the sugar in the brandy, rum or ruby port over a gentle heat. Add the chopped cranberries and stir. Add the cinnamon, ginger and cloves, currants, raisins, dried cranberries and the zest and juice of the clementine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the fruit has broken down and has absorbed most of the liquid in the pan.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little. Add the brandy, almond extract, vanilla extract and honey and stir well with a wooden spoon to mash the mixture down into a paste.

Cider apples

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
2 large golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 Cortland apples, peeled, cored, sliced
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup apple cider
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

preparation

Melt butter in heavy skillet. add apple slices. sprinkle with sugar. Stir.
Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, for 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in apple cider and cinnamon.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
Remove cover and boil until syrup begins to thicken.
To serve:
Spoon warm apples into compote dishes.
Top each serving with a small scoop of frozen yogurt.
Delicious served over Brown sugar Pound cake.

Cinnamon ice cream with satin cinnamon chocolate sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

Cinnamon Ice Cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
two 6-inch cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch salt

SATIN CINNAMON CHOCOLATE SAUCE

8

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sweet butter

preparation

In a medium saucepan, bring the milk, cream and cinnamon sticks to a boil. Remove from heat and cover. Leave 30 minutes to infuse, then strain. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, ground cinnamon and salt until thick and the sugar dissolves.
Whisk in the strained milk and cream mixture. Pour into a clean saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring until slightly thickened or the mixture reaches 176°F (82°C). Do not boil. Strain immediately into a bowl set over ice and stir until cool. Refrigerate until cold.
Churn in an ice-cream machine.

SATIN CINNAMON CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Combine chocolate, corn syrup, milk and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat for a minute, while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
Can be refrigerated for a week. Serve with ice cream.

Cinnamon soufflé

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

Makes two 1-quart soufflés
For sauce:
1 cup half and half
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1/4 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks

For soufflés molds:
1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar

For soufflés:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2 teaspoons dark rum
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
5 large egg yolks
6 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

preparation

for sauce: Can be made a day ahead.
In a medium saucepan, bring half and half to a simmer. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. In a medium bowl, whisk sugar and egg yolks. Gradually whisk in half and half mixture. Return mixture to saucepan; stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until custard thickens and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across (do not boil). Strain sauce. Cover and chill until cold.

For soufflés:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Butter two 1-quart soufflé dishes. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of dishes with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet.

Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour. Stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to boil while whisking continuously. Boil until thick, about 1 minute. Remove form heat. Stir in sugar, molasses, rum, ginger, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Cool until just warm, about 10 minutes. (can be prepared two hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature. Whisk over low heat until warm before continuing). Mix in egg yolks.
Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites with cream of tartar in a large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture.
Divide mixture among prepared dishes. Bake until soufflés are puffed and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Serve immediately with sauce.

Clafoutis with cherries

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

6 eggs
4 1/2 ounces flour
7 ounces sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups milk
1 pound prunes, cherries, plums, pears (peeled and sliced)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, flour, sugar, and baking powder until smooth. Mix in the milk. Pour into a well buttered baking dish. Add fruit. Bake until center is firm. Serve warm or cold.

Classic cheesecake

Serves: 16

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F if using a dark nonstick springform pan.

Top with fresh fruit just before serving.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs or Oreos/ginger snaps cookies
3 tablespoons sugar
⅓ cup butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
4 (8 ounce) packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs

preparation

Heat oven to 325°F.
Mix graham crumbs or Oreos or ginger snaps cookies , 3 Tbsp. sugar and butter; press onto bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Mix in lemon juice and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Pour over crust.
Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

When searching for a simple, delicious dessert that's sure to impress, look no further than this traditional cheesecake.

Coconut cream pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 Prepared 9-inch pie shell

FOR THE FILLING:
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks
½ cup/100 grams sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 ½ tablespoons/20 grams cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup/98 grams sweetened, flaked coconut

FOR THE MERINGUE:
½ cup/49 grams unsweetened coconut
3 egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons/75 grams sugar

preparation

Partially blind-bake the pie shell: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Roll out chilled pie dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan. (Glass is best.) Trim and flute or crimp the edges, pierce the bottom crust with a fork. then cover with a large square of parchment or foil. It should hang over the edges. Carefully pour 2 or 3 cups of dried beans or pie weights onto the foil or parchment, and spread evenly so they reach up the sides of the pie. Bake 12 to 16 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. If crust edges are browning too quickly, make a little collar from foil and cover for remaining baking time.
Make the filling:
Scald milk by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it just begins to foam and bubble around the edges. Set aside to let cool slightly. In the top of a double boiler, or in another saucepan that will fit over a pot of boiling water, beat together egg yolks, sugar, salt and cornstarch. Stir in melted butter, then add the milk.
Place the saucepan over the boiling water and whisk until the mixture thickens. This will take 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and sweetened coconut until well distributed. Pour into the pie shell.
Make the meringue: Toast the unsweetened coconut lightly in a small sauté pan on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside. In a stand mixer or with a bowl and whisk, mix egg whites and cream of tartar until the mixture is foamy. If using a stand mixer, keep speed on medium. Then, turn mixer to high and gradually pour in sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If whisking, make sure sugar is dissolved before each new addition of sugar. Keep beating until the meringue is glossy and forms soft peaks. Be careful not to whip into stiff peaks.
Pour the meringue over the pie filling. Using a spatula (an offset version works well), scoot the meringue to the edge of the crust so it forms a seal. Swirl the spatula through the rest of the meringue, distributing it evenly and dipping the edge of the spatula across the top of the meringue to make little peaks. Sprinkle evenly with the unsweetened coconut.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Coconut ice cream with mango sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Ice Cream:
1-inch piece of vanilla bean split lenghtwise
14 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
2 cups milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup rum (optional)

Mango sauce:
2 very ripe mangoes, peeled
4 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

preparation

Scrape the vanilla bean into a bowl. Whisk in the milk, sugar and vanilla, and rum. Pour mixture into ice cream maker, add coconut and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
To serve, alternate layers of small scoops of ice cream and mango sauce in parfait glasses, or simply spoon sauce over ice cream.

Mango sauce:

Cut first mango into 1/4-inch dice. Coarsely chop the second mango and put in food processor. Add the sugar and lime juice and puree until smooth. Scrape puree into bowl and add the diced mango. Sauce may be refrigerated for one week.

Coconut-almond bars

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups shredded coconut
48 whole almonds
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 teaspoons unsalted butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. In large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Add water, almond extract and vanilla; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
Stir in flour and coconut; mix well. Spread in greased pan. Arrange almonds over top of bars in 8 rows of 6 each.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned and top springs back when lightly touched in center.
Cover pan with foil until cool.
In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally; drizzle over cooled bars.

Coeur a la creme

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup superfine sugar

preparation

Mix cream cheese with sour cream until smooth. Whip the cream and instant vanilla pudding until firm. Add sugar then whip until stiff. Fold cream into cream cheese mix. Spoon mixture into a heart-shaped mold lined with cheese cloth. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Unmold on serving dish. Serve with strawberry or raspberry sauce.

Coffee bavarian cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:6 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
2 cups milk
3 teaspoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons boiling water
2 cups heavy cream

preparation

Dissolve unflavored gelatin in cold water. Cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour in saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon. Do not allow to boil. Dissolve the instant coffee in the boiling water. Stir in the gelatin and coffee in custard. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold in the cool custard. Pour in a decorative mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours or longer.
To unmold:
dip mold in hot water for a few seconds. Invert onto a serving platter. Serve cold.

Coffee custards

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

FOR CARAMEL:
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons water

FOR CUSTARDS:
2 cups warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
2 teaspoons instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 egg yolks

preparation

For Caramel:
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil until it turns into a golden caramel. Dip saucepan in water to stop the cooking of the sugar.
For custards:
In a large saucepan, combine milk, sugar, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Mix in the warm caramel. Bring to a boil. Beat the egg yolks in a bowl, and gradually whisk in the milk mixture. Strain, and pour into individual ramequin dishes. Bake in waterbath at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until custards are firm.

Cold mango soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup Mango puree

for garnish Mangoes chopped

2 Eggs

1/2 cup Castor sugar

1 tablespoon Vanilla essence

1 tablespoon Gelatin mixed in water

1/4 tablespoon Lemon juice

1 cup Whipped cream

for dusting Icing sugar

for garnish Fresh mint sprigs

preparation

Separate egg yolks from whites and put into 2 separate bowls.

Heat sufficient water in a deep non-stick pan, keep a mixing bowl over it, Put the egg yolks, ¼ cup castor sugar and vanilla essence into the bowl and cook whisking continuously till the mixture is smooth.

Add gelatin and whisk well. Remove from heat and set aside.

Take egg white in another mixing bowl, add lemon juice and whisk. Add remaining castor sugar and whisk till fluffy.

Add mango puree to egg yolk mixture and whisk well. Fold in egg white mixture till well incorporated.

Add whipped cream and fold in gently.

Line individual ramekin moulds from outside with parchment paper collar and pour soufflé mixture into each. Refrigerate overnight or till set.

Dust icing sugar on top, garnish with chopped mangoes and mint sprigs and serve immediately.

Country apple cake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 teaspoons milk
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon dark rum
1 pinch salt
3 large baking apples

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream in an electric mixer soft butter, sugar, and vanilla.
Mix in milk, flour, cornstarch. Beat in eggs one by one.
Stir in baking powder, rum, and salt.
Spoon in an 8-inch buttered round mold. Peel and slice 3 apples.
Stick slices in batter.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Country apple pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust, fully cooked
1 pound apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
4 teaspoons melted butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Peel and core apples.
Cut into wedges. Stew in 1/4 cup water.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, molasses, cinnamon,
nutmeg and salt. Add apples.
Spoon in pie shell.
Combine the topping ingredients in a bowl.
Sprinkle evenly over the pie.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Cranberry and pear phyllo tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

9 sheets phyllo
1/2 cup melted butter
1/3 cup sugar

Filling:
3 cups cranberries
4 pears, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated orange rind

For garnish:
mint leaves, phyllo flowers and frosted cranberries

preparation

Filling:
Set aside 1/4 cup of the cranberries for garnish. Combine cranberries, pears, raisins, sugar and orange juice. Bring to boil; cook, covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pears are almost tender and cranberries pop.
Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water; stir into fruit mixture. Cook for about 1 minute. or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in orange rind. Let cool.
Arrange 1 sheet phyllo on work surface. Brush lightly with butter. Place in lightly butter 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom, letting excess hang over edge. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of the sugar. Brush second sheet with butter, place on first, rotating a quarter turn. Sprinkle with another 2 teaspoons sugar. Layer with 2 more sheets, brushing each sheet with butter, sprinkling with sugar and rotating so not aligned with layers below.
Spread filling over phyllo crust. Fold pastry edges over top. Layer remaining phyllo on top, rotating, buttering and sprinkling with sugar. Gently fold top pastry under bottom. Using knife, cut vents in top of pastry. (Tart can be prepared up to this point and refrigerated covered for up to 4 hours).
Bake in 400 degree oven 30-35 minutes until pastry is crisp and golden. Remove from oven; let stand for 10 minutes in pan on rack. Remove from pan; slide onto serving platter. Garnish: top with phyllo flowers. Scatter frosted cranberries on top and around side. Top with orange rind, and mint. Serve warm.
For garnish: Phyllo flowers: Arrange 2 stacks of phyllo pastry on work surface. cut out six 4-inch circles; wet center of 1 circle with water; top with second circle. Pinch centers together to make flower shapes. Spray with non-stick cooking spray; place in small muffin cups. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Repeat with remaining circles. Bake in 400 degree oven until golden.
Frosted Cranberries: In bowl, lightly beat 1 egg white until frothy. Pour 1/4 cup sugar in shallow bowl. Dip reserved cranberries, a few at a time, in egg white; remove with slotted spoon. Roll in sugar until coated. Place on paper towel; let dry at room temperature for 1 hour.

Cranberry apple cobbler

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package cranberries
1 1/2 cups apple juice
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
10 cups sliced peeled apples

Topping:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup milk

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In heavy saucepan, bring cranberries, apple juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg to boil over medium heat; cook, stirring, until thickened.
Spoon into 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange apples over cranberry mixture, overlapping to fit.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Topping:
Combine flour, all but 1 tablespoon of the sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until in coarse crumbs. Drizzle with milk, stirring until in pebble-size chunks. Drop by spoonfuls onto apples.
Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Note:
Apples that hold their shape well in this recipe . Golden Delicious, Idared, Mutsu (Crispin)and Northern Spy.

Cranberry apple pecan bars

Serves: 8

Preparation time:35 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

For the Crust

Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil, for pan

1 cup toasted pecans (3 1/2 ounces)
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt (we use Diamond Crystal)
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Filling

8 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (2 cups)
2 ounces dried apple rings, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
5 ounces pitted Medjool dates (12), coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (we use Diamond Crystal)
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice

preparation

Prep pan:
Coat the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang; spray parchment.

Make crust:
In a food processor, pulse the toasted pecans until finely chopped. Add sugar, flour, and salt and pulse to thoroughly combine. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles the texture of crumbly wet sand but holds together when squeezed between your fingers.

Form crust in pan and chill:
Firmly pack 2 1/2 cups of the mixture evenly on the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Chill crust until firm, about 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 10 minutes in the freezer. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to use.

Preheat oven and bake crust:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Prick bottom of the chilled crust at 1-inch intervals with a fork. Bake until set and darkened slightly, 22 to 23 minutes.

Make filling:
While the crust bakes, combine all filling ingredients in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a sticky, jam-like consistency, 7 to 9 minutes.

Spread filling over crust; add remaining crust on top:
Pour hot fruit mixture over warm crust and spread evenly to edges with an offset spatula. Squeeze remaining pecan crust mixture between your fingers to form clumps and sprinkle evenly over fruit mixture.

Bake, cool, and cut into bars:
Bake until fragrant and crumble topping turns golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in pan set on a wire rack. Run a knife between the crust and pan along the two sides without parchment. Use parchment overhangs to transfer to a cutting board and cut into bars to serve.

Storing Cran-Apple Bars
The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cranberry crepes

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/4 cup salad oil
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Cranberry Filling
2 cups cranberries
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons Cointreau
1 tablespoon grated orange rind

For Custard:
1 cup light cream
1/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks, well beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Crêpes:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oil, eggs, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup milk, beating until blended and smooth. Add remaining milk, whisking until batter is smooth. Strain batter into a clean bowl. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours or longer.
Melt the butter over low heat, and mix into the crepe batter.
Heat a 7-inch non-stick skillet until a drop of water sizzles and rolls off. Pour in 2 tablespoons of batter, rotating pan to cover bottom of skillet evenly.
Cook until lightly browned. Turn; brown slightly. Cool on rack. Stack crêpes.
Crêpes may be made ahead and refrigerated.
Filling:
In saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar and water to boil; reduce heat and boil gently, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until skin pops. Stir in liqueur and orange rind; let cool.
Custard:
In top of double boiler or heavy saucepan; stir together cream, sugar and egg yolks; cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes or until smooth and thickened enough to coat back of spoon. stir in vanilla; let cool.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon filling onto each crêpe; top with heaping tablespoon custard.
Roll up loosely, tucking in ends; place on serving plate. Drizzle with a little more filling.

Cranberry eggnog cheesecake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fine vanilla wafer crumbs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
5 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup dark rum
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese (light or regular)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup cranberry sauce

preparation

Combine crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Blend well with a fork. Stir in butter. Press evenly into bottom and partway up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate.
Separate 3 eggs, placing whites into a clean large bowl and yolks in a small dish.
Pour orange juice and rum into a heavy bottomed saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over top. Let stand to soften, about 5 minutes.
Whisk in remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 2 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks.
Stir constantly over medium low heat until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens a little. Remove from heat. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
Beating at high speed, gradually add orange mixture, about ½ cup at a time, until smooth. Beat in vanilla and nutmeg. Beat remaining egg whites until they hold soft peaks.
Place egg whites on top of cheese mixture. Gently fold together, until no lumps of egg white remain.
Pour into chilled shell. Break up cranberry sauce. Dot sauce on surface of cheesecake, then swirl slightly by drawing knife in gentle circles through the sauce.
Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. Cheesecake will keep well for 2 days.

Cranberry mold

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 3-ounce package raspberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 14-ounce can whole cranberries
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup melon balls

preparation

Combine Jello and water.
Blend well to dissolve. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into a decorative mold.
Refrigerate to set.

Cranberry pear phyllo tart

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

preparation

Filling:
Set aside 1/4 cup of the cranberries for garnish. Combine cranberries, pears, raisins, sugar and orange juice. Bring to boil; cook, covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pears are almost tender and cranberries pop.
Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water; stir into fruit mixture. Cook for about 1 minute. or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in orange rind. Let cool.
Arrange 1 sheet phyllo on work surface. Brush lightly with butter.
Place in lightly butter 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom, letting excess hang over edge. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of the sugar. Brush second sheet with butter, place on first, rotating a quarter turn.
Sprinkle with another 2 teaspoons sugar.
Layer with 2 more sheets, brushing each sheet with butter, sprinkling with sugar and rotating so not aligned with layers below.
Spread filing over phyllo crust. Fold pastry edges over top.
Layer remaining phyllo on top, rotating, buttering and sprinkling with sugar.
Gently fold top pastry under bottom.
Using knife, cut vents in top of pastry.
Tart can be prepared up to this point and refrigerated covered for up to 4 hours.
Bake in 400 degree oven 30-35 minutes until pastry is crisp and golden. Remove from oven; let stand for 10 minutes in pan on rack.
Remove from pan; slide onto serving platter.
Garnish:
Top with phyllo flowers. Scatter Frosted Cranberries on top and around side.
Top with orange rind, and mint (if using) Serve warm. For garnish: Phyllo flowers:
Arrange 2 stacks of phyllo pastry on work surface. cut out six-4 inch circles; wet center of 1 circle with water; top with second circle. Pinch centres together to make flower shapes. Spray with non-stick cooking spray; place in small muffin cups.
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Repeat with remaining circles.
Bake in 400 degree oven until golden.
Frosted Cranberries:
In bowl, lightly beat 1 egg white until frothy. Pour 1/4 cup sugar in shallow bowl. Dip reserved cranberries, a few at a time, in egg white; remove with slotted spoon.
Roll in sugar until coated. Place on paper towel; let dry at room temperature for 1 hour.

Cranberry strawberry and raspberry crisp

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cranberries
2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cups raspberries
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the cranberries for 2-3 minutes with half the sugar.
Cook the strawberries with the other half cup of sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and the raspberries.
Take out a half cup of the juice from the berry mixture and mix with remaining 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Stir into the fruit mixture. Place into oval baking dish.
Combine filling ingredients until crumbly.
Sprinkle over berries. Bake until golden brown for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cranberry walnut cake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup brown sugar, chopped
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
Vanilla ice cream

preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C.)
2. Butter a 9 inch cake pan. Combine the cranberries, brown sugar, walnuts and cornstarch in a bowl. Layer the cranberies mixture on the bottom of cake pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly blended. Stir in flour and melted butter. Blend well and pour over cranberries.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes then invert on a serving platter.
5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Cranberry walnut pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cranberries, chopped (I use a bag of Ocean Spray fresh cranberries)
½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 ¼ cups sugar, divided
2 large eggs
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup flour
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp almond extract

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350º. Butter the bottom and up the sides of a 10” pie plate.
Spread the chopped cranberries and walnuts over the bottom of the pie plate. Sprinkle the mixture with ¼ cup of sugar.
Whisk the flour, salt, and remaining 1 cup of sugar in a large bowl. Beat in melted butter. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth. Stir in the almond extract. Do not overmix.
Pour batter on top of the cranberry/walnut mixture and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and just beginning to turn a golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Cranberry walnut tart

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 50 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

For crust:
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cold butter
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:
3 large eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 ounces melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts

preparation

Preheat oven at 425 degrees.
Make shell:
In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, sugar, and salt, add cut up butter, and mix to form a coarse meal. Add egg yolk and water, and mix to form the dough into a ball. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out thinly to fit into a 10-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom.
Line the shell with foil, fill bottom of shell with rice or dry beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and rice. Cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, syrup, butter, salt, and vanilla.
Stir in the cranberries and walnuts. Pour mixture in shell, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes to form a golden crust on top.
Cool tart, remove rim of the pan, and slide tart onto a serving platter.

Cream cheese and wild blueberry pound cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature or thick Greek yogurt
4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup wild blueberries

preparation

Heat the oven to 325 degrees.
Spray a loaf pan that's about 8x5x3 inches with a nonstick coating. Combine together the flour, baking power, and salt until well blended.
With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until pale. Sprinkle in the sugar and beat well until slightly fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl well. Add the eggs one at a time beating well until blended. With the mixer on low, add the flour, vanilla and lemon zest and mix well. Fold in the blueberries.
Transfer the batter into the loaf pan and bake until the cake is golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake, about an hour.
Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes and then invert the pan on a cake rack and tap to release cake. Cool completely on a rack before serving.

Cream puff wreath

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 3 hours

Cooking time:20 minutes

Making cream puffs is easy. The dough comes together quickly on the stovetop, so be sure to have all of the ingredients ready before you start. For a splash of colour, you can garnish the wreath with fresh bay leaves and sugared cranberries (made by tossing fresh or frozen berries in egg white then granulated sugar).
Recipe adapted
from The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

Ingredients

1 cup (250 mL) water
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 tbsp (30 mL) icing sugar

Peppermint Filling:
1-1/3 cups (325 mL) whipping cream, (35%)
10 oz (283 g) white chocolate, chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) peppermint extract

preparation

Peppermint Filling:
In small saucepan, bring cream to boil; pour over chocolate in heatproof bowl,
stirring until melted. Stir in peppermint extract. Loosely cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2
hours. Using electric mixer, whisk until thickened and soft peaks form (do not overbeat).

Cream puffs:
In saucepan, bring water, granulated sugar and salt to boil over medium-high heat, stirring. Stir in
butter until melted. Reduce heat to medium-low; add flour all at once and beat with wooden spoon
until dough comes cleanly off side of pan but lightly films bottom of pan.
Transfer to stand mixer with paddle attachment; beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in
eggs, 1 at a time, beating each until thoroughly incorporated. (Or remove saucepan from heat; with
wooden spoon, beat in eggs, 1 at a time.)
Using piping bag fitted with 3/4-inch (2 cm) star tip, pipe dough, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, into 1-1/2-inch
(4 cm) circles, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) high and dragging tip toward you to create tip of leaf, onto 2
parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Bake in top and bottom thirds of 400ºF (200ºC) oven, switching and rotating pans after 8 minutes,
until golden, 14 to 16 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350ºF (180ºC); bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off heat; open door
slightly and let dry in oven until cool enough to handle. Remove to racks; let cool completely.
Cut each leaf in half horizontally. Spoon filling into each bottom; replace top. To serve, arrange leaves
on large platter with points facing outward to resemble wreath. Dust with icing sugar.

Cream puffs

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs

For filling:
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon instant vanilla or chocolate pudding

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Stir in flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one. Beat mixture until smooth. Spoon cream puff mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tube and pipe the equivalent of a tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheet leaving 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven to 350 degrees and continue baking until puffed, golden brown and dry.
FILLING:
Whip the cream with sugar and instant vanilla pudding until stiff. Fill the puffs with cream using a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tube. Other fillings can be used (ice cream, chocolate or vanilla pudding).

Creamy lemon custards

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

This is a rich and creamy recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup heavy cream or light cream
raspberries (optional)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Select a roasting pan to fit six 1/2-cup ramekin or custard cups.
In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until a creamy texture appears.
Mix in lemon juice, lemon rind and cream . Set aside.
Divide lemon custard evenly among the five ramekins or custard cups. Pour hot water into roasting pan to come half way up sides of custards.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until set.
Remove custards from pan. Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with raspberries before serving.

Creamy pumpkin pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup cold shortening, cubed
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vinegar

Filling:
1 14 ounce can pumpkin purée
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 package (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

preparation

Crust:
Combine flour, rind and salt; using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In measuring cup, whisk egg yolk with vinegar; pour in enough ice water to make 1/3 cup. Drizzle egg mixture over flour mixture; toss with fork until dough starts to hold together, adding a little more ice water if necessary.
Form into ball; press into disc. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On floured surface, roll out pastry to 1/8 inch thickness. Place in 9 inch pie plate, draping loosely . Without stretching, fit into plate. Trim edges to leave 1 inch overhang. Fold edge under and flute. Prick shell all over and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Gather pastry scraps together and roll out. Using small pumpkin shaped cookie cutter, cut out 11 shapes. Transfer to baking sheet; bake in bottom third of oven for about 12 minutes or until golden. Transfer to rack, let cool. Line pastry shell with foil; fill evenly with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in bottom third of oven for 15 minutes; remove weights and foil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes longer or until pastry just starts to turn golden. Reduce heat to 350 degrees.
In food processor, purée pumpkin, sugar, cheese, cream, eggs, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Pour into pie shell; bake in bottom third of oven for 1 hour or until set in center.
Let cool on rack.
Topping:
Pipe cream into 8 rosettes around edge; top each with pastry pumpkin cookies.

Crême brulée with cherries

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pitted cherries, cooked *
1/2 cup dark brown sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a boil.
In a mixing bowl, beat the sugar and egg yolks until thick and creamy. Gradually stir in the cream. Pour into a saucepan with a thick bottom. Heat over low heat until thick while stirring continuously. DO NOT BOIL. Add vanilla and strain.
Divide cherries evenly between 6 ramequin dishes. Pour custard into cups. Place cups with custard in a pan containing boiling water and bake until center of custard is medium firm. Cool at room temperature for an hour.
Sprinkle brown sugar on top and place under the broiler to brown or use a torch to brown sugar. Serve cold.
* I also use, stewed apricots and peaches for this rich dessert.

Creme de menthe cheesecake

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

This rich, creamy cheesecake with crème de menthe and mint candies will impress everyone. You can even make it a day ahead!

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:
2 cups finely crushed chocolate graham crackers
1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:
1 cup sugar 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
1/3 cup green or white creme de menthe liqueur*
1 (4.67-ounce) package creme de menthe chocolate mint candy thins, chopped (reserve 6 for garnish)
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
Whipped Heavy Cream, if desired

preparation

Heat oven to 375°F. Stir together all crust ingredients in large bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of lightly greased 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
Combine sugar and cream cheese in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Continue beating, adding eggs one at a time, until well mixed. (DO NOT OVER BEAT.) Stir in liqueur by hand. Stir together 1/2 cup chopped mints and 1 teaspoon flour in small bowl; gently stir into cream cheese mixture.
Pour filling onto crust. Sprinkle with remaining chopped mints. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until firm to touch. (Cheesecake surface may be slightly cracked.) Loosen side of cheesecake by running knife around inside of pan. Cool 1 hour. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.
Garnish top of cheesecake with whipped cream and top with reserved mints, if desired. Store refrigerated.
*Substitute 1 teaspoon peppermint extract plus 6 drops green food color.

Crêpes suzette

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For the crêpes:

1 cup flour
1/4 vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter

For the orange sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon coarsely shredded orange peel
1/3 cup orange peel
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup orange sections
For the orange butter:
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1/4 cup grated orange peel
1/4 cup brandy

preparation

Crêpe batter:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oil, eggs, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup milk, beating until blended and smooth. Add remaining milk, whisking until batter is smooth. Strain batter into a clean bowl. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours or longer. Melt the butter over low heat, and mix into the crêpe batter.
Heat a 7-inch non-stick skillet until a drop of water sizzles and rolls off. Pour in 2 tablespoons of batter, rotating pan to cover bottom of skillet evenly. Cook until lightly browned. Turn; brown slightly. Cool on rack. Stack crêpes.
Crêpes may be made ahead and refrigerated.

Orange sauce:
In a medium skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in cup sugar, shredded orange peel and juice; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until peel is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add oranges, and 1/4 cup Grand Marnier.

Orange butter:
In a small bowl, with an electric beater, cream butter with sugar until fluffy. Blend in Grand Marnier and orange peel. Use to spread on crêpes - about 1 tablespoon for each crêpe.

To assemble:
Fold each crêpe in half, then in half again. Arrange in pattern in orange sauce in a baking dish or skillet. Cook over low heat until sauce is hot and crepes are heated through. To serve: Bring crêpes to table right in baking dish or skillet. Gently heat brandy in a small saucepan just until vapor rises. Ignite with match and pour flaming brandy over heated crêpes. Serve with sauce.
VARIATIONS:
CREPES CURACAO: Serve with cooked sliced peaches. Flame with curacao.
CREPES CAFOLA: Flavor batter with coffee extract and grated sweet chocolate. Flame with creme of cacao and Kahlua.
CREPES COPACABANA: Flavor batter with coffee extract and hazelnut puree. Flame with Kahlua.
CREPES HAWAIIAN: Serve with fresh sweet pineapple cubes.

Custard cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups hot milk
2 tablespoons dark rum or Grand Marnier

preparation

Dark apple spice cake

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 large egg plus
2 whites
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola oil plus extra for preparing pan
2 cups all purpose white flour
2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
3 cups fresh apples, peeled
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Granulated or confectioners sugar for dusting cake (optional) Caramel Sauce. Recipe follows.

Caramel Sauce

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup evaporated skim milk
1 teaspoon molasses
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush oil over the inside of a 10-inch bundt pan. Dust with flour and tap out the excess.
In a mixing bowl, whish together eggs, sugar and oil. In another bowl, stir together flours, cocoa, salt, cinnamon and allspice.
Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients to the oil mixture alternately with the grated apples. Dissolve baking soda 1/4 cup hot water and stir into the batter. Stir in the raisins and nuts. The batter will be thick.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched lightly and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before unmolding from the pan. Let cool. Sprinkle with sugar or serve with caramel sauce.
Caramel sauce:
In small heavy-bottomed pot, combine sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cook, without stirring, for about 15 minutes, or until the syrup turns amber. (Take care not to burn it.)
Remove from heat and cool 2 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in butter. Gradually stir in milk. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, or until caramel has dissolved. Stir in molasses and vanilla.
Serve warm. ( The sauce can be cooled, then stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.)

Delice au chocolat

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup whipping cream
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
2 bananas
5 ounces cooked meringues
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
2 teaspoons cocoa powder

preparation

Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Whip the cream till it starts to thicken. Gradually add melted chocolate while whisking the cream.
Break the meringue into pieces. Fold into the cream mixture. Slice the bananas, and fold in the cream mixture together with Grand Marnier. The mixture should be thick.
Spoon into a charlotte mold. Freeze for 2 hours. Unmold on platter and sprinkle with cocoa before serving.

Double apple cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

2 Granny Smith apples
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 2/3 cups sifted cake and pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
2/3 cup applesauce

Topping:
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel, core and thinly slice apples. Beat sugar and butter until crumbly.
Beat in egg. Beat in yogurt and vanilla.
Combine flour, ginger, baking powder, baking soda and salt;
fold into butter mixture alternately with apple sauce.
Spoon in lightly greased 9-inch springform pan.
Arrange apples in overlapping concentric circles on top.
Topping:
Combine sugar, water and cinnamon; brush over apples.
Bake for 40 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
Let cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes. Remove side of pan;
let cool completely.

Double layer pumpkin cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Try our PHILADELPHIA 3-STEP Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake this Thanksgiving. In one layer, you get the fabulous classic flavor of cheesecake, and in the other, you get the sweet flavor of pumpkin and spices. This 3-step double layer pumpkin cheesecake takes 10 minutes of prep.

Ingredients

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
dash of ground cloves
dash of ground nutmeg
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

preparation

Heat oven to 325°F.
Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add eggs; mix just until blended. Remove 1 cup batter; stir in pumpkin and spices.
Pour remaining plain batter into crust; top with pumpkin batter.
Bake 40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Dutch apple pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

Pie Crust
1¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening or butter , chilled
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
4-5 tablespoons ice water

Apple Filling
5 large Granny Smith apples (about 2½ pounds)
4 large McIntosh apples (about 2 pounds)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream

Streusel Topping
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

preparation

1. For the pie crust: Process the flour, salt and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add the shortening or butter and process until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand, about 10 seconds. Scatter the butter pieces over the flour mixture; cut the butter into the flour until the mixture is pale yellow and resembles coarse crumbs, with butter bits no larger than small peas, about ten 1-second pulses. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of the ice water over the mixture. Continue to pulse until the mixture comes together in a loose ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.

Note: If you do not have a food processor, use this method to make the pie dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Scatter the shortening and butter over the dry ingredients and, using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the fat into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse sand. Then sprinkle the water over the mixture and use a fork to incorporate until it is evenly moistened and the dough will hold together when pinched between your fingers.

2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough on a lightly floured work surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Ease the dough into the pan corners. Trim the dough edges to extend about ½ inch beyond the rim of the pan. Fold the overhang under itself; flute the dough or press the tines of a fork against the dough to flatten it against the rim of the pie plate. Refrigerate the dough-lined pie plate until firm, about 40 minutes, then freeze until very cold, about 20 minutes.

3. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and hat the oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the dough-lined pie plate from the freeze, press a doubled 12-inch piece of heavy-duty foil inside the pie shell, and fold the edges of the foil to shield the fluted edge; distribute 2 cups ceramic or metal pie weights over the foil. Bake, leaving the foil and weights in place until the dough looks dry and is light in color, 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and weights. Continue baking until deep golden brown, about 12 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.

4. For the apple filling: Peel, quarter, and core the apples; slice each quarter crosswise into pieces ¼ inch thick. Toss the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl to combine. Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven (or pot) over high heat until foaming subsides; add the apples and toss to coat. Reduce the hat to medium-high and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the Granny Smith apple slices are tender and the McIntosh apple slices are softened and beginning to break down, about 10 minutes.

5. Set a large colander over a large bowl; transfer the cooked apples to the colander. Shake the colander and toss the apples to drain off as much juice as possible. Bring the drained juice and the cram to a boil in the now-empty Dutch oven over high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a wooden spoon leaves a trail in the mixture, about 5 minutes. Transfer the apples to the prebaked pie shell; pour the reduced juice mixture over and smooth with a rubber spatula.

6. For the streusel topping: Combine the flour and sugars in a medium bowl; drizzle with the melted butter and toss with a fork until evenly moistened and the mixture forms many large chunks with pea-sized pieces mixed throughout. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the pie filling. Set the pie plate on a baking sheet and bake until the streusel topping is deep golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature and serve.

Easter bunny cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

1 package Yellow Cake
1 cup water
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
3 large eggs

Butter Cream Frosting (recipe below)
2 cups coconut
Red licorice strips
Jelly beans

Butter Cream Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 to 6 tablespoons milk

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine powdered sugar, shortening and vanilla. Slowly blend in milk to desired consistency.
2. Beat on high for 5 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.

preparation

1. HEAT oven to 350°F.
Prepare cake according to package directions using the water, oil and eggs.
Pour into two 8-inch round cake pans. Bake as directed. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely.

TURN one cooled cake layer upside down. See image sketch for details:
Mark center of cake with toothpick. Measure about 2-inches in from two sides of cake lining up the toothpicks. Using the tip of a sharp knife, lightly draw a 2-inch wide x 6-inch long oval, football shape, to make the ears. Cut with a serrated knife. The middle part of the layer will be the "bow tie" for the bunny.
easter_cake_sketch

PLACE whole cake layer in center of large tray. Place ears and bow tie, rounded side up, to make bunny. Frost entire surface and sides of cake, connecting the pieces together with frosting. Sprinkle with coconut. Cut licorice pieces for mouth and whiskers. Cut jelly beans in half for eyes, nose and bow tie.
TIP To make green "grass" around bunny, toss an additional 1/2 cup coconut with a few drops of green food coloring until desired color. Place around base of bunny.

Easy blueberry crunch

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup quick oatmeal
1/2 cup butter melted

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place blueberries in a 2 quart baking dish; spread out evenly.
Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle over blueberries.
Bake for 45 minutes.

English apple pudding with rum sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 min

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

3 medium green apples
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Rum sauce:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons dark rum

preparation

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Core apples (do not peel). Put through food processor.
Cream butter, sugar and egg. Add apples and mix well. add dry ingredients.
Spoon into buttered glass dish or souffle glass dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes in a water bath.
Serve with rum sauce.

Rum sauce:
Combine butter, sugar and cream in a saucepan.
Cook over low heat 8 to 12 minutes, then add vanilla and rum.
Cool and serve with cake.

Figs tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound puff pastry dough
2 pounds fresh figs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
8 4-inch round tart molds
Garnish with whipped cream

preparation

Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut 8 5-inch pastry circles, and line molds with the circles. Prick dough with a fork and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Cut the figs in 3/8 inch slices. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping on the pastry rounds so that they just reach the edge of the pastry.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over each tart and dot the top with butter.
Bake until the pastry is thoroughly browned and the surface of the figs is lightly caramelized, 20 25 minutes.
Serve warm with whipped cream.

Fijian cassava cake

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

this cake and variants of it are commonly found throughout parts of the Pacific and Southeast Asia

Ingredients

2 packages grated cassava* (2 lbs total; can be found in the frozen sections of Asian/Latin grocery stores; common Filipino ingredient)
1/3 cup of honey or coconut sugar, or 1/2 c maple syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut cream

preparation

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until brown on top and tester comes out clean.
Enjoy with afternoon or morning tea.

* If you have cassava root, grate it in a food processor and boil it for about 5 minutes to be able to use it in the recipe.

Finnish blueberry pie - mustikkapiirakka

Serves: 10

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Mustikka means blueberry and piirakka means pie.The berries are the essential ingredient for this pie. You can either use bilberries, wild berries, or frozen blueberries.

Ingredients

Crust
½ cup butter room temperature
½ cup caster sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup rye flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

Filling
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp fine sugar

preparation

Mix the crust ingredients by creaming the sugar and butter.
Mix in the egg then the flour with the cardamom and baking powder.
Butter the inside of the baking dish.
Roll out the dough, then spread it over the prepared dish.
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes.
Then remove the crust and spread the berries over the warm crust.
Mix the sour cream, egg, cardamom, vanilla, and sugar and pour over the berries.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove and allow it to cool before serving. It is best served at room temperature.

Flambeed bananas

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup dark rum or bourbon
4 medium bananas, peeled and cut in halves
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

preparation

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and lemon juice.
Heat to melt butter. Add 1/4 cup rum.
Fry the bananas in butter until golden brown. Pour sauce over, and cook until tender.
Arrange bananas on a serving dish. Heat remaining rum. Ignite and pour over bananas.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve with rum and raisin ice cream, or cinnamon ice cream.

Flamed apples

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

4 large apples
1 ounce butter
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons apricot preserves
4 teaspoons Calvados or brandy
Vanilla ice cream

preparation

Peel, core, and cut apples into small wedges.
Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add apples with the sugar.
Sauté until sugar starts to caramelize.
Mix in the apricot preserves.
Continue cooking for a minute, then add the Calvados or brandy.
Ignite and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Floating island

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

The floating island is a molded meringue baked in the oven. When unmolded onto a serving dish, the meringue becomes an island floating on the custard cream

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, soft
6 egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 cups custard cream
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (optional)

preparation

Butter a 10-cup fluted tube pan or a 10-cup soufflé molds.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and vinegar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Continue beating, and gradually add the sugar, vanilla and cornstarch. Beat until very stiff, about 2 minutes. Spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared mold. Smooth the top of mold with a spatula. Place the mold in a baking pan containing hot water. Place the pan on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
The meringue will rise like a souffle above the top of the mold.
Remove pan from the oven. Allow the meringue to cool in the mold for 5 minutes. Unmold meringue on a deep platter surrounded by custard cream. Sprinkle floating island with toasted almonds, and decorate with sliced strawberries.

Fluffy strawberry sherbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
3 egg whites
3 cups strawberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice

preparation

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Dissolve the sugar over medium heat. Boil the sugar until it reaches the soft ball stage, 238 degree F. To test without a thermometer, put a drop of syrup in cold water. If it forms a soft ball, the syrup is ready.
While making the syrup, beat the egg whites in a metal bowl, until they begin to foam.
Slowly pour in the hot syrup and continue beating for about 10 minutes or until mixture is cool.
Clean the strawberries, hull and puree them with the lemon juice. Gently fold in the egg white mixture then pour in an ice cream maker and freeze until creamy.

Fondants au chocolat

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 egg yolks
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons sugar

For the cream:
1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding 1 teaspoon vanilla.

preparation

Preheat oven at 400 degrees. Melt the butter in a pot. Add chocolate, salt, cocoa and egg yolks, and mix until smooth. Set aside.
Butter 6 ramequins, 3 inches in diameter. Whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar. Gradually add the cornstarch and sugar. Continue beating until the whites are firm. Fold into the chocolate mixture. Spoon into the prepared molds.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes.
Top should be firm. Remove from heat and unmold immediately on the center of serving plates. Whip the cream with the sugar, vanilla pudding and vanilla. Pipe a star of whipped cream on each warm cake.

French apple tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 8

1 recipe never-fail pie crust
1 cup thick apple sauce
5 large baking apples
2 ounces melted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup apricot jam
1 tablespoon kirsch or water

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 10-inch shallow flan pan with a removable ring.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin.
Freeze any leftover dough for future use.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel and core the apples. Slice into very thin slices.
Cover and spread pie crust with apple sauce. Arrange sliced apples over apple sauce.
Brush apples with butter and sprinkle sugar over apples. Bake the tart at the lowest rack for 30 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender and golden brown.
Remove the tart from the pan and transfer to a rack. In a small saucepan, melt apricot jam with Kirsch or water.
Strain apricot over apple. Spread evenly to form a glaze. Serve at room temperature.

French Canada trifle

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

custard:
5 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 egg yolks
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

trifle:
1 pound cake or equal amounts of genoise or sponge cake
2-4 tablespoons marsala, rum or brandy
1 cup strawberry jam
2 cups fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar

preparation

For the custard:
Mix together sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Add egg yolks and whisk to combine; then gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custards thickens to the consistency of thick cream, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add vanilla. Cover surface of custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming, and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
For the trifle:
Cut cake into 2-inch by 1-inch pieces. Arrange a layer of cake in the bottom of a large trifle glass bowl. Sprinkle cake with some of the Marsala; then spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake; then scatter some of the raspberries over the jam. Pour some of the custard over the berries. Repeat layering, ending with custard. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Remove trifle from refrigerator about 1 hour before serving. Just before serving, put heavy cream and sugar in a large bowl. Beat cream until it holds soft peaks. Do not over beat. Decorate trifle with large dollops of whipped cream.

Fresh blueberry pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup margarine or butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon and blueberries. Mix well and put into pie shell. Drizzle top with lemon juice.
Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Spread topping over berries.
Bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees, then cover with foil and continue baking for 20 minutes more.

Fresh ricotta

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1 cup 35 per cent cream
½ tsp salt
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Crusty bread
Extra-virgin olive oil

preparation

1. Stir milk, cream and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. This will take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Let stand, without stirring, for 5 to 8 minutes until mixture separates.

2. Line a colander with 5 layers of cheesecloth. Place lined colander over a bowl so excess liquid can drain. Pour mixture into lined colander and let stand for 1 hour. Transfer ricotta to a serving dish or container. If making ahead, ricotta will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days. Serve with crusty bread and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Fried banana wontons with custard sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

This is a dessert version of classic fried savory ravioli, dressed up with custard sauce.

Ingredients

3/4 cup finely chopped peeled ripe bananas
1/4 cup golden brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
16 wonton wrappers
1 large egg, beaten to blend
vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (optional)
Serve with Vanilla Custard Sauce

preparation

Gently mix bananas, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, walnuts and pecans in medium bowl (do not mash bananas).
Lay wonton wrappers on work surface and brush edges with egg. Spoon 1 1/2 heaping teaspoons banana filling into center of each wrapper.
Fold wrappers diagonally over filling. Press edges to seal. Place on baking sheet lined with plastic wrap. (Ravioli can be prepared 6 hours ahead.
Cover with plastic and refrigerate.) Add enough oil to heavy large skillet to reach depth of 2 inches.
Heat over medium heat to 350 F. Working in batches, add ravioli; cook until golden brown, about 45 seconds per side.
Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels; drain.
Arrange ravioli on serving plate and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve with Vanilla Custard Sauce.

Frozen individual strawberry soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

These soufflés keep well and can be prepared a day or two in advance. You will need six 6-ounce individual soufflé molds, 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches deep.

Ingredients

1 pint fresh strawberries or 1 10-oz package quick-frozen whole strawberries
1/2 cup egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons unsweetend cocoa powder

preparation

Prepare the soufflé dishes:
Cut parchment or wax paper into 6 strips, each 3 inches wide by 12 inches long. Wrap a strip around the outside of each soufflé mold and secure with transparent tape or a rubber band to form a raised collar extending about 1 1/2 inches above the edge of the mold. Place the molds in the refrigerator.
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries if fresh, or defrost the package of quick- frozen strawberries in hot water or in a microwave oven.
Process to a puree in a blender. Strain the puree through a fine sieve over a small bowl. Refrigerate.
Place the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl and add the cream of tartar. Stir the sugar and water in a clean grease-free saucepan. Place over high heat.
Begin immediately to beat the egg whites using preferably a standing electric mixer, slowly at first, then increasing the speed moderately. When the sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature of 234 to 238 degrees F (soft ball stage *), remove it from the heat. By then the egg whites are medium stiff. Increase the speed of the electric beater while pouring a steady stream of the syrup into the whites. Continue beating for 5 to 6 minutes.
Transfer the egg white mixture to a clean mixing bowl. Refrigerate. Wash the mixing bowl. Rinse under cold water, and dry. Pour the cold cream in the bowl. Whisk using the electric beater until whipped and thick. Fold half of the strawberry puree into the egg whites.
Fold the remaining strawberry puree into the whipped cream. Then fold the two mixtures together. Divide the soufflé mixture among the 6 chilled prepared soufflé molds.
Freeze for at least 3 hours or more. 20 minutes before serving, remove the soufflés from the freezer and place in the refrigerator. Just before serving, remove the paper collars and carefully sprinkle the cocoa powder through a fine sieve over the top of each soufflé. Serve immediately.

* The simplest way to tell when the syrup reaches 235 degrees F is with a candy thermometer. But if you do not have one, use the following method: Fill a small bowl with ice water. When the syrup begins to bubble, spoon a drop into the ice water. If you can gather it into a small ball, the syrup has reached the soft ball stage, and is ready.

Frozen lime cream pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust, fully cooked
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream

preparation

In a medium mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, salt, lime rind, and juice. Cook over a double boiler until thickened. Cool thoroughly. Chill.
Whip egg whites until light and fluffy. Add sugar.
Continue beating until firm. Fold into the egg yolks mixture. Whip the cream until stiff. Fold into mixture.
Fill crust. Freeze until firm.

Frozen maple syrup mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

4 egg yolks
1 cup maple syrup
2 cups whipping cream

preparation

In saucepan,whisk egg yolks until pale and thickened. Whisk in maple syrup. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, about 12 minutes or until thick enough to coat back of wooden spoon. Immediately strain through sieve into bowl. Place bowl over larger bowl filled with ice. Whisk egg mixture until cool, about 10 minutes.
Beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg mixture until combined. Place in serving bowls. Freeze overnight.

Frozen orange soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Can be prepared a week ahead.

Ingredients

3 medium oranges (tangelos or navels)
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
6 ounces frozen concentrated orange juice
1/2 cup orange marmalade

preparation

Prepare the orange shells: Cut the oranges across in halves. Remove some of the pulp from the orange halves and cut a thin slice off the bottom to level shells. Fit the orange shells with a band of foil, doubled, to form a standing collar extending 1 1/2-inch above orange shells.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ice cream and orange juice concentrate. Soften and mix well to combine. Fill the prepared orange shells, level with the foil.

Freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving coat the top of each soufflé with orange marmalade. Remove the foil surrounding shells and serve.

Fruit cobbler

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Because this is served in the skillet in which it was made, it's better to make the cobbler the same day it will be served.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups fresh or defrosted fruit, such as blackberries, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, plums, cherries or apricots
1 cup sugar, or more as needed1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch fine salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the butter in a large (10- to 12-inch) cast-iron skillet (you could also use a metal or ceramic casserole or gratin pan) and place in the oven so the butter melts; this should take 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the fruit in a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash it just enough so that the pieces release some of their juices. If the fruit is tart, sprinkle a little sugar on top.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cup of sugar, the milk and vanilla extract, stirring to form a smooth batter.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully pour the melted butter from the skillet into the batter, stirring to combine, then pour the batter all at once into the skillet (it should begin to puff and set around the edges). Add the fruit and its juices to the center of the batter.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crumb comes out mostly clean. Serve warm, straight from the skillet.

Fruit sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups water
10 ounces sugar
1 ounce lemon juice
2 cups fruit pulp and juice (apricot, kumquat, lemon, orange, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberry, strawberries, tangerine)

preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and fruit pulp.
Refrigerate until cold. Churn in an ice-cream machine.

Fudge sauce

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup light cream (half and half)
3/4 cup heavy cream

preparation

In a medium pot, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cream. Bring to boil on high heat for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream. Bring to boil, simmer for 8 minutes. Keeps well refrigerated for a week.

Genoise cake with grand marnier berries and mascarpone whipped cream

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

Genoise Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, preferably clarified
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grand Marnier Berries:
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnier®
Mascarpone Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8-oz) package mascarpone, softened with 1 tbsp of cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest

preparation

For cake: Grease and flour the bottom(s) of two 9x2-inch pans or one 9-inch springform pan; line with wax or parchment paper. Sift together cake flour and 1/4 cup sugar twice; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan; off the heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Once cooled, remove the film from the top; carefully pour into a heatproof bowl, leaving the solids behind - set aside.

Whisk the eggs and 3/4 cup sugar in a large heatproof bowl; set over a pot of barely simmering water - whisk constantly until the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110 degrees F). Remove the bowl from the heat and beat on high speed until the mixture is lemony-colored, has tripled in volume. - like a continuous flat ribbon when dropped from a spoon (5 minutes in a heavy-duty mixer with the whisk attachment, 10 - 15 minutes with a hand-held mixer).

In 3 additions, sift the flour mixture over the top and fold in very gently with a rubber spatula. If the butter has become to solid, reheat briefly and transfer to a medium bowl. Fold about 1 1/2 cups of the egg mixture into the butter until completely incorporated, along with the vanilla extract. Bake until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan(s) and the top springs back when lightly pressed, about 15 minutes in cake pans, 30 minutes in a springform pan. Let cool in the pan(s) on a rack for 10 minutes. Slide a thin knife around the cake to detach it from the pan(s); remove the side of the springform pan, if using. Invert the cake and remove the paper liner(s). Let cool right side up on the rack.

For berries: While the cake is baking, place the berries in a glass bowl and pour Grand Marnier on top. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for the berries to macerate and thaw.

For the mascarpone whipped cream: whip the heavy cream in a large metal bowl, then (using the same hand mixer), whip the mascarpone, sugar and orange zest into a smaller separate bowl. Fold mascarpone into the whipped cream.

Slice the cake into 3 layers. spoon berries with juice between cakes layers, then spread over whipped cream. Decorate top with mascarpone whipped cream.

Gingerbread and cranberry torte

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
2/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
confectioners' sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch round cake pan with removable sides.
In bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add molasses, egg, until well blended. In a small bowl, combine flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and ground clove. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Spread batter in pan.
Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on batter. Bake cake 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is firm. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Remove from pan. Sift confectioners' sugar around edge of cake.

Gingerbread sticky toffee pudding

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
1 cup water
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 stick butter, plus extra for greasing
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons molasses
Zest of half an orange
For the sticky toffee sauce:

1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9 by 13 baking dish.

Combine the dates and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow liquid to cool and puree the date mixture with its liquid in a blender or food processor. Reserve.

Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth at medium-high speed. Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined. Add molasses and mix until incorporated. Lower the speed and slowly add flour mixture in three parts. Stir in date puree and orange zest.

Transfer batter to prepared dish and bake until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sticky toffee sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Slowly add cream and dark brown sugar, whisking until mixture comes to a gentle boil and forms a smooth sauce. Set aside.

Remove pudding from the oven and immediately poke holes in the pudding every inch or so using a skewer or chopstick. Pour three quarters of the sauce over the cake and allow it to soak in for at least 30 minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of extra sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

Grand marnier orange mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
4 egg yolks
5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
2 1/4 cups chilled whipping cream
1/4 cup icing sugar

preparation

Combine Grand Marnier, lemon juice and gelatin in a bowl. Allow to set for 5 minutes. Heat in double boiler to dissolve gelatin. Heat orange juice.
In a large bowl, beat yolks, sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in orange juice. Stir over medium heat to thicken. Do not boil. Strain in large bowl.
Add gelatin mixture and orange peel. Let stand until cool but not set, stirring occasionally. Beat cream with icing sugar to soft peaks.
Fold in gelatin mixture. Use for orange mousse Grand Marnier cake, or pour into a decorative mold or individual cups to set. Unmold before serving.

Grand marnier soufflé

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

For molds:
1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces Grand Marnier
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled if necessary.
serves 6 to 8

1/2 cup macadenia nuts
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup light cream

preparation

Makes: two 1-quart soufflé molds
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of 2 1-quart soufflé molds. Sprinkle with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet and set side.
Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cornstarch; stir until smooth. Pour in the milk and sugar. Whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. Blend in the Grand Marnier.
In an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar to until soft peaks form when beater is lifted. Add sugar gradually while beating constantly until the egg whites are firm. Fold the egg whites into the Grand Marnier mixture. Divide the soufflé mixture between the two prepared molds. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve with Macademia nut sauce.

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until the sauce is smooth and medium thick. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Serve with soufflés.

Grapefruit Alaska

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:2 minutes

Ingredients

2 large ruby red grapefruit
2 teaspoons grenadine syrup
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoon sugar
2 cups raspberry sorbet

preparation

Preheat oven at 500 degrees.
Cut the grapefruit in halves crosswise. Cut off the sections, and discard the membranes from grapefruit. Chill shells upside down on a baking tray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grapefruit sections with the grenadine. Chill for 30 minutes Strain grapefruit sections and save 2 tablespoons of the grenadine juice.
In an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat the egg whites until light and fluffy, then stir in the grenadine juice and sugar.
Continue beating until meringue is thick and firm.
Scoop the raspberry sorbet into the grapefruit shells, filling the shells half way.
Arrange the grapefruit sections on top of sorbet.
Spread meringue over the grapefruit, sealing well at edges of shells.
Bake for about a minute in oven, or until golden brown

Grapefruit cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
2 cup crushed coconut cookies
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1/2 cup melted butter

Filling:
2 grapefruits
3 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grapefruit juice from the fresh fruit
1-1/2 tablespoons gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 pound cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1-1/4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2/3 cup whipping cream

preparation

Mix together the crushed cookies, lemon rind and melted butter. Firmly press on the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.
Peel the grapefruits and cut the segments into small pieces. Drain juice and reserve for filling.
Separate 2 eggs and combine the egg yolks, the remaining whole egg, sugar, salt and 1 tablespoon of the juice in the top of a double boiler. Place over simmering water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Soak the gelatin in the water for 5 minutes. Stir into the warm custard until dissolved.
Beat cream cheese with remaining grapefruit juice, lemon juice and rinds (zest) until smooth. Beat into the custard. Fold in the grapefruit pieces. Lightly whip the cream.
Beat the egg whites in an electric mixer until they form soft peaks. Fold the cream and egg whites into the cheese mixture.
Pour into the prepared spring form pan and chill for several hours or overnight.

Grapefruit fondue

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

2 large grapefruit
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons Galliano
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cantaloupe or honeydew melon cut into balls

preparation

Finely grate enough peel from the grapefruits to yield one tablespoon.
Squeeze juice from both grapefruit. Put sugar, Galliano and cornstarch into a saucepan and blend smoothly together. Stir in the grapefruit juice and peel, then bring to the boil, stirring all the time, and simmer for one minute.
Remove from the heat, stir in the cream and pour into fondue pot. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve warm with the melon balls and other fruit to dip.

Gum paste - pastillage

Serves: 24

Preparation time:15 minutes

Keep the pastillage in a sealed bag as it dries rapidly

Ingredients

2 packets unflavored gelatin I used Knox gelatin
1/3 cup water
6 cups powdered sugar lightly spooned into cup
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp corn syrup

preparation

Combine the powdered sugar and the cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
Place the water into a 2 cup heatproof glass and sprinkle the gelatin. Let it stand until the gelatin blooms (about 5 minutes), then place in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Then add the corn syrup and continue to stir until no lumps appear.
Make a well in the center of the powdered sugar and add the gelatin mixture. Mix slowly until everything is incorporated. Turn off the mixer and knead by hand for a few minutes. If it is too dry add a few drops of water and continue to knead. When the pastillage is pliable, wrap in plastic and place into a zip lock bag. You should be able to use immediately.
To make the pastillage workable heat small pieces in the microwave for 10 seconds or less. Be careful, if you heat it up too much it will become soft and sticky and/or too hot. If this happens, just let it sit for a few minutes.

Honey lavender ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:6 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon dried lavender leaves (pesticide-free)
5 large egg yolks
5 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Benedictine liqueur

preparation

Make ice cream:
Bring cream, half-and-half and lavender just to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Pour through a fine sieve into a measuring cup.
Whisk together yolks, honey, and Benedictine in a bowl, then add hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking.
Pour custard into pan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 175 degrees F. (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl and cool. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
Freeze in an ice-cream maker to manufacturer's instructions.

Irish coffee pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Bring the luck of the Irish into your home with this Irish coffee flavored pie.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

Filling Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or
1/4 cup strong espresso coffe
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
Garnish Ingredients:
chocolate shavings or whipped cream, sweetened, if desired

preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all crust ingredients in medium bowl. Press onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.
Combine marshmallows, milk, sugar and coffee granules in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted (10 to 12 minutes). Pour into large bowl; cool completely. Stir Irish whiskey into cooled marshmallow mixture; gently stir in whipped cream. Pour into cooled crust. Refrigerate until set (4 hours or overnight).
Garnish with chocolate shavings or sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Irish cream cheesecake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 cup wafer crumbs
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:
3 8-ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/3 cup Irish cream
3 ounces white chocolate, melted

Topping:
whipped cream
chocolate shavings

preparation

Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
CRUST:
Combine wafer crumbs, pecans, sugar, and butter. Press mixture onto bottom of 2 inch by 9 inch springform pan. Chill.
FILLING:
In an electric mixer, beat cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at the time, until just blended. Beat in liqueur and white chocolate. Pour into pan. Bake 50 min. or until center is just set. Remove from oven and run knife around sides of pan to prevent cracking. Cool.
TOPPING:
Top cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

Irish cream sandwiches

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 to 3 teaspoons Irish cream liqueur**

Topping ingredients:
Powdered sugar, if desired

preparation

Combine 3/4 cup butter and sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, cocoa and salt.
Beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half; shape each half on lightly floured surface into 8-inch long square log with 1 1/2-inch sides.
Wrap in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (2 hours or overnight).
Heat oven to 325°F. Cut logs into 1/4-inch square slices with sharp, serrated knife. Place squares 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until set.
Combine powdered sugar and 1/4 cup butter in small bowl. Beat at low speed, adding enough liqueur for desired spreading consistency.
Spread about 1 teaspoon filling on cookie, top with second cookie. Press together gently. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
**Substitute 2 to 3 teaspoons very strong brewed coffee.

TIP: Make sure not to slice the cookie dough too thick or the cookies will not be crisp.

Make Ahead: Prepare cookies as directed; cool completely. Freeze in airtight container up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw cookies completely. Prepare filling and assemble cookie sandwiches as directed.

Irish mist brownies

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

A fudgy brownie, layered with mint butter cream and drizzled with chocolate.

Ingredients

Brownies Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
2 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs

Filling Ingredients:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
5 drops green food color
2 drops yellow food color

Drizzle Ingredients:
1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened baking chocolate, melted

preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. Melt 1/2 cup butter and 2 squares chocolate in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth (4 to 6 minutes). Stir in all remaining brownie ingredients until well mixed. Spread into greased 8-inch square baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until brownie just begins to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely.
Combine all filling ingredients except chocolate in small bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Spread over cooled bars.
Drizzle with melted chocolate. Cool completely; cut into bars. Cover; store refrigerated.

Irish whiskey cake

Serves: 16

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

Based on a recipe from Downey's restaurant in Philadelphia.

Note: Since Meg Downey shared this adaptation of the family recipe in 1982, most boxed cake mixes have been reformulated to yield moister (pudding-in-the-mix type) cakes. For that reason, the original amount of pudding mix has been reduced by half.

Ingredients

one 18.5-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 (3 5/8-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix (see note)
1/2 cup whole or low-fat milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup Irish whiskey
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup (4 ounces) coarsely chopped black walnuts
FOR THE GLAZE
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup Irish whiskey
1 tablespoon water

preparation

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch tube pan, preferably nonstick, or bundt pan with nonstick cooking oil spray.

Combine the cake and pudding mixes in a small bowl.

Combine the milk, oil and whiskey in the bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer; beat on low speed until mixed well. Add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth, then add the beaten eggs in several additions until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until slightly thickend. Turn off the motor and add the walnuts, stirring by hand. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 75 to 90 minutes, being careful not to let it get too brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool in the pan.

For the glaze: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, whiskey and water, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Pour one-third of the glaze over the hot cake in the pan. Let cool on the wire rack for 1 hour, then remove from the pan and invert so the cake is upside down on a plate; pour one-third of the glaze over the cooled cake, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 days. The next day, unwrap the cake, invert onto a second plate and pour half of the remaining glaze over the cake; recover tightly with plastic wrap; this process allows the glaze to flavor the cake evenly. On the next day, repeat the process, using the remaining glaze.

Irish whiskey date cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

For the cake:
¾ pound dates, pitted and chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1½ tablespoons baking powder

For the sauce:
10 oz (2½ sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups Sweetened whipped cream, for serving

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9 x 2-inch round cake pan.

Place the dates in a deep saucepan with 1¾ cups of water. Bring to boil, stirring a little to break up the dates. Allow to simmer 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the baking soda (it will bubble up!). Set aside.

Meanwhile, in an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla, scraping down the mixing bowl. (It may look curdled.) Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer still on low, slowly add it to the batter. With the mixer on low, add the hot date mixture in two batches to the batter, scraping down the bowl. The batter will be runny but don't worry! Stir in the baking powder, which will also bubble up. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the bourbon and vanilla and pour into a 2-cup heat-proof glass measuring cup. Set aside.

As soon as the cake is done, poke holes all over it with a toothpick. Pour one cup of the sauce evenly over the cake while still warm and allow it to soak in for 30 minutes. Turn the cake out bottom side up onto a flat serving plate and pour one more cup sauce on top. Cool completely.

Serve at room temperature with sweetened whipped cream and remaining whiskey sauce.

Jelly-filled pears in puff pastry with caramel sauce

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For the sauce:
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon Calvados
Pears:
4 small bartlet pears, peeled (About 5 oz each)
4 teaspoons red currant jelly
1 pound puff pastry sheets
1 egg yolk, beaten for glaze
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

preparation

For the sauce:
Stir sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Increase heat and boil until syrup turns deep-amber color. Remove from heat.
Carefully stir in cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Cool. Stir in calvados. (can be made 1 or 2 days ahead.) Cover and chill.
For pears:
Cut off top of 1½ inches from stem end of the pears and reserve.
Core each pear through top, leaving bottom intact. Spoon 1 teaspoon jelly into hole of each pear. Replace stem end.
Roll out puff pastry about ¼ inch thick. Cut out 4 8-inch rounds and 4 2-inch rounds.
Place pear in center of each 8-inch pastry round. Gather pastry around each pear and pinch pastry to hold in place. Brush pastry with egg glaze.
Make hole in center of each 2-inch pastry round. Fit 1 round over stem of each pear to form top.
Press firmly against pastry bottom to seal.
Brush pastry top with egg glaze. Cut out 4 small leaves from pastry scraps. Brush with egg and place 1 leaf just below stem of each pear.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter baking sheet.
Place pears on sheet and bake until pastry is golden brown, about 25 min.
Rewarm caramel sauce, stirring frequently. Spoon sauce over 4 plates.
Place hot pear in center of each plate. Serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Key lime pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch Graham cracker pie crust

2 14-ounce cans condensed milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup super fine sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat condensed milk with egg yolks. Mix in the lime juice. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until pie is firm in center.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.
Gradually add sugar and continue whipping to form stiff peaks. Spread or pipe egg whites over the baked pie.
Bake at 325 degrees until golden brown. Cool pie on rack and refrigerate before serving.

Key lime pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

8

1 9-inch
Graham cracker crumb recipe
2 14-ounce cans condensed milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup confectioners sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat condensed milk with egg yolks. Mix in the lime juice.
Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until pie is firm in center.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.
Gradually add sugar and continue whipping to form stiff peaks. Spread or pipe egg whites over the baked pie.
Bake at 325 degrees until golden brown Cool pie on rack and refrigerate before serving. Cut into 8 equal portions. Decorate plates with lime gratings and slices.

Key lime tart in sugar cookie crust

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Use key limes for traditional flavor in this refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon freshly grated key lime peel*
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Filling ingredients:
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup key lime juice*
1 tablespoon freshly grated key lime peel*
2 eggs
4 egg yolks
6 tablespoons Butter

garnish ingredients:
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons freshly grated key lime peel*

preparation

Heat oven to 400°F. Combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour, 1 tablespoon lime peel, milk and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Press onto bottom and up sides of greased 10-inch tart or quiche pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine 1 cup sugar, lime juice and 1 tablespoon lime peel in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
Beat eggs and egg yolks in small bowl with wire whisk. Stir small amount of hot sugar mixture into egg mixture using wire whisk. Gradually stir egg mixture into hot sugar mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened (6 to 8 minutes).
Remove from heat. Stir in 6 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, with wire whisk. Cool 15 minutes.
Pour cooled filling into crust; smooth top. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Just before serving, beat whipping cream in small bowl at high speed, scraping bowl often, until stiff peaks form (2 to 3 minutes). Place whipped cream in pastry bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe whipped cream onto tart; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons lime peel. *Substitute regular lime peel and lime juice. TIP: To get the most juice from limes, grate limes first. Then microwave limes on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds to warm slightly before juicing. If additional Key lime juice is needed, add bottled Key lime juice.

Kiwi sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

8 kiwis
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice

preparation

Peel kiwis. Puree in a food processor. Combine water and sugar. Heat in a saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Cool the syrup. Add the lemon juice and kiwi puree.
Pour the mixture in an ice cream maker and freeze 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with kiwi slices or other color contrasting fruit if desired.

Krumkake cannoli

Serves: 15

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Krumkake is a thin, delicate embossed cookie of Norwegian origin. Typically the cookie is rolled into a cone while still warm and flexible. It can be served plain or filled with whipped cream or ice cream.

A classic Krumkake Iron with a traditional embossed pattern is used to make the wafers.
Also, see Pizzellis.

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla

preparation

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Cook on a krumkake iron to form wafers.
Serve them cut in wedges, or while wafer is hot, shape into a cup over a glass or similar container. Store in an airtight container.
Spoon fruit, ice cream or chocolate mousse into cup.

Lady fingers in pyjamas

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Small bananas wrapped in French crepes.
A French carribbean recipe known as TI FIGUES EN PYJAMAS

Ingredients

12 tiny bananas
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
12 small crepes
1 teaspoon butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup chocolate sauce

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel the bananas. Saute in butter until evenly brown but firm. Sprinkle brown sugar over bananas. Continue cooking to make a caramel with the sugar. Pour dark rum over the bananas. Ignite the rum. Transfer the bananas to a platter. Save the cooking juice.
Roll each banana in a small crepe. Cut the ends of crepes extending beyond the bananas.
Butter an oven-proof baking dish. Line the banana crepes in the dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake for 10 minutes. Arrange the bananas in a serving platter. Combine the chocolate sauce with the pan juice. Serve with the banana crepes

Lemon and lime squares with pistachio crust

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 15 minutes

You may accompany the squares with a raspberry coulis.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pan
2/3 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup (4 ounces) graham-cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoons grated lime zest
FOR THE FILLING
2 large egg yolks
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with melted butter. Line bottom with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides.
In a food processor, finely chop pistachios with graham-cracker crumbs, sugar, and zest. Blend in butter. Press mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of prepared pan. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 12 minutes. Cool crust, 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and condensed milk. Add lime and lemon juices; whisk until smooth. Pour filling into cooled crust; carefully spread to edges.
Bake until set, about 15 minutes. Cool in pan on rack; then chill at least 1 hour before serving. Using parchment paper overhang, lift out of pan, and transfer to a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut into 16 squares, wiping knife with a damp kitchen towel between each cut.

Lemon bars

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Lemon cheese cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 1/4 cups sugar cookie crumbs
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
6 ounces cream cheese, soft
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water

preparation

Crust:
Mix ingredients for crust. Press on bottom and sides of a greased 8-inch spring form mold.
Filling:
Combine egg yolks, sugar, and lemon juice in a double boiler. Whisk until hot and thick. Add lemon peel.
Mix the remaining ingredients, and stir in egg yolk mixture. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Melt over low heat and stir in cream cheese mixture. Spread in mold. Refrigerate to set.

Lemon cream tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces soft cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons melted margarine
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 eggs, beaten
1 10-inch pie crust

preparation

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Line the pie crust in a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press in bottom and sides of pan.
Combine cream cheese and sugar. Add lemon juice and egg. Beat until smooth. Spread over crust.
Combine sugar, flour, corn syrup, lemon juice, margarine, and lemon peel. Mix well. Add beaten eggs.
Carefully pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake 40 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool completely.
Remove from pan and refrigerate.

Lemon curd

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
4 eggs
1 cup lemon juice

preparation

Melt butter in a double boiler. Add sugar, grated lemon rind, lemon juice. Stir to melt sugar.
Beat eggs in a mixing bowl until frothy.
Mix into lemon mixture. Return to double boiler, and cook and stir until thick. Ladle into jars, cover, and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate.

Lemon custard

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:7 minutes

This is a light version.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cornstarch
grated rind of 2 lemons
½ cup lemon juice
3 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon lemon extract
whipped cream (optional)

preparation

In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs. Mix in cornstarch and lemon juice. Set aside.
In large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear around edges of pan.
Stir into egg mixture. Strain through a fine strainer and add lemon rind. Return mixture to clean saucepan.
Cook over medium heat while whisking 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened.
Divide lemon custard evenly among eight 1/2-cup ramekins or custard cups.
Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with whipped cream before serving.

Lemon custard squares

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

CRUST:

1 cup flour
1 cup Graham wafer crumbs
1 cup coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened

FILLING:
1 can (300 ml) condensed milk
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup lemon juice

TOPPING:
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons sugar

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Bottom crust:
Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well together. Press one half into an 8-inch square pan. Save remaining half of crumb mixture for the top.
Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine milk, egg yolks and lemon juice. Beat 1 minute. Spread over bottom mixture.
Topping:
Beat egg whites and sugar until it reaches the consistency of meringue. Spread on top of filling. Spoon remaining crumbs mixture over top. Bake for about 25 minutes and until top is brown.

Lemon krumkake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon lemon extract

preparation

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Cook on pizzelli machine to form wafers, or while wafer is hot, shape into cup over a glass or similar container.

Lemon meringue ice cream pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

Lemon curd:

2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
Pinch of salt

Crust:
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
3 cups vanilla ice cream, or coconut ice cream, slightly softened, divided

Meringue
4 large egg whites, room temperature
Pinch of cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar

preparation

For lemon curd:
Whisk eggs and egg yolks in medium bowl. Melt butter in medium metal bowl set over large saucepan of simmering water. Whisk in sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt; gradually whisk in egg mixture. Whisk until thick and thermometer inserted into curd registers 178°F to 180°F, about 8 minutes. Transfer to small bowl. Press plastic wrap on top of curd; chill 4 hours.
Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

for crust:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix pecans or walnuts, sugar, and butter in medium bowl until moistened. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish (mixture will be crumbly). Bake until crust is lightly toasted, about 12 minutes (crust will slip down sides of dish). Use back of spoon to press crust back into place. Cool crust on rack. Freeze crust 30 minutes.

Dollop 1 1/2 cups ice cream over crust; spread into even layer. Spread lemon curd over ice cream; freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Dollop 1 1/2 cups softened ice cream over lemon curd; spread into even layer. Cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

For meringue: Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in medium bowl until frothy. Beat in cream of tartar. With mixer running, gradually add sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon meringue over pie, spreading to seal at edges and swirling decoratively.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Freeze pie. Brown meringue until golden in a preheated 500°F oven watching to prevent burning, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cut pie into wedges; serve immediately.

Lemon meringue pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe Never Fail Pie Crust

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn starch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 eggs, separated
grated rind of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup sugar

preparation

Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use.
Line crust with foil or parchment paper and weight with beans or pie weights.
Bake at 400 degrees until edge is light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the beans and foil, and continue cooking until bottom is dry, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
In 2-quart saucepan stir together 1 cup sugar and corn starch. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Stir in egg yolks. Whisking constantly, bring to boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon rind, lemon juice, and butter.
Turn into pastry shell. In an electric beater, whisk egg whites at high speed until foamy.
Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating to form stiff peaks. Spread some meringue around edge of filling first, touching crust all around, then fill in center.
Bake in 325 F oven about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

Lemon meringue pie tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

A towering lemon meringue pie to wow guests at the table.

Ingredients

For the pastry

3 oz (90 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (20 g) ground almonds (almond meal)
1/2 cup (50 g) icing (confectioners’) sugar
2 large eggs
5 oz (150 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the lemon custard

1 leaf (sheet) gelatine
3 unwaxed lemons
3 eggs
70 g caster (superfine) sugar
4 oz (120 g) unsalted butter

For the Italian meringue
230 g caster (superfine) sugar
2 tbsp water
1 lemon, juice only
4 egg whites

preparation

First make the pastry. In a bowl, soften the butter with a spatula. In a mixer with a paddle (flat beater) attachment, beat the softened butter, ground almonds (almond meal) and icing (confectioners’) sugar until smooth.

Then add the eggs, one at a time, while beating. Incorporate the flour and salt. Mix the pastry dough until crumbly.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Make the lemon custard. Soften the gelatine in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Zest two of the lemons and squeeze all three. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.

Combine the lemon juice, sugar and butter in a pan and bring to the boil. Gradually add the eggs, incorporating with a whisk. Cook over a low heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Pour the mixture into a bowl. Squeeze the gelatine and incorporate. Add the lemon zest. Use an immersion blender to mix well. Put into an airtight container and rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Roll out the pastry dough into a 6-mm/1/4-inch-thick disc. Grease a tart pan with butter and line with the pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Make the Italian meringue. Dissolve the sugar into 2 tablespoons of water and the lemon juice in a pan over a low heat.

Bring to the boil and cook until the mixture reads 120°C/250°F on a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, put a little of the syrup in a spoon and let one drop fall into a glass of cold water. If it forms a small, soft ball, the syrup is ready.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Pour the syrup in a thin stream into the meringue while whisking until the mixture cools.

Fill the pastry case (shell) with the lemon custard. Use a plastic spatula to cover the tart with meringue, creating a dome in the centre. Caramelise with a chef's blowtorch.

Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Lemon mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar

preparation

Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat over low heat to dissolve. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set. Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds.

Lemon or lime mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

preparation

Lemon pound cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

Very moist pound cake that comes out right each and every time. To make super fine sugar, mix regular granulated sugar in a blender until fine.

Ingredients

3 1⁄2 cups cake flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 1⁄2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1⁄4 cups super fine sugar
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

FOR THE HOT SYRUP TOPPING
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar (Yes, this much more!)
2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated (Yes, this much more!)
1⁄2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

preparation

FOR THE CAKE:
Making sure there is a rack in the middle of the oven.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F, then butter and flour a 10" (12-cup) Bundt pan.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together TWICE.
In a large bowl and with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter until light & fluffy.
Gradually beat in 1 3/4 cups of sugar, about 3 tablespoons at a time, and continue beating until light & fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture alternately with the milk, in batches, beginning & ending with the flour.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of the zest & both extracts.
Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth top with a rubber spatula, and bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

FOR THE HOT SYRUP TOPPING:
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon zest & lemon juice to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
Turn cake out onto the rack and brush the hot syrup over the hot cake.
Let brushed cake cool to room temperature, then cut into wedges

Lemon pound cake loaf

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
grated rind of 2 lemons
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup milk
Glaze:
juice of 2 lemons mixed with
1/2 cup icing sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter and flour two 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pans.

In an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add lemon rind.
Combine flour, salt and baking powder. Mix into creamed mixture alternately with milk.
Transfer to prepared pan.
Bake 40-45 minutes.
Prick holes in top of hot loaf and pour glaze over. Cool 10 minutes in pan.
Unmold on platter.

Lemon pudding cake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

2 large lemons
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups whole milk

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Finely grate 1 tablespoon zest from lemons, then squeeze 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons juice.
Whisk together flour, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl.
Whisk together yolks, milk, zest, and juice in a small bowl and add to flour mixture, whisking until just combined. Beat whites in another large bowl with an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks.
Whisk about one fourth of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly (batter will be thin).
Pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart ceramic gratin or other shallow baking dish and bake in a hot water bath until puffed and golden, 45 to 50 minutes.
Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lemon rhubarb mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For rhubarb mousse:
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 cup Rhubarb puree, well chilled **
1/2 cup whipping cream, beaten to stiff peaks

For lemon mousse:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups cool whip, lite
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the rhubarb purée:
3/4 cup rhubarb pieces, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup mashed strawberries or raspberries

preparation

For rhubarb mousse:
Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat over low heat to dissolve.
In a mixing bowl, combine the gelatin with the rhubarb puree.
Fold in the whipped cream.

For lemon mousse:

Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat over low heat to dissolve. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set.
Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold into the lemon mixture.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to a stiff peak. Fold into the lemon mousse.

For the rhubarb purée:

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine rhubarb and sugar. Cover mixture and let stand for 2 hours or more.
Cook rhubarb over low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir in strawberries.
Cool completely. Cover puree and chill until ready to serve.

To assemble:
alternate layers of rhubarb and lemon mousse in parfait glasses, wine glasses, or glass serving bowl. Refrigerate before serving.

Lemon shortbread coconut squares

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup sifted icing sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 eggs
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, from about 4 lemons
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

preparation

1. For base, preheat oven to 350F (180C). Lightly butter bottom and sides of a 9x13-in. (3-L) baking dish. In a large bowl, stir 1 cup (250 mL) flour with coconut and icing sugar until mixed. Cut in butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Turn into prepared baking dish and press evenly over bottom. Base will be thin. Bake in centre of oven just until crust starts to turn golden. Do not overcook. . Remove from oven and set on a heatproof surface. Then reduce oven to 325F (160C).
2. For filling, in a large bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice. Stir flour with sugar, then whisk into egg mixture. Pour over hot baked crust. Make sure oven is reduced to 325 F (160 C), then bake in centre of oven until filling is set when pan is jiggled, 30 to 35 min. Cool on a rack. Cut into 2-in. (5-cm) squares just before serving.

Lemon snow pudding

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup toasted almonds
raspberry sauce

preparation

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Add the boiling water and lemon juice. Stir in sugar and blend well until completely dissolved. Chill until mixture starts to jell.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to form soft peaks, and gradually add sugar while beating to firm peaks.
Fold into the jellied mixture. Pour in ring mold, decorative molds or individual molds.
Chill until set. Unmold and sprinkle with almonds.
Serve with raspberry sauce.

Lemon sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice
5 tablespoons lemon zest

preparation

In a medium saucepan, Heat the water and sugar until dissolved. Bring to a boil, simmer 2 minutes and leave to cool. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the sugar syrup. Chill the mixture.
Freeze the mixture in an ice cream machine, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Lemon sorbet in lemon shells

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

LEMON CUPS:
8 large uniform lemons

LEMON SORBET:
1/3 cup lemon zest
1 cup strained fresh lemon juice - from lemons used for cups
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water until sugar dissolves. Add lemon zest. Stir until mixture comes to a boil; boil 2 minute. Remove from heat, cool, and strain.

Ice Cream Maker - Transfer mixture to ice cream maker, process according to manufacturer's instructions.
Freezer Method - Pour into container, cover, and place mixture in the freezer. When it is semi-solid, mash it up with a fork and refreeze again. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time. NOTE:
Can be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance. Cover and keep frozen.

preparation

Cut off the top 1/3 of the lemon (not the stem end) and reserve for the 'cap'.
Hollow out each lemon by using a grapefruit knife just inside the rind and circling the flesh (being careful not to puncture the lemon). Remove juice and flesh and put it in your juicer.
Make a slight shallow cut on the bottom of each lemon shells (being careful not to cut through to the inside of the lemon). This will make them sit straight and not fall over when placed on a plate.
Freeze the shells at least one hour or overnight. Then fill with sorbet and freeze again. this sorbet can be made ahead and will keep several days in the freezer. The frozen shell will prevent the sorbet from melting too quickly when you serve it.

LEMON SORBET:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water until sugar dissolves. Add lemon zest. Stir until mixture comes to a boil; boil 2 minute. Remove from heat, cool, and strain.

Ice Cream Maker - Transfer mixture to ice cream maker, process according to manufacturer's instructions.
Freezer Method - Pour into container, cover, and place mixture in the freezer. When it is semi-solid, mash it up with a fork and refreeze again. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time. NOTE:
Can be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance. Cover and keep frozen.

Lemon soufflé glacé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

You need a 1 1/2 quart a (6-cup) soufflé mold for this recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
3 ounces water
4 egg yolks
3/4 cup lemon juice
3 ounces lemon Jello
1/2 cup boiling water
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups Cool whip or whipped cream

preparation

Prepare the soufflé dish:
Wrap the outside of a 1 1/2 quart soufflé mold with foil extending about two
inches above rim. Secure with tape.
Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium to
high heat until sugar makes big bubbles or candy thermometer registers 240 F
(soft ball stage).

Mix egg yolks in electric mixer. Whisk in the hot sugar, and continue to mix
until cool. Stir in lemon juice. Mix Jello in hot water. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin
in cold water. Heat the set gelatin over a double boiler until melted. Stir into the
Jello mixture and add to egg mixture. Stir and blend in the grated lemon.
Whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.

Fold egg whites and cool whip or whipped cream into egg mixture. Fill soufflé dish with mixture.
Refrigerate until firm. Do not freeze. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon
slices and grated lemon peel. Remove the collar before serving.

Lemon souffles with macademia nut sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:16 minutes

These soufflés are great served individually after a fish entrée.
Recipe can be doubled if necessary.

Ingredients

For the molds:
1 tablespoon soft butter
1 tablespoon superfine sugar

For the soufflé mix:
3/4 stick (3 ounces) butter
1/3 cup flour
1 1/3 cups scalded milk
1/3 cup sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 recipe Macademia nut sauce (see recipe)

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled if necessary.

serves 6 to 8
1/2 cup macadenia nuts
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
1/2 cup light cream

preparation

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six 6-oz individual soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with superfine sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet.
In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Pour in the milk, and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the egg yolks and sugar. Mix in the lemon peel and juice. (I first grate the lemons for the peel, then make the juice with the grated lemons.)
The mixture can be made 3 to 4 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap.
In an electric mixing bowl, combine egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until thick and firm. With a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture. Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared molds. Fill up to the rim, and level the mixture with a small spoon or spatula. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes. Sprinkle with icing sugar.
Serve with Macademia nut sauce.

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until the sauce is smooth and medium thick. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Serve with lemon soufflés.

Lemon squares

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

For filling:

3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 cup lemon juice

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, butter and confectioners sugar. Press evenly in ungreased 8x8x2 inches pan, building up 1/2-inch edges.
Bake 20 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat remaining filling ingredients until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Pour over warm crust. Bake about 25 minutes or until center is firm. Cool. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Cut into 25 1-1/2-inch squares.

Lemon squares

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs, large
2 tbsps lemon zest
2 tbsps lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the tart lemon glaze:
4 tbsps lemon juice
8 tsps lemon zest
1 rounded cup powdered sugar

preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
3. Zest and juice two lemons and set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixture fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
6. Pour it into the flour mixture and beat for 2 mins at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
7. Pour into baking dish and bake for 23-25 mins, should turn golden around the edges.
8. Allow to cool completely before glazing. Do not overbake, or the bars will dry.
9. Filter the powdered sugar and whisk with lemon zest and juice.
10. Spread 1/2 the glaze over the brownies with a rubber spatula and let glaze set.
11. Spread 1/2 the glaze over the bars, and let it set.
12. Cut into bars and serve.

Lemon tart #1

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe
never fail pie crust
1 package unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
6 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup non dairy dessert topping

preparation

Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Cover pie shell with foil and dry beans or rice, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove inside of pie shell and foil, and continue baking at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Soften gelatin in water. Add lemon rind, juice and sugar. Heat to dissolve gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar in an electric mixer. Fold egg whites in gelatin mixture.
Fold in the non dairy dessert topping. Transfer into the tart shell. Chill to set. Garnish with lemon slices and lemon grated rind.

Lemon tart #2

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Same recipe can be used with lime juice, orange juice, or a combination of lemon and rum. For lemon tartlets, unfold paper cups flat. Line with thin pie crust. Bake in muffin tins.

Ingredients

1 recipe
never fail pie crust
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3/4 cup lemon juice
3 large egg yolks
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

preparation

Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Cover pie shell with foil and dry beans or rice, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove inside of pie shell and foil, and continue baking at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Filling:
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in cold water In a medium saucepan, boil sugar to 240 degrees. Whisk yolks in an electric mixer. Pour hot sugar over and beat until light, creamy and cool. Add lemon juice, gelatin and lemon rind. Cool until mixture is about to set. Beat whites with cream of tartar. Fold in egg-yolk-gelatin mixture. Pour in shell. Chill until set. Sprinkle with grated lemon rind

Lemon tart with walnut crust

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

4 ounces butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup walnuts, finely ground
1 cup flour

Filling:
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream

preparation

Beat the butter, sugar and egg yolk in an electric mixer.
Mix in the flour. Stir in the walnuts, mixing until dough comes together. Cover dough and chill.
Lightly oil a 9 1/2 inch tart pan. Roll dough to 1/3-inch thickness. Arrange in pan. Trim to fit.
Line crust with foil or parchment paper and weight with beans or pie weights.
Bake at 400 degrees until edge is light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the beans and foil, and continue cooking until bottom is dry, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar. Add lemon juice and cream. Whisk until combined. Strain mixture into crust.
Bake tart at 350 degrees until filling is set, about 25 to 30 min. Cool at room temperature. Serve at room temp. or chilled.

Lemon trifle

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
6 ounces lemon juice
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
16 ounces angel food cake
1 cup heavy cream

preparation

Dissolve gelatin in lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes. Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Combine egg yolks, half of the sugar and gelatin mixture in a saucepan. Cook over low heat and stir to thicken. Set aside to cool. Beat egg whites to form soft peaks. Add remaining sugar and continue to beat until peaks are stiff and glossy. Fold lemon mixture into egg whites. Whip the cream until medium stiff. Fold gently into lemon mixture. Cut angel food cake into 1" pieces and fold into lemon dessert. Spoon into serving dish and chill to set.

Lemon yummy dessert

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

FOR THE MERINGUE:

4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons milk

FOR THE TOPPING
1 pint heavy cream
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

FOR THE MERINGUE:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

Combine sugar, water and butter. Heat until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch blended with cold water. Cook until clear. Add lemon juice and peel. Add egg yolks which have been beaten with milk. Stir constantly till mixture bubbles.
Remove from heat and cool. Cover while cooling to prevent too much thickening on surface.

FOR THE TOPPING

Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff. Spread about a 1/3 of whipped cream on meringue layer. Spread lemon filling on whipped cream, then place remaining whipped cream on lemon filling. Refrigerate overnight.
* Cool whip can be used

Lemon- honey jello

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

2 envelops unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup cold water
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup lemon juice

preparation

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Allow to set for 5 minutes. Add honey and heat over double boiler until melted. Add lemon juice and enough water to make 2 cups.
Pour into a decorative molds. Set in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Serve cold.

Lemon-scented blueberry sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Use to top ice cream, warm pancakes, cheesecake

Ingredients

1 pound fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

preparation

Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until cornstarch dissolves.
Boil until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until cold. ( can be made 3 days ahead; keep chilled.

Liége belgian waffles - gaufres de liége

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

7 grams instant yeast = 1/4 ounce instant yeast = 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast = 21 grams fresh yeast

Pearl sugar (or sugar grains) makes all the charm of Liège waffles, because it brings crispness and gives an exceptional flavor to this waffle.

Ingredients

375 g of flour
180 g warm milk
30 g fresh baker's yeast or 1 tablespoon instant yeast
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon of fine salt
30g brown sugar
200 g softened sweet butter
250 g of pearled sugar

preparation

In the bowl of the robot,mix the milk and the yeast.
    Add the flour, eggs, sugar brown sugar, a pinch of salt and knead to obtain an elastic paste.
    Add the butter and knead gently to incorporate the butter and have a homogeneous mixture.
    Cover the dough with film wrap and let the dough rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
    When the dough has at least doubled in volume, deflate and incoporate the pearled sugar.
    Using a pastry brush, grease the hot waffle plates.
  Spoon a large spoonful of dough into the waffle maker.
    Close the waffle iron and cook +/- 3 minutes until golden brown.

Light chocolate soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

Makes six 1-cup soufflés

1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into small chunks
1/3 cup light cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
8 egg whites

preparation

Brush the inside of the soufflé dishes with soft butter. Lightly sprinkle with sugar and rotate dishes so the sugar evenly coats the surface. Refrigerate until needed.
In a medium bowl, combine cocoa and chocolate. In a small pan, combine light cream with water, and bring to a boil. Pour into bowl of chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
In a small pan, combine sugar with water. Bring to a boil, and heat to the soft- ball stage, or 250 degrees on the candy thermometer. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk, whip egg whites until fluffy.
Slowly add hot sugar to the egg whites, pouring it down the side of the bowl as the whites whip. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks; do not overbeat. Add warm chocolate mixture to beaten egg whites.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in until thoroughly combined. Spoon or pipe into soufflé molds.
Refrigerate, uncovered, up to 24 hours ahead of serving.
To serve, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Allow soufflés to come to room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes. Place on a baking sheet, and bake until risen, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving. Serve immediately.

Light raspberry mousse

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 ounces raspberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups pureed raspberries
2 cups cool whip
2 cups strawberry or raspberry sauce

preparation

Mix the Jello in boiling water.
Mix with pureed raspberries. Strain and refrigerate until cold, but not set.
Fold cool whip into raspberry mixture.
Pour into a decorative mold. Chill until set. Unmold on platter. Umold and serve with sauce

Light strawberry mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 ounces raspberry jello
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups pureed strawberries
2 cups Cool whip
2 cups strawberry or raspberry sauce

preparation

In a mixing bowl, stir the Jello in boiling water. Mix with pureed strawberries. Strain and refrigerate until cold, but not set.
Fold cool whip into strawberry mixture. Pour into a decorative mold. Chill until set. Unmold on platter and serve with sauce

Lime and coconut mousse tart

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

12

Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup ground pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sifted cocoa powder
1/2 cup melted butter

Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
2 envelops unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon grated lime rind
1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk
3 eggs yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons white rum
1 pound cream cheese, softened
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar

Raspberry sauce:
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1/3 cup sugar

preparation

Crust:
In large bowl, combine Graham crumbs, pecans, sugar, cocoa. Stir in butter. Press mixture onto base of greased 10-inch spring-form cake pan, pressing mixture slightly up sides. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Filling:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and gelatin. Stir in lime juice and rind. Set aside to soften. In a medium saucepan, heat coconut milk. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until lemony. Whisk in the hot coconut milk. Return mixture to saucepan. Cook stirring constantly, over medium heat to the consistency of thin custard. Do not boil.
Stir in gelatin mixture with rum. Cool to room temperature. Beat cream cheese. Blend in coconut mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour or until barely set.
Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add sugar, and beat until stiff. Gradually fold into the prepared mixture. Pour into crust. Refrigerate 2 hours.
Sauce:
Puree raspberries with sugar. Strain to a sieve. To serve: Loosen edges of tart. Remove side of pan.
Decorate with lime slices.

Lime chiffon cheese cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water, cold
4 egg yolks
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 8-ounce cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 cup whipping cream

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
CRUST:
Combine the crust ingredients. Press onto bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
FILLING:
Dissolve gelatin in cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Beat over a double boiler until mixture thickens. Stir in the gelatin. Beat cream cheese in a mixer. Gradually add the gelatin mixture. Blend well. Mix in lime juice and rind. Whip the cream until firm. Fold in cheese mixture.
Pour into pan. Chill until firm. Garnish with whipped cream piped rosettes and lime slices.

Lime curd and almond tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

For crust:
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, soft

For filling:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large eggs
1/2 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon grated lime zest

For compote:
3 cups bing cherries, diced
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1/2 cup diced mango
2 diced apricots
2/3 cup raspberries
1 teaspoon sugar

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Make crust:
Butter a 9-inch tart pan with a removable fluted rim. Mix to a fine powder in a food processor, almonds, sugar, and salt. Combine with wafer crumbs and butter. Mix well. Line the bottom and sides of pan with the crust mixture.
Bake 10 minutes to a deep golden color.
Make filling:
In a heavy saucepan, cook sugar, butter, cornstarch, eggs, and lime juice over moderate heat, whisking until thickened and bubbly. Stir in zest and cool.
Filling may be made 2 days ahead. Spoon filling evenly into crust. Cover surface with buttered round of wax paper. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Make compote:
In a bowl, toss compote ingredients and let stand for 15 min. Remove sides of pan, and transfer to a plate.
Serve with the compote.

Lime mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream OR 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar

preparation

Soften gelatin in cold water. Stir to mix and set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat over low heat or over a double boiler to dissolve. The melted liquid should be clear.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the gelatin. Cool mixture until lightly thickened but do not set.
Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold cream OR Cool Whip into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds.
Serve with TANGERINE JELLY

Lime tart with raspberry sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

crust:

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter
5 tablespoons sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon chopped lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Filling:
5 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon chopped lime peel

Sauce:
2 1/2 pints baskets raspberries
1 tablespoon sugar

preparation

Crust:
Combine crust ingredients in a food processor. Process until it forms in a ball. Refrigerate and roll to 12-inch round to fit in a 10-inch tart with removable bottom.
Line crust with foil or parchment paper. Fill with dry beans or pie weights. Bake until crust is set. About 15 minutes. Remove beans and foil. Continue baking until crust is golden. Transfer to a rack and cool.
Filling:
Whisk eggs, yolk and sugar together in medium bowl. Gradually mix in cream, lemon and lime juices and chopped peels. Pour filling into crust. Bake until filling is set, about 40 minutes. Cool to room temperature on rack.
Sauce:
Puree raspberries with sugar in blender. Strain. Dust tart with powdered sugar. Garnish with berries and serve with sauce.

Lime Whipped Cream with fresh fruit

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese softened in 1 tablespoon of milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

fresh fruit: (blackberries, blueberries and raspberries strawberries)

preparation

Combine cream, prepared mascarpone, sugar, lime peel and juice in a medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat to soft peaks.
(Can be made 4 hours ahead. )

Arrange in individual dishes and top with cut fruit

Luscious lemon mousse and passion

Serves: 8

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

This punchy lemon mousse will cleanse the palate and satisfy that sweet craving at the end of a meal. For a special finish, garnish it with fresh berries, toasted shaved coconut or crushed ginger cookies.

Ingredients

6 egg yolks
2 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (175 mL) lemon juice
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) whipping cream, (35%)
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
4 passion fruit

preparation

Preparation
In large heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, eggs, sugar and lemon juice. Set over saucepan of simmering water; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to mound on spoon and space remains after spoon is drawn through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Strain through fine sieve into large bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on surface; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
Whip cream with vanilla; gently stir one-third into lemon mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream mixture. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
Before serving garnish with the pulp of passion fruits

Mango cheesecake with vanilla cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

CRUST
2 packages (each 150 g) Swedish style gingersnap cookies
2 tsp (10 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for buttering pan
FILLING
1 cup (250 mL) peeled and diced ripe Ataulfo mango, approx. 2 medium mangoes (235 g each), at room temperature
3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar
2 blocks (each 250 g) Original Philadelphia cream cheese, quartered, at room temperature
Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
3 large eggs, at room temperature

ASSEMBLY
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
1 ripe Ataulfo mango, peeled, thinly sliced
1/4 cup (60 mL) flaked coconut, lightly toasted

preparation

For the filling, boil a full kettle of water. Add mango
and sugar to a clean bowl of a food processor and whirl,
scraping down sides if needed, until completely smooth, about
1 minute. Add cream cheese and vanilla seeds (saving pod
for another use). Continue processing until mixture is smooth
and fully combined. Scrape down sides, then add eggs. Pulse a few
times just until combined (do not This silky-smooth cheesecake
is baked on a spicy gingersnap crust and topped with rich vanilla
whipped cream, perfectly ripe mango and toasted coconut.
For the best texture, bring you ingredients to room temperature,
and while this recipe calls for honey-sweet Ataulfo mangoes,
any variety will do, as long as they’re perfectly ripe.

Position racks in centre and bottom third of oven. Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Lightly butter base of an 8-inch (20-cm) round smooth-based springform pan.
Line bottom with parchment and set aside.
For the crust, whirl gingersnaps in bowl of a food processor until
fine crumbs form (you should have about 2 cups/500mL).
Add sugar and pulse to combine.
Add melted butter and pulse until mixture resembles wet sand.
Transfer to prepared pan. Using a flat measuring cup, very firmly press crumbs into the bottom and 2 inches (5 cm) up the sides of the
pan. Bake in centre of oven until set, about 15 minutes. Transfer to
a rack. Cool while you make filling.

Mango coconut chia pudding

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup lite coconut milk
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
3/4 cup fresh ripe Ataúlfo mango, diced
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp sweetened shredded coconut
4-6 drops Nu-Naturals liquid stevia (or sugar/honey to taste)

preparation

Combine all ingredients in a large container. Mix well and close container.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 5-6 hours.
Divide into 2 bowls or glass dishes and serve. Enjoy!

Mango sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

4 ripe mangoes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

preparation

Peel and pit mangoes; save pulp and puree in a blender.
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until sugar is dissolved.
Cool syrup. Add lemon juice and mango pulp. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes or until creamy.

Mango soufflé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Filled with intense tropical flavors, this light soufflé gives the best results with ripe mangoes.

Ingredients

6 1 1/4-cup soufflé molds
For the molds
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons sugar

2 medium mangos ( 1 1/2 cups puree)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 egg yolks
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter the soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet. Do not touch the inside.
Choose ripe mangos, full of flavor. Peel and slice all the pulp into a mixing bowl. discard the pits.
Puree the mango pulp in a food processor. Whisk in the sugar and lemon juice. Pour the mixture in a saucepan, and stew over medium heat until thick. Cool the mango and transfer to a mixing bowl. Cool for 10 minutes Stir in the egg yolks.
In an electric mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar. When they reach a soft peaks, gradually add the confectioners sugar, and continue beating until the whites are firm and fluffy.
Fold the egg whites into the mango mixture.
Fill the mold with the soufflé mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve at once. Serve with a coconut custard cream.

Maple almond roll

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

This Maple Almond Roll is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert.

Ingredients

For the Almond Pastry Cream
1/2 Granulated Sugar
4 tsp. Cornstarch
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 C. Half-and-half
4 Large egg yolks, lightly beaten and discard the egg whites
1/2 tsp. Almond extract

For the Maple Cake
1/2 cup all-purpose f
lour
1 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Ground ginger
3/4 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Ground cloves
1/3 C. Maple syrup
4 Large eggs, at room temperature and separated
1/2 C. Granulated sugar

For the Maple Glaze
1 C. Powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. Maple syrup
1-2 tsp. Milk
Sliced almonds, optional

preparation

Make the pastry cream:
In a medium sauce pan combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.
Gradually stir in the half-and-half and cook over medium heat until the mixture has come to a light boil and thickened.
Cook the cream for 1 more minute.
Now stir half of the cream into the beaten egg yolks.
Add the cream and egg yolk mixture back into the medium sauce pan.
Bring the cream back to a light boil, reduce the heat to low and cook the cream for 2 more minutes.
After the 2 minutes are up remove the pan from the heat, stir in the almond extract and strain the pastry cream through a fine mesh strainer into a small mixing bowl.
Place the small mixing bowl into a ice water bath and let the pastry cream cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Directly cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic is touching the top of the cream to stop a film forming on top of the pastry cream, you do not want a film.
Chill the pastry cream in the refrigerator until it is cold.
Make the cake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F, 350°F if using a convection oven.
Line a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, grease the parchment paper.
In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves.
With your stand mixer, with the wire whisk attachment, in your small bowl beat the egg yolks on high speed until they are light yellow and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add in the maple syrup and whip until just combined.
Now take the small bowl off of your mixer, clean the wire whisk attachment and connect your large bowl to your mixer.
Add the egg whites to the large bowl and whip them on medium speed until soft peak form.
Gradually add in the sugar and whip the egg whites until they are stiff.
Now take the large bowl off of the stand mixer and with a large spatula fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Make sure to fold and not stir the egg whites, you do not want to take the air out of the egg whites, stirring will deflate the egg whites and make the cake turn out flat.
After the egg yolks are folded in sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold them in one tablespoon at a time until you have all of the flour added in and the mixture is just combined.
Spread the cake batter into your lined jelly roll pan and bake the cake for 12-15 minutes until it springs back when touched.
While the cake is baking take a large, lint free, kitchen towel and cover it with powdered sugar.
When the cake is done immediately invert it into the prepared kitchen towel and peel the parchment paper off.
Now while the cake is hot roll the cake into a spiral in the kitchen towel, make sure to roll with the short side in, and let it cool until it is at room temperature.
Once the cake and the pastry cream are cooled unroll the cake and spread the pastry cream on the inside of the cake roll. Be sure to keep the cream 1 inch from the edges of the cake.
Re-roll the cake, place it on your serving dish and trim off the end edges.

Make the glaze: In a small bowl add the powdered sugar, maple syrup and enough milk to bring the glaze to drizzle consistency and mix until well combined.
Drizzle the glaze over the cake roll and decorate with almond slices.
The cake will keep for 2-4 days covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Maple apple and bluebery crisp

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

6 cups sliced peeled apples
2 cups blueberries
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Toss apples, blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice and cinnamon;
spread in 8-inch square baking dish.
Topping:
Combine brown sugar, flour, rolled oats and cinnamon.
Pour in maple syrup and butter; toss until moistened.
Sprinkle over fruit.
Bake for 1 hour or until golden and fruit is fork tender.
Let cool on rack for 15 minutes.

Maple walnut ice cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:6 minutes

Ingredients

4 ounces sugar
7 egg yolks
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon maple extract
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

preparation

Combine sugar and egg yolks in a mixer. Whisk until mixture is white. Boil the milk, and pour over egg yolk mixture while stirring continuously.
Transfer to a saucepan, and slowly heat to thicken while stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping the bottom of saucepan. Do not boil. Strain ice cream mixture into a bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and cool.
Pour into an ice cream maker, and freeze.

Marbled pumpkin cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

You can make crumb crust with gingersnaps instead of graham crackers.
Cheesecake keeps, covered and chilled 3 to 4 days.

Ingredients

Crumb-crust recipe:
1 1/2 cups (5 oz) finely ground graham crackers or cookies such as chocolate or vanilla wafers or gingersnaps
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 made with finely ground gingersnaps
3 (8-ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 large egg yolks
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
15-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin

preparation

For Crumb crust recipe:
Stir together crust ingredients and press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of a buttered 9-inch (24-centimeter) springform pan. Fill right away or chill up to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and flour with an electric mixer until smooth and add whole eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla, beating on low speed until each ingredient is incorporated and scraping down bowl between additions. Transfer 2 1/2 cups filling to another bowl and beat yolks, spices, and pumpkin into remaining filling until smooth.
Put springform pan with crust in a shallow baking pan. Pour half of pumpkin filling into crust, then half of plain. Repeat procedure with remaining fillings (springform pan will be completely full), drizzling the plain so that some of pumpkin filling is still visible. Gently swirl a small spoon once through batters in a figure-eight pattern without touching crust. Bake in baking pan (to catch drips) in middle of oven 12 minutes, or until puffed. Reduce temperature to 200°F and bake 30 minutes (do not open oven). Dome a piece of lightly oiled foil over cake and continue baking until mostly firm (center will still be slightly wobbly when pan is gently shaken), about 1 hour more.
Run a knife around top edge of cake to loosen and cool completely in springform pan on a rack. Chill, loosely covered, at least 6 hours. Remove side of pan and transfer cake to a plate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Marbled strawberry bombe

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:3 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe cocoa sponge cake (see recipe)
1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
1 pint fresh sliced strawberries
1 quart strawberry ice cream
6 egg whites
1 cup confectioners' sugar

preparation

Slice the prepared cocoa sponge cake in two horizontally. Sprinkle cakes with Grand Marnier.
Place one cake on a heatproof plate or platter, arrange strawberries over cake, top with remaining cake.
Soften ice cream slightly, spoon onto cake, shape into a dome, cover, freeze until firm.
Beat egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating.
Spoon meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a tube. Starting with the base of the cake, pipe mixture evenly around cake and ice cream until completely covered.
Bake in a 500 degree oven for about 3 minutes or until meringue is lightly brown.
Serve immediately.

marionberry pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 25 minutes

Marionberries, a type of blackberry hybrid developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University, are glossy, black-purple, conical berries with a somewhat tart flavor (though sweeter than the traditional blackberry). The voluminous annual early summer crop results in abundant marionberry pies, jams, jellies and more sweet-tart concoctions. Once the cooked berries have turned a reddish color, you'll know your pie is done, complete with a sweet crumb topping to balance the berries' tartness.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup shortening
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
5 1/2 cups marionberries (if marionberries are not available, blackberries can be used)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup cornstarch

Topping:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch kosher salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

preparation

For the crust:
Put the flour, granulated sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a couple of times to mix. Add the shortening and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is coarse and a few pieces of butter are still visible. Add the apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons ice water. Pulse to combine. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface about 11 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick, to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place in the pie pan, trim and decoratively crimp the edges. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
For the filling:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup marionberries with the granulated sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until the berries begin to burst and the mixture is saucy, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Allow to cool slightly. Combine the remaining 4 1/2 cups marionberries with the cornstarch in a large bowl. Add the cooled marionberry mixture to the bowl and gently fold them in.
For the topping:
Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar and salt. Cut in the butter pieces using a pastry blender or your hands to form large crumbs.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie shell. Sprinkle the crumbs over the filling.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and continue baking until the crust is golden brown and the filling is thick, dark red and bubbly, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely before slicing. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe courtesy of Treva Chadwell

Mascarpone cheesecake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

This fine dessert can be prepared a day ahead, or can be frozen in airtight container for up to 10 days.

Ingredients

For crust:
1 cup sugar cookie crumbs (Chefdecuisine uses shortbread cookies)
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter

For filling:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
4 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 pound Mascarpone cheese
2 cups whipping cream

For garnish:
fresh raspberries or strawberries
lemon zest
red raspberry and strawberry sauce

preparation

Fit the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with a circle of parchment paper.
Combine cookie crumbs, sugar and butter in a bowl. Spread evenly into bottom of pan and refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm. To make cheese cake, combine sugar and cornstarch in a stainless steel saucepan.
Dissolve unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of the lemon juice. Whisk remaining lemon juice and beaten eggs in sugar and cornstarch mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens to a medium-thick consistency. Remove from heat.
Stir in gelatin and lemon zest. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool at room temperature.
Whisk in Mascarpone until smooth. Beat whipping cream in a bowl until stiff. Fold mascarpone mixture into whipped cream.
Spoon cream mixture into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula. Seal top with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Run a small sharp knife along the edge of the inside cake pan rim to loosen cake.
Remove sides of pan. Transfer dessert from metal base to a serving plate.
To serve, garnish with fresh berries, lemon zest and a red berry sauce.

Meringue apple tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 teaspoon butter, in small pieces
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 ounces powdered sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Fill the pie shell with apple slices. Scatter dots of butter over apples.
Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake until apples are cooked.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until medium stiff.
Continue beating and gradually add the sugar. Beat until firm.
Cover pie with meringue. Bake until meringue is golden brown.
Cool. Serve at room temperature.
I like it with cinnamon ice cream.

Meringue baked apples

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

4 large baking apples
2 ounces butter
3 ounces sugar
3 egg whites
4 ounces powdered sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel, and core the apples leaving the stem end closed.
Cream the butter with sugar.
Fill cavity of apples with butter mixture. Arrange in a baking dish.
Bake until apple are tender.
Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until medium firm.
Gradually, add the sugar and continue beating until stiff.
Coat the apples with meringue.
Bake till brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

Meringue pavlova

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:3 hours

You can make the meringue a week ahead and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (though not in the freezer or refrigerator). Any humidity or moisture will soften the meringue.

Ingredients

6 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 pt heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp sugar
strawberries, blueberries, kiwi or your choice of fresh fruit

preparation

FOR MERINGUE SHELL:
In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and lemon juice and beat at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
Continue beating, and gradually add the sugar, vanilla and cornstarch. Beat until very stiff, about 2 minutes.
Spoon the meringue mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star tube. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Pipe meringue onto the prepared baking sheet to form two 8-inch circles. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Place meringues in a 150 degree oven to dry, about 2 to 3 hours.
Store in a sealed container away from humidity. They keep for a week to 10 days.
Just before serving, beat the cream with the powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until firm. Spread the whipped cream over the top of pavlova meringues and sprinkle cream with your choice of fruit. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, fresh pineapple, passionfruit or what you like. Do not add cream and fruit ahead of time as will make the meringue soggy.

Meringue roulade with praline whipped cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time:1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

The filling can also be a lemon curd and whipped cream

Ingredients

meringue
• Baking spray
• 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Scant 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
cocoa swirl
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder or instant coffee
• 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
walnut praline
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
whipped cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons grated bittersweet chocolate
Blackberries and pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

preparation

1. Make the meringue Preheat the oven to 400°. Grease a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch of overhang on the short sides. Grease the parchment with baking spray and dust with the confectioners’ sugar.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar at medium speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. With the machine on, slowly beat in the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the meringue is shiny and tripled in volume and stiff peaks form, about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon with the cornstarch, nutmeg and salt. Sift the cinnamon mixture over the meringue, then add the orange zest. Fold until well combined. Spread the meringue evenly in the prepared baking pan.
3. Make the cocoa swirl In a small bowl, combine the espresso powder, cocoa and vanilla with 2 teaspoons of water and mix well. Spoon small dots of the cocoa mixture all over the top of the meringue. Using a skewer or a bread knife, swirl the dots decoratively. Reduce the oven temperature to 350° and bake the meringue for about 25 minutes, until puffed and cooked through. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
4.Meanwhile, make the walnut praline. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the walnuts in a pie plate and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup and 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a simmer, brushing down the side of the pan with a wet pastry brush. Cook over moderately low heat, swirling the pan, until an amber caramel forms, about 10 minutes. Stir in the walnuts, then scrape the praline onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Let cool completely, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
6. Make the whipped cream In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream with the vanilla at medium speed until medium peaks form.
7. Assemble the roulade Gently invert the meringue onto a parchment paper–lined work surface with the long side facing you and peel the parchment off the meringue. Spread the whipped cream all over the meringue, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the walnut praline over the whipped cream, then scatter the grated chocolate on top. Starting at the long side, roll up the meringue to form a log. Transfer to a platter and refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 1 day. Serve garnished with blackberries and pomegranate seeds, if desired.
Make Ahead
The baked meringue and walnut praline can be stored separately at room temperature overnight.

Meringue-strawberry

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
3 ounces water
1 cup strawberry puree, strained
5 egg whites

preparation

In a heavy bottom saucepan, boil water and sugar to 270 degrees. Stir in the strawberry puree, and boil to 245 degrees.
Beat egg whites until light. Gradually pour the hot sugar mix while mixing at high speed. Continue beating until cool.
Use for: meringue pies, as cake filling, or soufflé glacés

Meringues with ginger ice cream and chocolate sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 1-inch piece ginger root
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream

Meringues:
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups sugar
pinch of salt

SATIN CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons butter

preparation

Meringues:

Grease and flour 17x11-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar and salt until stiff and glossy. Pipe or spoon meringues, about 1/2 inch high, into 8 individual circles.
Bake in 250 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until light golden. Turn off oven; let stand in oven for 1 hour.
In food processor fitted with metal blade or in blender, blend ginger with sugar. Whip cream until soft peaks form; gradually beat in half of the ginger sugar until firm. Break two of the meringues in small pieces; fold into whipped cream. Pack into airtight container and freeze for 4 hours or until set, or for up to 5 days.
Let ice cream soften in refrigerator for about 20 minutes before using.

SATIN CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
Combine chocolate, corn syrup, remaining ginger sugar and milk in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until melted, while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
Stores well for up to a month in refrigerator.

To assemble, place meringues on individual plates; top with scoops of ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Millefeuille Prince Albert

Serves: 5

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Originally, this pastry was designed by Giuseppe Battistini, pastry chef at the Hôtel de Paris, on the occasion of Prince Albert's baptism on April 20, 1958. With its plate of caramelized puff pastry, diplomat cream and strawberry carpaccio topped with vanilla syrup, Prince Albert millefeuille is a delicacy that the Grimaldis never tire of.

Ingredients

Caramelized puff pastry

1 pound puff pastry
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Diplomat Pastry Cream
2 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding

1-1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar, for dusting the top
Icing
65 g (1/2 cup) icing sugar
2 teaspoons of water
1 oz (30 g) dark chocolate

preparation

1. Prepare the Diplomat cream.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until slightly pale. Incorporate the cornstarch and salt.
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour about a third of the hot milk over the egg yolks mixture. Pour the whole mixture into the saucepan over the milk. Bring to a boil while stirring. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Pour the cream into a clean bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes then incorporate the butter while stirring. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent forming a skin on the surface. Refrigerate until chilled. Whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla pudding to medium peaks.Fold a few spoonfuls of the custard into the cream. Gradually add the rest of the custard.
3.
4. Preheat the oven to 330F (165C). Butter a baking sheet and line with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface roll out the puff pastry dough to a rectangle of 1/10 inch (2mm) thickness.
6. Using the rolling pin transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Prick the dough with the fork and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Place another baking sheet on top to prevent the dough from puffing too much.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Preheat the oven to 465F 240C .
9. To caramelize the pastry, sprinkle about 1 tbsp of powdered sugar, in a thin layer over the baked pastry. Bake for few minutes using the broil function until the sugar is melted.
10. Caramelize the other side of the puff pastry too.
11. When chilled trim the edged and cut the puff pastry in 3 rectangles.
12. Assemble the millefeuille. Place one layer of caramelized puff pastry on the serving plate. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip with pastry cream. Spread pastry cream over the top and add strawberries. Place another layer of puff pastry on top of the filling. Add pastry cream, raspberries and the last layer of pastry.

Icing
9. In a bowl, combine the sugar and water. Reserve.
Glaze the top of the millefeuille.
Place the chocolate in a bowl. Melt in the microwave. Shape a small cone out of parchment paper and place the melted chocolate in it. Cut off the tip of the cone.
9. Draw straight lines on the frosting, then slide a knife in opposite directions to form marbled patterns.

13.Allow to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight before cutting it for serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
The original Diplomat cream calls for gelatin. Adding a teaspoon of instant vanilla to the cream before whipping helps to stabilize the cream and adds a vanilla flavor.

Nanaimo bars

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

The Nanaimo bar is a dessert item of Canada origin popular across North America. It is a bar dessert which requires no baking and is named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Ingredients

bottom layer
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups Graham crackers crumbs
3/4 cup fine coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

second layer
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons instant vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

third layer
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter

preparation

bottom layer:
Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa in a heavy saucepan.
Add beaten egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat . Stir in crumbs, coconut and walnuts.
Press firmly into ungreased 9 by 9 inch pan.
Second layer:
Cream butter, milk, custard powder and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.
Third layer:
Melt chips and butter over low heat. Cool. When cool but still runny, spread over second layer. Chill in refrigerator. Cut into 36 squares.

New york-style cheesecake with chocolate crust

Serves: 16

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

For 1 10-inch cake.

This recipe for New York-style cheesecake, adapted from "Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook," makes a smooth and creamy dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
One 9-ounce package chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed (about 2 cups)
2 ¼ cups sugar
3 tablespoons sugar
3 pounds (six 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 large eggs
4 blood oranges
2 tablespoons orange liqueur

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Wrap exterior of pan (including base) in a double layer of foil. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Place crushed wafer cookies and 3 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl; stir until well combined. Pour melted butter over cookie mixture and mix until evenly moistened. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until crust is set, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 1/4 cups sugar and flour. With mixer on low speed, gradually add sugar mixture to cream cheese; mix until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined; do not overmix.

Pour cream cheese filling into prepared pan. Set pan inside a large, shallow roasting pan. Carefully ladle boiling water into roasting pan to reach halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake 45 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Continue baking until cake is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, about 30 minutes more. Turn off oven; leave cake in oven with door slightly ajar, 1 hour. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cake cool completely. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 6 hours or overnight. Before unmolding, run a knife around the edge of the cake.

Slice the top and bottom of 1 orange with a paring knife. Set one of the flat sides on your work surface. From top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit, cut away peel and white pith. Trim off any remaining pith. Holding the orange over a bowl, cut along both sides of each segment, staying close to the membrane, to release. Repeat with remaining oranges. Pour in liqueur and toss to combine. Serve over cheesecake.

No-bake nutella cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

you can make your own crust using chocolate wafer cookies or graham cookies and melted butter, instead of buying a ready made crust.

Ingredients

2/3 cup Nutella
8 oz Cream Cheese at room temp
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 8 oz container non-dairy whipped topping (defrosted)
1 Oreo Cookie Pie Crust
1 bar chocolate (optional)

preparation

In a large bowl, mix Nutella and cream cheese together until well blended and smooth. Add vanilla extract. Fold in whipped topping until no white streaks are left. Pour into Oreo Pie crust. Refrigerate or freeze at least 2 hours to overnight.
Remove cheesecake from the fridge, slice and serve immediately. If removing from the freezer, allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing & serving.
Optional: Shave chocolate with veggie peeler on top of pie for garnish.

Nutty peach crisp

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1 can (29 ounce) sliced peaches, undrained
1 package Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Pecan Cake Mix
1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

preparation

Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
cut peaches into thin slices. Layer all ingredients in an ungreased rectangular pan (13x9x2). Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or cold, and if desired, top with whipped cream or cool whip, or ice cream.

Oatmeal pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe Never fail pie crust
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup old fashion oatmeal

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 8-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Place chopped walnuts in pie shell bottom.
Mix all other ingredients and pour into shell.
Bake for 40 minutes.

Oats and berry crumb dessert

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup flour
3/4 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon flour
pinch salt
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups fresh blueberries

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix oatmeal, brown sugar and flour. Add butter and mix well. Spread mixture in 8 inch square pan, leaving 3/4 cup aside for topping.
Combine flour, salt, sugar, water, lemon juice and blueberries in saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour over oat mixture and sprinkle with remaining mixture. Bake for 35 minutes.
Can be served with ice cream or whipped topping.

Oeufs a la neige

Serves: 10

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:3 minutes

light snowy egg meringues served with custard sauce and fresh fruit.

Ingredients

6 egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups boiling water
1 recipe custard cream, cold
for garnish:
strawberries, raspberries, blueberries

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and vinegar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Continue beating, and gradually add the sugar, vanilla and cornstarch. Beat until very stiff, about 2 minutes.

Spoon the meringue in a large pastry bag fitted with a star tube. Pipe 3 inch high mounts on waxed paper. Pick with a wet spatula and drop in a baking pan containing the hot water. Place in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Lift each meringue and set aside on a baking sheet. Spoon 2 or more tablespoons of custard in shallow dessert plates. Top each plate with oeuf á la neige. Decorate with fruit. Serve.

Olive oil pumpkin bread

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Soft, moist and simple to make, this no fuss pumpkin olive oil bread is completely inviting!

Ingredients

Cooking spray
3-1/4 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat flour
3 oz. (2/3 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. table salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1/3 cup light olive oil
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbs. unsalted pumpkin seeds

preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs until well combined. Add in the olive oil, pumpkin puree and honey and whisk again until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t over-mix!). Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds pressing down lightly.
• Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. (If the bread begins to brown too much before it is fully baked, lay a piece of aluminum foil on top)
• Set the pan on a wire rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes and then transfer the bread to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
Original recipe inspired from The Taunton Press and fine cooking

Orange cake 1

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

6 ounces butter
6 ounces sugar
3 eggs
6 ounces all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 ounces concentrated orange juice
3 ounces water

ICING:

6 ounces icing sugar
3 ounces concentrated orange juice
3 ounces water

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter and flour a 9-inch mold. Cream butter and sugar.
Whisk in the eggs one by one. While beating the cake batter, gradually add the flour mixed with the baking powder, alternating with the orange juice and water.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Unmold on platter.

ICING:

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
Boil, and pour over hot cake.

Orange cake 2

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups flour, all purpose
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup orange juice

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease two 8 inch round layer cake pans.
Line bottom with wax paper. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add dry ingredients alternating with orange juice to obtain a creamy texture batter.
Turn into prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool 5 minutes then remove from pans.

Orange charlotte russe

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
2 cups orange juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons orange rind
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups heavy cream
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
12 lady fingers

preparation

Dissolve the gelatin in some orange juice. Combine with cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, orange juice, and rind.
Mix well and heat up to a boiling point. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Chill to cool.
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Beat the egg whites with the sugar to form soft peaks.
Fold the cream and egg whites into the orange mix. Line the sides of an 8 inch spring mold with lady fingers. Pour the mix into mold.
Chill until well set. Remove sides of mold before serving. Decorate with whipped cream and orange slices if desired.

Orange chiffon cake with orange fluff icing

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups all cakeflour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 egg yolks
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange rind, grated
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

ORANGE FLUFF ICING

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup egg whites
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add oil, egg yolks, water, orange juice, rind, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar. Gradually add sugar, and beat to form soft peaks. Fold egg whites into batter.
Pour into a 10-inch ungreased tube pan. Bake for about 1 hour. Test with a cake tester. Invert until cold. Loosen cake with knife. Unmold. Cover with orange fluff icing.

ORANGE FLUFF ICING

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Beat with a whisk over adouble boiler until peaks start to form.
Remove from heat, beat for 2 to 3 more minutes or icing is at a spreadable consistency.
Cover chiffon cake.

Orange mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
3 egg yolks
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
for garnish: orange sections and raspberries

preparation

In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Boil to a temperature 230 degrees.
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the syrup.
Beat egg yolks in an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the hot sugar while whisking at high speed.
Beat until light, creamy, and cool.
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat to dissolve gelatin. Stir into orange juice. Combine orange juice with egg yolk mixture. In an electric mixer, whip the cream until medium stiff.
Fold into orange mixture. Pour into individual molds. Chill for 2 hours or until set.
To unmold, dip each mold in warm water. Invert on dessert plates. Garnish each plate with orange sections and raspberries.

Orange mousse cake with grand marnier

Serves: 10

Preparation time:75 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe Grand Marnier orange mousse
1 recipe almond genoise cake
2 large seedless oranges
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 ounce sweet chocolate

preparation

Slice oranges thinly.
Boil water and sugar. Steep oranges in cold syrup for an hour.
Make Grand Marnier syrup with remaining sugar, water, and Grand marnier. Cool.
Slice genoise into 2 layers.
Line a 9 inch springform pan with wax paper and arrange sliced oranges on paper. Save a few slices. Spoon 1/2 mousse into pan.
Top with a genoise half. Brush with 1/2 of syrup. Press orange slices into sides of pan, rounded sides down.
Spread remaining mousse over cake.
Top with other genoise. Brush with syrup. Refrigerate 4 hours.
Invert cake on platter. Heat and release pan sides. Peel off wax paper. Brush with top with melted apricot, and decorate with chocolate.

Orange mousse meringue pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

FOR MERINGUE SHELL:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

FOR ORANGE MOUSSE FILLING:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup chilled Cool whip or whipped cream

preparation

MERINGUE SHELL:
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and vinegar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at the time until stiff glossy peaks form. Whisk in cornstarch. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil; spread with meringue to make 9-inch circles, forming 1-inch high rounded rim. Bake in center of 250 degree oven for about one hour or until crisp. Turn oven off and let meringue dry one hour. Remove from oven and gently peel off paper. Place on serving plate.
ORANGE MOUSSE FILLING:
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup. of the orange juice. Set aside. In a heavy bottom non aluminum saucepan, whisk egg yolks lightly. Add rind, remaining juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 to 10 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of spoon. Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture to dissolve. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. In a bowl, fold Cool whip or whipped cream into gelatin mixture until combined. spoon into meringue shell. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until set.

Orange mousse meringues

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:3 hours

Ingredients

Meringue shell:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Orange mousse filling:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup chilled evaporated milk

preparation

FOR MERINGUE SHELL:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at the time until stiff glossy peaks form. Blend in cornstarch.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread with meringue to make 9-inch circles, forming 1-inch high rounded rim.
Bake in center of oven for about one hour or until crisp. Turn oven off and let meringue dry 2 to 3 hours.
Remove from oven and gently peel off paper. Place on serving plate.

FOR ORANGE MOUSSE FILLING:
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup of the orange juice. Set aside.
In a heavy bottom non aluminum saucepan, whisk egg yolks lightly. add rind, remaining juice, and sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 to 10 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of spoon.
Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture to dissolve. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
In a bowl, beat evaporated milk for minute or until thick and foamy; fold into gelatin mixture until combined. spoon into meringue shell. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until set.

Orange parfait

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

8 egg yolks
1 8-ounce can frozen orange juice
4 oranges
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar

preparation

Combine the first three ingredients in a large stainless bowl.
Whisk over a pan containing boiling water until the mixture triples in volume.
Transfer to an electric mixer and continue whipping until mixture in cool.
Whip the cream until firm. Add sugar gradually while mixing. Gently fold cream into orange mix and spoon into a decorative mold or individual dessert dishes.
Allow to freeze for at least an hour then unmold on plates or serving platter.

Orange pound cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup butter
3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 eggs
For the candied oranges:
2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
2 large oranges (navel or tangelos)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
Grate 2 tablespoons of orange peel and combine with 1 cup fresh orange juice.
In an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add remaining ingredients at low speed including orange peel and juice.
Spoon batter into pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 10minutes.
Remove from pan. Cool completely on rack. Transfer to a serving tray.
Note:
This cake can also be baked in 2 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans, or mini loaves cakes pans. Baking time will vary, about 35 to 40 minutes for mini loaves.
Candied oranges:
Combine water and sugar in a 4 quart saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Wash and slice oranges across into 1/4-inch slices.
Add to syrup, and boil or medium-high heat until syrup starts to thicken, about 15 minutes.
Cool syrup for 5 minutes, and carefully arrange orange slices on top of cake.
Pour syrup over. Keeps for 2 to 3 days, covered, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Orange prune nut loaf

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium orange, unpeeled
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup prunes, chopped
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 egg
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wash orange, and coarsely chop in a meat grinder or blender. Add to orange juice.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chopped cooked prunes and the chopped walnuts.
Beat together orange mixture, egg, butter, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and beat for about half a minute.
Turn into greased 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch loaf pan, or 3 mini loaves.
Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 65 minutes for loaf pan or about 40 minutes for mini loaf pans.

Orange raisin cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 large orange, unpeeled
3/4 cup boiling water
1 large egg
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut orange into pieces. Remove seeds.
Put in blender with boiling water. Blend until smooth. Add egg and oil. Blend a few minutes more.
Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
Add liquid from blender to the dry ingredients. Stir until just blended.
Pour into greased 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch loaf pan or into 3 mini loaf pans. Bake about 50 minutes. Unmold on cake rack.

Orange sherbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 tablespoons grated orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg white

preparation

Place cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Allow to stand 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together boiling water, 3/4 cup sugar and soaked gelatin. Stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
Stir in orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and egg yolk. Set aside. In a large bowl, whip cream with 3 tablespoons sugar and salt until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whip egg white until stiff. Fold into whipped cream. Stir in juice mixture a little at a time.
Pour in an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions.

Orange sherbet bombe

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 quarts orange sherbet
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream

preparation

Chill a 12-cup mold and the bowl of an electric mixer in freezer for about 30 minutes.
Beat orange sherbet in the chilled bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until soft but still holding its shape, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove mold from freezer.
Using a small spoon, spread sherbet on bottom and up all sides of mold, creating a well for the ice cream.
If sherbet slips down sides of mold, return mold to freezer to chill for about 10 minutes, then finish lining.
Transfer empty mixer bowl and mold to the freezer to let sherbet harden for about 1 hour.
Soften vanilla ice cream as above. Remove mold from freezer. Using a spoon, fill sherbet-lined mold with softened vanilla ice cream, pressing down on ice cream so that there are no air pockets.
Cover with plastic wrap, and return to freezer. Chill until firm, 4 hours or overnight.
To unmold: Dip mold in hot water for 6 seconds; invert onto serving plate. If bombe does not come out of mold, continue dipping in water 6 seconds at a time until it releases. Use a sharp knife to slice into servings.

Orange soaked cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

For the cake:

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola or other mild-flavored oil (check for freshness before using)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 oz. (12 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened; more for the pan
1-1/2 Tbs. finely minced lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
3/4 cup strained fresh orange juice
5 large eggs

For the syrup & glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

2 Tbs. dark rum
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

preparation

Heat the oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup bundt pan.

To make the cake:
Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and soda into the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add the butter and mix on low speed until fine crumbs form. Change to the whisk attachment.
With the machine running on medium speed, whisk in the oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time and then increase the speed to high and whisk the batter until light, about 3 minutes,
scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.

To make the syrup and glaze:
While the cake bakes, whisk together in a small bowl the orange juice concentrate, butter, rum, and 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar.
When the cake is done, set the pan on a rack to cool for 5 minutes. With a thin skewer,
poke the cake all the way through to the bottom of the pan in several places.
Pour 1/3 cup of the syrup over the cake and let stand for 1 hour before removing the cake from the pan.
(At this point you can wrap the cake in plastic and hold for up to 3 days at room temperature; in fact, the flavor only improves.)
Cover the remaining syrup with plastic and store at room temperature.

When ready to serve, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar into the remaining syrup.
Set the cake on a rack over a baking sheet and pour the glaze over the cake.
Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Orange-honey jello

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 envelops unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/3 cup honey
2 cups fresh orange juice

preparation

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Allow to set for 5 minutes. Add honey and heat over water bath until melted. Add orange juice. Pour in molds. Set in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Serve cold.

Palmiers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Also known as Pig's ears or elephant ears (over-sized palmiers).

Ingredients

1 pound puff pastry dough (2 rectangle sheets)
1 tablespoon soft butter
1/2 cup superfine sugar

preparation

Thaw the puff pastry if frozen. Roll one sheet of dough on a lightly floured work surface to 1/4-inch thick. Spread butter over surface of pastry.
Sprinkle with one half of the sugar. Roll second pastry sheet to the same size as first. Place on top of first. Sprinkle remaining sugar over whole surface.
Fold as sketched bringing the ends to within 3/4 inch of each other. Repeat this folding as shown.
Slice into 1/4-inch- thick "palm leaves". Put leaves on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes. Turn cookies over with a spatula.
Continue baking until golden brown. Transfer palmiers on a rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Pamplemousse pie

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-inch Graham cracker crumb crust, baked
2 red ruby grapefruit
1 cup grapefruit juice
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup sour cream

preparation

Peel one grapefruit, cutting away all rind. Remove sections; set aside for garnish.
In a saucepan, soften gelatin in one half of the juice. Dissolve over low heat. Set aside. Pour remaining juice in a blender. Add one half of the sugar, sour cream and cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Blend in the gelatin. Chill until slightly thickened.
Beat egg whites until stiff and gradually add the remaining sugar. Fold into gelatin mixture.
Pour into crust. Chill and garnish with grapefruit sections.

Panna cotta with berry compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup each sour cream, whipping cream and light cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean

preparation

Lightly oil six 5-ounce ramekins; set aside.
In small bowl sprinkle gelatin over water; set aside.
In saucepan, combine sour cream, whipping cream, light cream and sugar. Halve vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out seeds to cream mixture (add vanilla bean halves, if desired, for additional flavor).
Place over medium heat, stirring often, until very hot; do not let boil.
Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Remove vanilla bean halves.
Pour into ramekins. Chill for 4 hours or until set. To serve, run sharp knife around edges and turn out onto serving plates.
Spoon Reisling Summer Berry Compote around panna cottas. Garnish with lemon balm or mint.

Pasteis de nata - portuguese custard tarts

Serves: 12

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

The Portuguese Pastel De Nata custard are caramelized custard in flaky golden brown puff pastry.

Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups of whole milk (350 ml)
1 1/3 cups white sugar (265 g)
1/3 cup water (80 ml)
6 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon peel only, cut into strips
1 sheet pre-rolled puff pastry (about 300g or 10 oz)

preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 550°F (290°C), and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a saucepan, bring to a rolling boil the sugar, water, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick.
3. Separately, whisk the milk, flour, and salt together very thoroughly. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes or until well combined and thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
4. Once cooled, whisk in the egg yolks. Then add the sugar syrup (removing the cinnamon stick), and mix until everything is well-combined. Strain into a bowl.
5. Meanwhile, cut the puff pastry sheet into two pieces and place them on top of each other. Tightly roll the sheets into a log, from the short side. Next, cut the log into 12 evenly sized pieces.
6. Place one piece in each of the 12 wells of the muffin tin. press down into the center of the dough piece and press outwards to form a cup with the pastry. The pastry cup should have its top edge just above the top of the well of the muffin tin.
7. Fill each pastry cup 3/4 of the way to the top with custard.
8. Place the tray in the oven and bake until the custard starts to caramelize and blister and the pastry goes golden brown (10-12 minutes). Cool pastries before serving.

Peach almond compote

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

3 peaches
1/4 cup apricot jam
1/4 cup black currant jelly
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup Amaretto
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pint vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

preparation

Peel, core and halve peaches. Slice each half into 8 slices. Reserve. Combine jams in a large frying pan over low heat. Cook until jams are liquefied. Pour in brandy and Amaretto. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Add peaches and stir together until peaches are tender and warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Cool. Place ice cream in serving dishes such as coupes or wine glasses and top with peaches, sauce and almonds.

Peach and cream dessert

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup brown sugar

Add melted butter to crumbs and sugar. Reserve 1/2 cup.
Press into 9 by 13" pan.
Filling:
2 14-ounce cans sliced peaches (Reserve juice plus water to make 2 cups)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
8-ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup whipping cream

preparation

Combine peaches, juice, water, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat and stir until it thickens. Let cool. Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
Beat cream until stiff. Fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread half of mixture on prepared crust.
Spoon thickened peaches on top. Spread second half of cheese mixture over top. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs and chill.

Peach cake pudding

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

8 cups peeled, thickly sliced peaches
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

topping:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1/3 cup milk

preparation

In bowl, combine peaches, sugar, juice and nutmeg.
Spoon into 11 X 7 inch baking dish.
Topping:
In bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in orange rind and vanilla.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir half into batter; stir in milk, then remaining flour mixture.
Spread over fruit.
Bake in 375 oven for 50 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Peach cobbler #1

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

preparation

Peach cobbler #2

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

"Cobble up" means to put together in a hurry.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups sliced fresh peaches, peeled
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For biscuit topping:
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk

preparation

Prehet oven at 400 degrees.
Blend sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Stir in peaches and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute.
Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Keep fruit mixer hot in oven while preparing biscuit topping.
For biscuit topping:
Combine in a bowl, flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add shortening and milk. Cut through 6 times; mix until dough forms a ball. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot fruit.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until biscuit topping is golden brown. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Peach crisp

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

Filling Ingredients
3 lbs ripe but firm peaches (6-7), peeled, pitted, and sliced into 3/4″ wedges.
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Pinch salt
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of ground nutmeg
Crumb Topping
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Serve with vanilla or peach ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 F.
For peach filling, gently combine peaches and sugar in a large bowl and let stand for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain peaches in a colander set over a large bowl, reserving the peach juices. Whisk 1/4 cup of the drained peach juice, cornstarch, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in small bowl. (Save the rest of the excess peach juice in a smoothie or reduce over medium heat until concentrated and serve with the peach crisp )
Toss juice mixture with peaches and transfer to an 8 or 9 inch square pan that’s been buttered or sprayed with cooking spray.
For topping, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon and either grate the cold butter with a large-hole cheese grater, or cut it into small cubes and use your fingers to crumble the mixture together. Sprinkle topping evenly over pan.
Bake for about 30 minutes. The topping should look golden brown, crisp, and bubbly around the corners. Let cool to lukewarm before serving. Spoon over ice cream.

Peach custard ice cream with fresh peach compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

Ice Cream
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 cup half and half
3/4 cup sugar
5 large egg yolks
1 pound peaches, peeled, sliced
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Compote:
4 large peaches, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup orange Muscat wine
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

preparation

For Ice Cream:
Bring 1 cup cream, half and half, and 1/2 cup sugar just to simmer in medium saucepan.
Whisk yolks; gradually whisk in cream mixture. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens, about 4 minutes (do not boil). Strain into bowl.
Refrigerate custard until cold, about 3 hours.
Place peaches, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup sugar in medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until peaches are heated through, about 4 minutes. Mash to coarse puree. Cool completely. Stir into custard along with vanilla and 1/2 cup cream. Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
For Compote:
Mix all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes and up to 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Serve ice cream with compote.
Adapted from Bon Appétit August 2002

Peach ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
2 cups peach puree
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream

preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and flour. Whisk over medium heat until thick.
Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the peach puree and lemon juice. Whip the cream until stiff.
Fold cream into the ice cream mixture. Freeze in an ice cream maker until creamy.

Peach melba

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

The Peach Melba was created in London between 1892 and 1896 by chef Auguste Escoffier, who dedicated it to Nelly Melba, a famous singer. The recipe did not include Chantilly.

Ingredients

4 ripe peaches
1 whole vanilla bean
1 cup plus 4 tsp. sugar
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
1 cup raspberries
1⁄2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a simmer over high heat. Lower peaches into simmering water and blanch just long enough to loosen their skins, about 1 minute. Transfer peaches with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel, halve lengthwise, and discard pits. Put peach halves and vanilla bean into a wide dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of the sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until peach juices run and most of the sugar dissolves, about 1 hour.

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Add peaches and the sugary juices and vanilla bean, reduce heat to medium, and poach, gently stirring occasionally, until peaches are just soft when pierced, 8–12 minutes. Remove pot from heat, partially cover, and set aside until peaches are cool, 1–2 hours. Transfer pot to the refrigerator until peaches are thoroughly chilled, 2–3 hours.

Meanwhile, divide ice cream between 4 wide dessert dishes, making a smooth, even layer in bottom of each dish; transfer to freezer until ice cream is solid. Purée raspberries in a blender, then strain through a sieve into a bowl, pressing purée through with a rubber spatula; discard seeds. Add the remaining 4 tsp. sugar and lemon juice to purée, stirring until sugar dissolves.

To serve, arrange 2 peach halves, pit side down, in each dish top of ice cream (save poaching liquid for another use). Spoon some of the raspberry sauce over peaches. Allow ice cream to soften slightly before serving.

Peach-blackberry tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
2 cups oatmeal cookie crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1/2 cup peach nectar
5 tablespoons sugar
5 teaspoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled peaches
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/4 cups blackberries

preparation

For Crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray 10-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom with non-stick spray. Mix cookie crumbs and butter until moist clumps form. Press dough over bottom and up sides of pan. Bake about 10 minutes. Cool completely.
For Filling:
Whisk nectar, sugar and cornstarch in saucepan until smooth. Add half of peaches and lemon juice. Mash to a coarse puree. Simmer until mixture is thick, stirring constantly. Cool completely. Fold in remaining peaches. Spread filling evenly over crust.
Arrange blackberries around top edge of tart. Refrigerate at least 4 to 6 hours. Serve at room temperature.
Adapted from Bon Appétit.

Peach-raspberry beggars purses

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar

Filling:
1 pound peaches, peeled, chopped
1/2 cup raspberries
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
8 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 large egg white, whisked
1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)

preparation

For sauce:
Combine cream, milk, and orange in heavy saucepan. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes, covered. Whisk yolks and sugar. Gradually whisk warm milk mixture into yolk mixture; return to saucepan. Cook over low heat until mixture coats the back of a spoon, stirring constantly (do not boil).
Pour into bowl and chill until cold, whisking occasionally.
For filling:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Roll out one pastry sheet to 14-inch square. Cut our 4 circles each measuring 5-inches in diameter. Place circles on prepared sheet and cover with plastic. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet. Place circles atop plastic on same baking sheet. Freeze 10 minutes.
Toss peaches, raspberries, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, flour and lemon juice. Roll out pastry circles to 7-inch diameter rounds. Place 1/4 cup of fruit mixture in centre of each round. Gather dough atop fruit and twist and pinch firmly to enclose completely.
Place on large baking sheet. Freeze bundles for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush purses all over with egg white, and sprinkle each lightly with sugar cinnamon mixture.
Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes. Place 2 tablespoons sauce in centre of each plate. Place one purse in centre and serve warm.

Peaches in sauternes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:2 minutes

This recipe is adapted from the Barefoot Contessa cookbook

Ingredients

6 to 8 very ripe yellow or white peaches
3 tablespoons sugar
1 bottle good Sauternes
1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)

preparation

Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the peaches in the water for 1 to 2 minutes, until the skins come off easily. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Peel the peaches and then slice them in wedges off the pit and into a bowl. Stir in the sugar, Sauternes, and orange liqueur. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Serve cool but not cold.

Peanut butter coconut pudding

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup soft butter
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 cup molasses
2 cups white flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
grated rind of 1 orange
3 1/2 ounces flaked coconut

preparation

In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar and butter. Stir in egg. Add milk and molasses. Stir in remaining ingredients. Grease and flour a 1 1/2 quart steamed pudding mold or soufflé mold. Fill with pudding mixture and cover loosely with a piece of greased foil. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a pan of water into the oven. Place pudding into water and bake for 1 hour. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Tap to loosen and invert onto serving platter. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, hard sauce or custard sauce.

Pear and almond cream tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

pâte brisée:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cake flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten for glazing the baked crust
3 pears, fresh poached in sugar, water, and vanilla or or 6 canned pear halves

Almond pastry cream:

1cup milk
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
1 tablespoon kirsch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Apricot glaze:
1/2 cup apricot jam
1 tablespoon Kirsch

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine flour, egg, water, sugar, vanilla and butter. Process until dough forms a bowl. Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough 1/8-inch thick to fit an 8 inch fluted removable-bottomed tart pan.
Cover with parchment paper, fill the center with weights, and bake until the edges start to brown. Remove weights and paper. Brush bottom and sides with egg glaze.
Arrange pears over bottom of pie crust.

Almond pastry cream:
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Whip egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Mix in cornstarch. Stir in the hot milk. Pour in a saucepan, and whisk over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
Transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in the almond, kirsch and butter. Spoon mixture over pears and bake for 15 minutes. Cool on rack.
For glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt the apricot jam over low heat. Stir in the kirsch. Strain through a fine strainer and spoon over pie to glaze.

Pear apple crisp

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Pears and apples team together in the Fall for this easy crisp dessert

Ingredients

6 cups chopped, cored and peeled pears
2 cups shopped, cored and peeled apples
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping:
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/3 cup salted butter melted

preparation

Topping: In small bowl, whisk together oats, sugar, flour and nutmeg; drizzle with butter, tossing with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over pear mixture.

Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, room temperature, or cold. Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pear cake with walnut streusel

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

This homey cake is great as a casual dessert, coffee cake or after-school treat.
Source : Canadian Living Magazine

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
2-1/2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cardamom or cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
3 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, melted
1/4 cup (60 mL) pear nectar

Pear Filling:
3 ripe pears, (about 1-1/4 lb/625 g)
1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) all-purpose flour

Walnut Streusel:
1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (75 mL) packed brown sugar
1 Pinch salt
1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, cubed
1/2 cup (125 mL) coarsely chopped walnuts

preparation

Walnut Streusel: In bowl, stir together flour, sugar and salt. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Set aside.

In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cardamom and salt.
In large bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar until pale; beat in butter. Stir in flour mixture alternately with pear nectar, making 2 additions of flour mixture and 1 of pear nectar. Set aside.

Pear Filling: Peel, halve and core pears; thinly slice crosswise. In bowl, toss together pears, sugar and flour. Set aside.

Scrape half of the batter into parchment paper–lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square metal pan. Arrange pears over top. Dollop remaining batter over pears; spread evenly. Sprinkle with streusel.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven until golden and cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean, 1 hour. Let cool on rack.

Pear frangipane tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour 20 minutes

This classic Pear Frangipane Tart is also called Tarte Bourdaloue in French, The name Bourdaloue is a street in Paris where the tart was created.

Ingredients

Pâte Sucrée (Sweet Shortcrust Pastry)
100 gr Unsalted Butter - soft
50 gr Icing Sugar, sifted
1 Egg large, at room temperature
50 gr Almond Meal
200 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour
1 pinch salt

For thePoached Pears:
3 Pears – firm (Bartlett Pears, Anjou Pears, or Bosc Pears)

1,5 litre water - or enough to cover the pears
50 gr sugar
20 ml lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Almond Cream Filling:

100 gr unsalted butter - softened
100 gr super fine sugar
2 eggs - about 100gr, at room temperature
100 gr almond meal
sliced almonds (optional) - to taste
Simple Syrup Glaze (optional)
45 ml pear cooking liquid
45 gr Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - optional

preparation

Pâte Sucrée (Sweet Shortcrust Pastry)
• In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the soft Butter and sifted Icing Sugar for a couple of minutes or until smooth.
• Mix in the Egg and Almond Meal, then add the Flour and Salt. Mix on low until the dough is well mixed and smooth.
• Place the flat pastry in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
• Take the pastry out of the fridge and leave to come back to room temperature for about 5 minutes.
• Transfer it inside over a Tart Pan (I used a 24 cm / 9,5 to 10-inch diameter Tart Pan with Removable Bottom). Gently press the pastry down into the corner of the pan to create a 90 degree angle.

Poached Pears
• Peel the Pears, slice them in half and core them.
• In a large saucepan, mix together the water, lemon Juice the sugar and vanilla. Simmer over medium to dissolve the sugar. Add the pear halves. Cook on low for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pears are slightly soft.
• Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer them over a wire rack covered with paper towel to cool down and drain slightly. Save 1 cup of the cooking liquid for the glaze below. Cut each pear halves into thin slices of about half a centimetre (1/5 inch). Set aside.
Almond Cream Filling
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the soft Butter and Sugar with a mixer for about 3 minutes on medium speed or until very soft and creamy.
• Slowly mix in the Egg, then the Almond Meal until a thick paste comes together.
Assembling the Tart
• Preheat your oven on 160 degree Celsius / 325 degree Fahrenheit.
• Spread the Almond Cream at the bottom of the par-baked tart crust.
• Place each Poached Pear over the cream using a small offset spatula to lift them up. Lightly press them into the cream. Sprinkle some sliced Almonds between each pear.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the almond filling has puffed up and looks golden.
Simple Syrup Glaze (optional)
• In a small saucepan, combine the cooking syrup, sugar and vanilla. Bring to a simmer and reduce to a thick consistency. Brush it over the pears while still warm.

Pear tart tatin

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

2 cans (1-lb, 14-oz size) pear halves
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon butter
1 9-inch puff pastry circle
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Drain pears. Caramelize sugar with ¼ cup water until golden brown.
Pour caramel into the bottom of an 8½-inch round baking dish. Arrange pears, rounded side down on caramelized sugar.
Top with a second layer. Dot with butter. Bake 25 minutes. Bake pastry circle for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Place circle over pears.
Place serving plate over the top of pastry circle. Invert; remove baking dish.
Whip cream with sugar until firm. Garnish pears with whipped cream rosettes.

Pear-cranberry crumble

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

8 pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup quick cooking rolled oats
2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

preparation

Base:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Stir pears with cranberries, sugar, flour, lemon rind, cinnamon and ginger. Place in prepared baking dish.
Topping:
Using a fork, stir flour with oats and brown sugar. Drizzle butter over flour mixture and toss until mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle evenly over fruit.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until topping is golden and pears are tender.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pear-hazelnut cheesecakes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

Sauce:
1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
1/4 cup pear nectar
3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
Crust:
nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons melted butter
Filling:
1 1/2 cups chopped, peeled pear
2/3 cup pear nectar
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

For sauce:
Purée all ingredients in blender. Strain into small bowl.
For crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line four 3/4 cup soufflé dishes or custard cups with foil; spray lightly with nonstick spray. Finely grind nuts and sugar in processor. Add butter, blend until mixture holds together. Press 1/4 of nut mixture onto bottom of each prepared dish.
Place dishes on baking sheet, bake crusts until slightly darker in color, 8 minutes. Set aside. Maintain oven temperature.
For filling:
Combine pear and nectar in small saucepan. Boil over medium heat until mixture resembles chunky sauce, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in 2/3 cup chunky pear sauce (reserve any remaining sauce for another use) .
Divide filling among crusts. Bake cakes until center is set and slightly puffed, about 30 minutes.
Cool in dishes on rack. Cover; chill overnight. Using foil as aid, lift cakes from dishes.
Peel foil from sides. Slide spatula under crusts and transfer cakes to plates. Spoon pear-raspberry sauce around cakes.

Pears vigneronne

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

6 ripe pears
2 cups dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon
1 stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup apricot jam

preparation

Peel and core the pears.
Cut them into quarters. Place the pears in a saucepan and add the wine and sugar.
Peel the lemon and cut the peel into very fine julienne strips. Reserve the lemon for another use. Add the peel to the saucepan.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Transfer the pears and the lemon peel to a serving dish. Bring the liquid in the saucepan to the boil and add the remaining ingredients.
Bring to the boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced to half.
Pour the sauce over the pears. Let cool and chill.

Pecan pumpkin pie

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the pastry:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup shortening
2 to 3 tablespoons ice water, or as needed

For the filling:
2 (13.5 oz.) pumpkin pie mix
3 eggs
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup heavy cream
whipped cream for serving

preparation

To make the pastry,
in the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt and granulated sugar and pulse once to mix. Add the butter and shortening and process in short pulses to form pea-size crumbs, 20 to 25 seconds. While pulsing, gradually add the water to form large, moist crumbs, 10 seconds more. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, with lightly floured hands, shape the dough into a 5-inch disk. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Position a rack in the center of an oven and preheat to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch round about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, fit the dough into the dish and trim the edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold under the excess dough and, using your thumb, decoratively flute the edges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Using a fork, poke holes in the dough and bake until the pastry is golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
To make the filling, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin mix, eggs, brown sugar, chopped pecans and cream until smooth.
Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake until the filling is set, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.
Serve slices with whipped cream.

perfect white cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Recipe can be doubled.
Bring all your ingredients to room temperature or even a little warm (eggs, milk, butter, ) to ensure your batter does not break or curdle.
Use a scale to weigh your ingredients for accuracy.

Ingredients

4 oz (125g) unsalted butter room temp
7 oz (200g) sugar
3 large egg whites room temp
7 oz (200 g) All Purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
5 oz milk room temp
1 oz vegetable oil

preparation

Preheat your oven to 335ºF. Cover the bottom of one 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Butter and flour bottom and sides of cake pan.
Combine milk, oil and extracts and set aside
Combine flour, baking powder and salt and set aside
Place butter in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and cream until smooth. Sprinkle in sugar and then mix on high until light and white (about 5 minutes).
Add the egg whites at room temperature one at a time to the butter mixture while mixing on low and let fully combine after each addition before adding the next.
Add in 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the egg/butter mixture and mix on low until just combined. Then add in 1/2 of the liquids, then dry, then liquids and the rest of the dry.
Mix until just combined.
Add batter into prepared cake pan and bake at 335º F for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Let cool ten minutes then turn out cake onto a cooling rack. Wrap warm and place into the freezer to flash chill. This locks in the moisture. Once cool but not frozen you can then trim off the brown edges of the cake and frost as desired. Chill cake.

Pizzellis

Serves: 15

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

A Pizzelle is a traditional Italian sugar cookie served plain or rolled into a cone and filled with fruit or ice cream.
They can be formed into cups by draping the freshly cooked hot pizzelli over the bottom of a small glass or a similar container. They can also be shaped into ice-cream cones. See also Sicilian cannoli recipe

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla

preparation

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Cook on an electric pizzelli machine to form wafers: Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface.
Close iron and gently squeeze together.
Bake for about a minute.

Cookies are baked when golden brown.
Remove from the iron with a spatula and roll-up into a cone, using the wooden rolling cone tool included. Remove and allow to cool.
Serve them cut in wedges, or while wafer is hot, or shape into a cup over a glass or similar container. Store in an airtight container.
Spoon fruit, ice cream or chocolate mousse into cup.

Plum crumb cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

18 large Italian plums
4 ounces butter, unsalted

3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 egg yolks
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Topping:
1 1/4 cups flour, all purpose
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 ounces unsalted butter

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Rinse, and pit plums. Cut in halves and set aside.
Butter a 10 inch round cake pan, 2 inch deep with a removable bottom.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the butter, and sugar until creamy.
Add egg and egg yolks until creamy and light. Beat in vanilla.
Stir flour and baking powder into the batter.
Spread batter in prepared pan.
Arrange plums on batter, cut side up in concentric rows, overlapping slightly, leaving a margin of about an inch around the edge.

Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon.
Rub mixture to coarse crumbs. Melt butter and stir in.
Scatter crumbs over plums.
Bake for 1 hour or until center is firm.
Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes.

Plum frangipane tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For pastry:
1 recipe Quick and easy pie crust

for frangipane:
3/4 cup toasted almond slivers
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Brandy
1 pound pitted plums

preparation

Pastry:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough inch thick to fit an 8 inch fluted removable-bottom tart pan. Cover with parchment paper, fill the center with weights, and bake until the edges start to brown. Remove weights and paper. Bake crust for 15 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool.
For Frangipane:
Mix almonds in a food processor to obtain a powder. In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup sugar and butter until smooth. Mix in almonds and flour. Add egg and brandy and blend well. Spread evenly in crust. Overlap plum slices atop filling, covering completely. Sprinkle plums with additional sugar.
Bake tart until filling is brown and set and plums are tender, about 50 minutes. Cool on rack at least 15 minutes. Serve tart with sweetened whipped cream.

Plum pudding

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:4 hours

Ingredients

3 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup currants
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup raisins
1 egg, beaten
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup extra-strength coffee

preparation

Combine bread crumbs, sugar and currants. Add softened butter and blend well into mixture. Add raisins, egg, salt, cloves, and cinnamon. Dissolve baking soda in milk. Gradually pour milk and coffee into mixture and blend until most and the liquid has been absorbed. Spoon mixture into a greased 1-quart. pudding basin or a mold. Cover with cheese cloth and foil and steam in a double boiler for 4 hours, adding more boiling water as necessary. To serve, turn pudding on a platter. Heat brandy in a small saucepan. Pour over pudding to table flaming. Top with hard sauce or lemon sauce.

Hard sauce for pudding:
1 cup soft butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup brandy nutmeg

Cream butter and sugar well. Gradually add the brandy and beat until fluffy. Add the nutmeg. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Plum raspberry sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup water
1 1/4 pounds pitted plums
1 cup raspberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice

preparation

Stir sugar and water in heavy small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high; boil syrup 1 minute. Chill until cold, about 1 hour.
Puree plums and raspberries in food processor. Strain puree through fine sieve into medium bowl. Add syrup, lemon juice to taste and salt and blend well.
Process in ice cream machine according to manufacturers instructions. Spoon sorbet into covered container and freeze. (can be prepared 2 days ahead.) Scoop sorbet into bowls.
Garnish with plums, raspberries and mint.

Poached peaches with a strawberry and sparkling clairette sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

6 ripe peaches
6 cups water
400 g (14 oz) sugar
½ vanilla pod, cut open
3 tbsp whipped cream
500 g (1 lb) strawberries (wild strawberries are excellent)
½ cup sparkling Clairette wine or Proseco
3 tbsp finely cut shelled pistachio nuts

preparation

Gently drop the peaches into a pan of boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Drain the peaches and peel them carefully.

Bring the 6 cups water with 350 g (12 oz) of the sugar and the vanilla pod to the boil in a medium saucepan. Add the peeled peaches and simmer for about 10 minutes. Allow the peaches to cool in the syrup.

Beat the remaining sugar and the whipped cream.

Blend the strawberries into a coarse purée. Fold the strawberries and the sparkling wine into the cream and refrigerate until needed.

Place the drained peaches in a serving bowl. Spoon the strawberry sauce over the fruit or to the side, sprinkle with pistachio nuts and serve.

Poached pears in red wine

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

6 ripe pears
2 cups red wine
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon
1 stick cinnamon
3 whole cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

preparation

Peel and core the pears. Cut them into quarters.
Place the pears in a saucepan and add the wine and sugar. Peel the lemon and cut the peel into very fine julienne strips. Reserve the lemon for another use.
Add the peel to the saucepan with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Transfer the pears and the lemon peel to a serving dish.
Bring the liquid in the saucepan to the boil.
Reduce to half or until liquid becomes syrupy. Pour the sauce over the pears.
Let cool and chill.

Poached pears with spiced caramel sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

For poached pears:
4 juice oranges
1 lemon, halved
8 cups water
2 cups sugar
6 firm-ripe Anjou pears

For caramel:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 whole clove
5 cardamon pods
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts

preparation

Poach pears:
Remove zest of orange in strips with a vegetable peeler and cut away any white pith from strips. Squeeze juice from oranges and lemon into a 6-quart pot and add lemon halves, water, sugar, and zest.
Peel pears, leaving stems attached, and add to pot. Simmer pears until just tender, and cool in liquid. (Poached pears will continue to cook a bit as they cool).
Make caramel:
Put sugar in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and crumble brown sugar over. Melt sugars, undisturbed, over moderate heat until granulated sugar is mostly melted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork until a deep golden caramel.
Carefully pour in cream (mixture will bubble up and caramel will harden slightly) and stir in clove, cardamon pods, fennel, peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer, stirring until caramel is dissolved and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, about 10 minutes.
Pour sauce through a sieve and cool to just warm. Assemble dessert: Drain pears and pat dry, then transfer to plates. Serve drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with chopped nuts.

Poppy seed chocolate torte

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

30 minutes

Ingredients

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup poppy seeds, ground (about 3 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons flour
powdered sugar
whipped cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously butter and flour 9-inch springform pan.
Melt chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water, stirring chocolate until smooth.
Remove chocolate from over water.
Cool chocolate 10 minutes. Beat 3/4 cup sugar, butter and vanilla extract to blend.
Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add melted chocolate; beat until just combined. Mix in poppy seeds.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
Fold half of beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture.
Fold flour into remaining beaten whites. Fold egg white mixture into chocolate mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread to level.
Bake until tester inserted in center of torte comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer pan to rack and cool completely.
Remove pan sides.
Sift powdered sugar over torte. Serve with whipped cream.

Prekmurska gibanica -poppyseed walnut and apple strudel pie

Serves: 12

Preparation time:35 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Prekmurska gibanica a layered pastry that contains poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins and quark fillings. Although native to Prekmurje, it has achieved the status of a national specialty of Slovenia.It's so popular that it appears on one of the country's stamps!

Ingredients

For the strudel dough:

300 g flour
3 tablespoons lukewarm water
2 tablespoons wine
1 tablespoon sugar.
salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing dough

(You can also substitute store-bought filo pastry or strudel dough.)

For the fillings:

The poppy seed filling:

400 g poppy seeds, ground with a mortar and pestle or very briefly whizzed in a food processor with the steel blade
200 g sugar
cinnamon to taste
1 cup hot milk

The apple filling:

500 g apples, grated
200 g sugar
cinnamon to taste
1 lemon rind, grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice

The cottage cheese filling:

500 g cottage cheese
3 dl (deciliters) sour cream: about 1 1/2 US cups
1 egg
200 g sugar
2 tablespoons raisins, soaked in rum
vanilla to taste

The walnut filling:

500 g ground walnuts
200 g sugar
cinnamon to taste

Optional topping: 1 cup sour cream

preparation

Separately for each filling, mix the ingredients well. Grease well (butter is best) a square or oblong ovenproof baking dish or pan.

For the strudel dough: Mix the ingredients in a bowl, knead thoroughly (ten minutes at least) and let stand to relax for one hour. Then roll out and cut into thin sheets the size of the baking container. (Alternately, purchase large sheets of strudel dough or filo pastry to suit your baking dish.)

Place a layer of strudel dough / filo pastry in the bottom of the baked dish. Brush lightly with melted butter. Spread half the poppy seed filling evenly over it. Cover this layer with another sheet of strudel dough and brush the dough with melted butter. Spread this layer with half the apple filling. Cover with another sheet of dough: brush with melted butter. Spread with half the cottage cheese filling: cover with a sheet of dough, brushing with melted butter. Spread with half the walnut filling: cover with dough and brush dough with melted butter.

Repeat this process with the remaining poppyseed filling, apple filling, cottage cheese filling and walnut filling, making sure to brush each layer of strudel dough with the melted butter as you proceed.

Top with a final layer of strudel dough: brush with melted butter. If you like, spread this last layer with 1 cup sour cream (thinned a little with milk, if necessary, to make it easier to spread).

Bake for about 1 hour in a medium oven (350F / 175C). Cut into squares and serve.

Profiteroles

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Profiteroles are small cream puffs.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs

For filling:
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon instant vanilla or chocolate pudding

preparation

Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Stir in flour all at once. Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat. Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one. Beat mixture until smooth. Spoon cream puff mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tube and pipe the equivalent of a teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheet leaving 2 inches apart. Bake until puffed, golden brown and dry about 15 to 20 minutes.
FILLING:
Whip the cream with sugar and instant pudding until stiff. Fill the small puffs with cream using a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tube. Other fillings can be used (ice cream, chocolate or vanilla pudding).

Prune ice cream with armagnac

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tablespoons dry black tea
2 cups pitted prunes
3/4 cup Armagnac

Vanilla Custard Sauce
7 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups hot milk

preparation

Pour boiling water over tea and infuse for 5 minutes. Strain tea over the prunes, cover and soak for 1 hour. Drain the prunes, pack in a jar and pour Armagnac over to cover. Cover tightly and macerate for 3 hours or up to a 1 week.

In mixing bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar with a wire whisk until lemon colored. Add the salt and vanilla and blend well.
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Gradually pour over egg mixture while whisking.
Transfer to a saucepan, and cook the mixture over medium heat, swirling it and constantly scraping the bottom and sides of the pan with a wooden spatula.
The custard is done when it coats the spatula evenly. The mixture must not boil. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a mixing bowl. Cool to room

For the ice cream:
Drain the prunes. Puree the fruit. Stir the puree into the cold custard and chill until very cold.
Pour the custard into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s directions.

Prune kumquat sticky pudding with armagnac toffee sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

The rich flavors in this moist cake intensify with a little bit of age. Though the Armagnac toffee sauce and Armagnac ice cream make festive partners, leftover cake is excellent served plain with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups packed pitted prunes (about 14 ounces)
1/2 cup Armagnac
1 1/4 cups water
6 kumquats
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Garnish: kumquats (preferably with leaves)

Accompaniments:
Armagnac toffee sauce
Armagnac ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter an 11-cup Kugelhopf pan or 11-cup bundt pan.
Halve prunes and in a small saucepan simmer with Armagnac and 3/4 cup water, uncovered, 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon transfer prunes to a shallow dish to cool. Boil Armagnac mixture until reduced to about 1/2 cup and add to prunes.
Halve kumquats lengthwise and thinly slice crosswise. In a small saucepan bring remaining 1/2 cup water with 1/4 cup granulated sugar to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add kumquats and simmer 10 minutes. In a fine sieve drain kumquats and add to prunes.
Into a bowl sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, allspice, and salt. Resift mixture into another bowl.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture and prune mixture alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating until just combined.
Spoon batter into pan (pan will be almost full) and bake in middle of oven 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 10 minutes and turn out onto rack to cool completely. Cake keeps, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature 1 week.
Garnish cake with kumquats and serve with warm toffee sauce and Armagnac ice cream

Prune soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

6-6 ounce soufflé molds
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon soft butter
1 cup pitted prunes
1 cup water
1 teaspoon Brandy (optional)
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, or pecans
4 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees . Butter the inside of the small soufflé molds. Coat with sugar. Do not touch the inside. In a medium pot, stew the prunes in water, Brandy (optional), and lemon rind until the moisture is evaporated by half. Purée the prunes in a food processor. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Mix in the chopped nuts. Set aside to cool at room temperature. (can be prepared 2 hours in advance up to this point.)
In an electric mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar. When they reach a soft peaks, gradually add the sugar, and continue beating until the whites are firm and fluffy.
Fold the egg whites into the prune mixture . Fill the mold with the soufflé mixture. Level the soufflé mixture with a spatula. Bake on a baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes.
Note:
You may also us 1/2 prunes 1/2 dried apricots.
Also, soak prune in tea. Then Armagnac.

Prune whip

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound pitted prunes, stewed
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter a 4-cup soufflé mold. Set aside.
Drain the prunes and puree in a food processor. Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar to a firm peak. Gradually add the sugar. Fold the egg whites into the pureed prunes together with the lemon rind and nuts.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared soufflé mold. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The prune whip will look like a souffle after it is baked. Serve hot or cold. If served cold the prune whip will settle in the dish.

Prunes poached in red wine

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 2 hours

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 pound pitted prunes
Boiling water to cover
2 cups red wine, not too tannic (something light and fruity like a Beaujolais or a pinot noir)
1/4 cup mild honey, such as clover
1 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise
1 cinnamon stick
2 strips orange or lemon zest

preparation

1.Place prunes in a bowl and pour on boiling water to cover. Let sit for 5 minutes, and drain.
2.Combine wine and honey in a medium saucepan. Using the tip of a paring knife, scrape seeds from the vanilla bean halves into wine and add pods. Add cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes.
3.Add prunes to simmering wine and bring back to a simmer. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add orange or lemon zest. Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Pudding diplomate

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 ounces candied fruit, diced
1 teaspoon Kirsch
2 cups lady fingers, cut into cubes
1 recipe custard cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Bring milk to a boil. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Pour milk over and stir to mix. Strain through a fine strainer.
In a small bowl, combine candied fruit and kirsch. Let stand for a few minutes. Line the bottom of a charlotte mold with wax paper. Cover with candied fruit. Add lady fingers to mold to fill. Pour custard over lady fingers. Bake in waterbath for 1 hour.
Cool completely. Unmold on serving deep dish. Spoon custard cream around dish. Serve remaining custard cream with dessert.

Pumpkin cheesecake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:
3/4 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup pecans, ground
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Filling:
3 8-ounce cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups pumpkin, canned
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon bourbon
Garnish:
Whipped cream pecan halves

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Crust:
Combine the crust ingredients. Press firmly onto greased 9 inch spring form pan. Chill.
Filling:
Beat cream cheese with sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs one at the time.
Stir in pumpkin, spices, milk, cornstarch, and bourbon until thoroughly combined. Pour into pan.
Bake 50 to 55 minutes, or until center of cake is just set. Remove cake from oven and run a knife around sides of pan. Chill.
Garnish cake with whipped cream and whole pecans.

Pumpkin chocolate cinnamon and salted caramel mousse cake

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 4 hours

Cooking time:25 minutes

The chocolate Mousse Cake is a stunning 4-layer dessert

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:
• 2 oz soft butter
• 1/4 cup (1.75 oz) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1.75 oz) brown sugar
• 1 egg at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) buttermilk at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (2.66 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (1 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
For the Pumpkin Cinnamon Mousse Layer:
• 9 oz cinnamon chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream divided
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
• Pinch salt
• 2 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Pumpkin Butterscotch Mousse Layer:
• 9 oz butterscotch chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream divided use
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
• Pinch salt
• 2 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp water
For the Salted Caramel Mousse Layer:
• 9 oz salted caramel chips or white chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream divided use
• 1/3 cup thick salted caramel sauce
• Pinch salt
• 2 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache on Top:
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
To Decorate:
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon
• Candy of your choosing

preparation

To Make the Chocolate Cake:
1. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment, and spray it with non stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Add the butter and both sugars to the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat them together on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat well until they’re fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer running on low, add a quarter of the sifted flour mixture. Add a third of the buttermilk to the mixing bowl. When that’s incorporated, continue to add the dry and wet ingredients in an alternating pattern, ending with the dry ingredients.
4. Finish mixing the cake by hand. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake the cake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool the cake completely before using.
To Make the Mousse Layers:
1. Prepare your pan. You need a 9-inch pan with sides at least 3 inches tall, and the ability to remove the bottom. Either a cake pan with a removable bottom or a springform pan will work. Line the inner wall with a 4-inch high acetate cake collar or a strip of aluminum foil or waxed paper. Make sure the acetate or waxed paper is long enough so that it overlaps itself, and if you are using foil/waxed paper, make sure you cut the strip tall enough to extend at least an inch over the pan’s sides, since the cake is about 4 inches tall.
2. Place a cake cardboard in the bottom of the pan, then carefully place the baked cake on top of the cardboard. This is optional, but it makes it easy to transfer the cake cleanly and neatly to your serving plate.
3. Prepare the cinnamon mousse layer: combine the cinnamon chips, pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of cream, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a large bowl, and let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
4. While you wait for the cinnamon mixture to cool, prepare the gelatin. Whisk together the gelatin and the cold water in a small bowl, and set it aside to let the gelatin absorb the water. When the cinnamon is at room temperature, microwave the bowl of gelatin for 15 seconds, until it is melted. Whisk the melted gelatin and cinnamon mixture together, and whisk in the ground cinnamon.
5. Whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream to firm peaks. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cinnamon, and once it’s incorporated, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream. Scrape the mousse on top of the cake, and spread it into an even layer. Refrigerate the cake for 25 minutes, until the mousse has started to set and is firm enough that a second layer can be added.
6. For the pumpkin-butterscotch mousse, combine the butterscotch chips, pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Continue to make this layer the same way you made the cinnamon layer, by melting and cooling the butterscotch mixture, whisking in the melted gelatin, and folding in whipped cream. When the pumpkin-butterscotch mousse is ready, pour it over the cinnamon mousse layer. Spread it into an even layer, and refrigerate again.
7. Finally, prepare the salted caramel layer. Combine the salted caramel chips (or white chocolate chips), 1/2 cup heavy cream, salted caramel, salt, and vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl. Continue to make this layer the same way you made the previous two layers. Pour it over the pumpkin-butterscotch mousse, and refrigerate to set the mousse layers for at least 30 minutes.
8. Make a quick chocolate ganache by putting the chopped chocolate in a small bowl and heating the cream to a simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and whisk gently until the chocolate melts and you have a smooth, shiny mixture. If it is very hot, let it cool slightly so it’s still warm and spreadable, but not so hot that it will melt the mousse. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, and use a spatula to nudge it right to the edge and spread it in an even layer. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight, so that the mousse layers can be very firm when slicing.
9. To finish the cake, push the bottom out from the pan, or unhinge the sides, and unwrap the acetate strip. Transfer the cake to your serving platter. Pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the edges, and sprinkle the cream with a bit of cinnamon. Top the rosettes with chocolate candies or chocolate curls, or leave them plain.
10. For the cleanest slices, cut the cake when it is well chilled. Use a large sharp knife, and wash it frequently between cuts. For the best taste and texture, allow the cake slices to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Pumpkin pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe never fail pie crust
Filling:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
16 ounces solid pack pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine filling ingredients in order given; pour into pie crust.
Bake in preheated for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Bake an additional 40-50 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
Cool; garnish, if desired with whipped topping.

Pumpkin pie-pumpkin-shaped

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10

1 recipe never fail pie crust

FILLING: 1 3/4 cups canned solid pumpkin
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Topping:
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
4 large egg whites

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch shallow pie pan.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin.
Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Line pie shell with foil and fill with pie weights or raw rice. Bake shell for 25 minutes. Remove weight or rice and foil, and bake shell until just pale golden. Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
Filling:
In a bowl, Whisk together all ingredients, and pour into pie shell. Bake pie for 1 hour, or until center is almost firm. Cool on rack and refrigerate.
Topping:
Whip the cream with 2 tablespoons. sugar until it holds stiff peaks. In a bowl, whisk sour cream.
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water to soften for 1 minute. Heat to dissolve. Stir into sour cream. Gradually fold whipped cream into sour cream mixture. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until whites hold stiff, slightly glossy peaks. Fold meringue into cream.
Mount topping on chilled pie into a smooth dome.
Make 8 even-spaced indented ridges with a church key can opener. Chill. Dust with cinnamon.
Insert cinnamon stick in center for stem.

Pumpkin-orange pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

CRUST:
1 1/3 cups graham crumbs
1/3 cup ground almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/3 cup butter, melted

Filling:
2 3-1/2-ounces vanilla instant pudding
1 cup evaporated milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 ounces pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

preparation

Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl, thoroughly combine the crust ingredients. Press mixture over bottom and side of 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool before filling.
Filling:
In large mixer bowl, combine pudding mix with 1 cup evaporated milk. Beat until well blended, 1-2 minutes.
Beat in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in remaining ingredients.
Pour in crust. Freeze until firm. Allow frozen pie to stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with whipped if desired.

Raspberry bavarian cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

4 egg yolks
4 ounces sugar
1 cup milk, boiling
2 cups raspberry puree, strained
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons cold water
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
Garnish:
fresh raspberries
raspberry sauce

preparation

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until creamy and thick.
Gradually pour the milk over the egg mixture while whisking. Transfer to a saucepan.
Heat over medium heat stirring with a wooden spoon, until thick. Do not boil.
Strain the custard through a fine strainer. Stir in the raspberry puree.
Dissolve the gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat, and stir into the raspberry mixture. Chill until it starts to set.
Whip the cream until stiff, and fold into the cold raspberry mixture.
Pour into a large decorative mold, or individual molds. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
To unmold:
Loosen the bavarian cream from the side of the molds with a knife. Dip the bottom of molds in hot water for a few seconds. Invert on a platter or plates.
Decorate with fresh raspberries and drizzle raspberry sauce over bavaroise.

Raspberry champagne

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup Framboise liqueur
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup orange liqueur
1/2 cup sugar
3 lemons, unpeeled
5 oranges, unpeeled
2 cups raspberries
6 bottles champagne, chilled
block of ice

preparation

Combine Framboise liqueur, brandy, orange liqueur and sugar in large container and shake to dissolve sugar. Slice oranges and lemons; add to container.
Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 to 3 hours.
Chill punch bowl.
To serve, add block of ice to punch bowl and pour in chilled mixture along with raspberries; pour in champagne. Include a fresh raspberry in each serving.
To be consumed while the punch is still fizzing.

Raspberry cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups prepared crumbs (graham or chocolate)
1/4 cup melted butter
3 8-ounce packages softened regular or light philadelphia cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons raspberry jam

Garnish: Fresh raspberries

preparation

1. COMBINE crumbs with butter. Press on bottom of 9 in. springform pan. Try using your favorite cookies for extra flavor - just give them a whirl in the food processor or blender and substitute for prepared crumbs.

2. MIX cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, cornstarch and sour cream and mix until just blended.

3. POUR over prepared crust and swirl in a raspberry Jam and bake at 300°F for 45-50 minutes or until centre is almost set. Cool completely and refrigerate.
Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Raspberry coconut squares

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup raspberry jam
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon soft butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups shredded coconut

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine flour and 1/4 cup sugar. Cut in butter finely. Press into bottom of lightly greased 9-inch square cake pan.
Spread jam over base. Beat eggs; beat in 1 cup sugar, soft butter and vanilla. Stir in coconut.
Spread over jam layer.
Bake for 30 minutes or until faintly browned.
Cool and cut into small squares.

Raspberry crême brulée

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

12 ounces frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed, drained
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons raspberry liqueur
5 egg yolks
2 cups whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

preparation

Gently toss berries with 1/4 cup sugar and liqueur.
Divide berries among six 3/4-cup broiler proof ramekins. Whisk egg yolks and remaining ½ cup sugar in heavy saucepan until pale and thick.
Add cream and vanilla. Stirring constantly, thicken over medium heat; do not boil.
Add butter and stir until melted. Spoon over berries.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Preheat broiler. Press sugar through sieve over custards. Broil until sugar begins to melt and caramelize. Chill 3 hours.

Raspberry delight

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar

3 egg whites
1 pgk (8 ounces) (300 g) raspberries in syrup, thawed
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pint whipped cream

preparation

Mix the flour, butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl to obtain a crumbled mixture
Spread unto a baking pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven, stirring often until golden brown. Press half of the crumb mixture in bottom of a 10-inch springform pan.

In bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine egg whites, raspberries, sugar and vanilla.
Whisk on medium speed until mixture is thick and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
Fold in the whipped cream and spoon into pan.
Level mixture with a spatula. Spread remaining crumb mixture over. Freeze for about 6 hours, or until firm.
Serve with raspberry sauce.
Recipe by Hanne Barter

Raspberry hazelnut praline soufflé glacé

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

4 10-ounce packages frozen raspberries
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
12 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups hazelnut praline paste
2 1/2 cups Frangelico sauce (recipe follows)

FRANGELICO SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup light cream
1/2 cup Frangelico (a hazelnut flavored liqueur)

preparation

Prepare the soufflé dishes:
Fit each of two 1 1/4 quart soufflé dishes with a 6 inch wide band of wax paper to form a collar extending 3 inches above the rim.
Puree raspberries with syrup and strain to remove seeds. Dissolve gelatin in 1/3 cup water.
Beat egg yolks with a cup raspberry puree over a double boiler until thick. Heat gelatin to melt and stir in egg yolk mix. Add remaining raspberry puree. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks. Beat cream until stiff. Fold in raspberry mix the egg whites and cream and praline.
Spoon mousse into soufflé molds. Chill covered for 3 hours. Garnish top with whipped cream. Serve with Frangelico sauce.
FRANGELICO SAUCE:

In a heavy saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring mixture to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the chocolate until sauce is smooth. Mix in light cream and Frangelico, and allow the sauce to cool at room temperature.

Raspberry mousse

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

This recipe can also be used as a filling in a cake. Add an extra teaspoon of unflavored gelatin.

Ingredients

3 cups pureed raspberries
6 egg yolks
10 ounces sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces raspberry Jello
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water

preparation

Beat egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Boil the sugar and water in a saucepan until thick and bubbly.
While mixing the yolks, slowly pour the hot sugar over eggs. Continue mixing until yolk mixture is thick and creamy.
Fold in the pureed raspberries. Strain through a fine strainer. Whip the cream until thick.
Mix the Jello in boiling water. Dissolve the gelatin in cold water. Add to the Jello mix.
Fold the cream and Jello mix into the raspberry mixture. Pour into a decorative mold or individual molds.
Chill until set.
Unmold on platter or plates.
For similar recipes, use * Strawberry & Strawberry jello. * Peach & Peach jello. RASPBERRY MOUSSE

raspberry mousse with apricot sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespon framboise liqueur (raspberry eau de vie)
8 ounces creme fraiche or sour cream
30 ounce can apricots in syrup
1 1/2 pints raspberries

preparation

Whish yolks, sugar and water in medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water).
Whisk until candy thermometer registers 160. F, about 4 minutes. Remove from water. Beat mixture until cool and thick, about 5 minutes. Beat in framboise.
Add creme fraiche; beat just until blended. Divide mixture among six 3/4-cup souffle dishes.
Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain apricots, reserving 6 tablespoons syrup. Puree apricots with reserved syrup in processor.
Transfer puree to bowl. Cover and chill sauce until ready to use. Dip souffle dishes briefly into hot water. Run small knife around sides of each mousse. Wipe dishes dry.
Turn out each mousse onto chilled plate. Spoon sauce around mousse.
Garnish with raspberries.

Raspberry pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe never fail pie crust
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons melted butter
4 cups fresh raspberries

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch shallow pie pan.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Save leftover dough for top.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Gently blend in raspberries and melted butter.
Fill in prepared pie crusts. Cover top with pie crust, or lattice. Pierce hole in center. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool on rack and refrigerate.

Raspberry soufflé with sauce sabayon

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon soft butter
1 tablespoon superfine sugar

For the soufflé mix:
1 cup raspberry preserves or jam
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
5 egg whites (reserve yolks for sauce sabayon)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 1/2 cups sabayon sauce (recipe below)

preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter six 6-ounce individual soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with superfine sugar and rotate the dish so that the sugar evenly coats the surface; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet.
Heat the raspberry purée in a saucepan. In a small mixing bowl, dissolve the cornstarch and cold water in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the bubbly raspberry tothicken. Strain into a mixing bowl.
In an electric mixing bowl, combine egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until thick and firm. With a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the cooled raspberry mixture.
Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared molds. Fill up to the rim, and level the mixture with a small spoon or spatula.
Bake for 12 to 16 minutes Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with sabayon sauce.

SABAYON SAUCE
makes 2 cups
5 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup Chablis (dry white wine)

Add the egg yolks to the top of a double boiler and beat with a whisk while gradually adding the sugar. Beat until blended. Gradually beat in the wine. Place in a double-boiler over boiling water and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the mixture begins to thicken, then whisk until frothy and reaches the consistency of a light custard . Remove from the heat.
Ideally, this sauce is served immediately with the soufllé but, if necesary, it may be left sitting, covered, for about one hour. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This sauce is also very good over fresh raspberries or strawberries.

Raspberry triple crown

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

For the wafer batter:
4 ounces (1 stick) sweet butter, soft
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/2 cup flour, all purpose
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 egg whites

For the raspberry coulis:
2 cups raspberries
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar

For the Chantilly cream:
1 cup whipping cream
6 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
2 teaspoons instant vanilla pudding

preparation

Make the wafer batter:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter with confectioner’s sugar until creamy. Beat in flour, and vanilla. Beat egg whites to a light texture. Fold them into the batter.
Spoon the equivalent of a tablespoon of batter on a buttered cookie sheet pan. Spread batter with a small spoon to form 4 inch circles. Continue spooning and spreading more batter leaving about 3 inch space between wafer batter. Bake the wafers until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer wafers to rack. While hot, they can also be shaped into cups. Cool. In high humidity, store in an air tight box until ready to use.
Make the raspberry coulis:
Save half the raspberries for garnish. In an electric blender, puree remaining raspberries with confectioner’s sugar. Strain, and chill.
Make the Chantilly Cream:
In an electric mixer, whip the cream with the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla pudding until stiff.

Presentation:
Pipe 4 rosettes of cream in center of a dessert plate. Arrange 6 to 8 fresh raspberries on cream. Top with a wafer, cream, raspberries. Top with a second wafer. Pipe a cream rosette in center. Arrange raspberries around cream rosette. Decorate with mint leaves. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry coulis in each plate. Serve.

Raspberry-apricot pie with hazelnut streusel topping

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1/4 cup packed, golden brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Filling:
1 1/2 pounds ripe apricots, halved, pitted, each cut into 4 wedges
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 1/2 pint basket raspberries
A recipe of Never-fail-pie-crust

preparation

For Streusel Topping:
Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
Combine first 5 ingredients in processor. Blend using on/off turns until nuts are coarsely chopped. Add butter and cut in using on/off turns until mixture begins to clump together. Transfer streusel to bowl and refrigerate.

For Filling:
Combine apricots, sugar, flour and allspice in large bowl; toss to blend. Let stand until dry ingredients are moistened, about 25 minutes. Carefully fold in raspberries.
Roll out pie-crust disk on lightly floured surface to 12 1/2-inch round.
Transfer crust to 9-inch diameter glass pie dish. Trim dough overhang under; crimp edges decoratively.
Spoon filling into crust.
Place pie on baking sheet. Bake until filling begins to bubble at edges, about 45 minutes.
Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over pie. Cover crust edges with foil to prevent overbrowning.
Bake until crust and topping are golden and filling is bubbly in center, about 50 minutes.
Cool pie on rack at least 2 hours.

Raspberry-blueberry cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

Topping:

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter

Cake:
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries

preparation

For Topping:

Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add butter and cut in until mixture resembles coarse meal.
For Cake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour 9x13-inch baking pan. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Cream butter until light. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs 1 at a time.
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Combine berries.
Pour half of batter in pan. Spoon berries over.
Spread remaining batter over berries.
Sprinkle with topping. Bake until tester inserted in centre comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Cut into squares.

Raspberry-rhubarb custard tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Add or replace raspsberries with strawberries for a perfect Spring match

Ingredients

Pastry:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup ground almonds
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Filling:
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon ground almonds
1 tablespoon Brandy, Grand Marnier or rum
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup raspberries
1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

preparation

For Pastry:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine flour with sugar, almonds, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Add butter and vanilla. Cut butter into flour mixture until crumbly.
Set aside 2/3 cup of this mixture.
Press remaining flour mixture evenly over bottom of an ungreased 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom or a springform pan, pressing about 1 inch up sides to form a shell if you like.
Bake on bottom rack of oven until pale golden, from 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool on a rack. Turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, whisk cream with egg, sugar, flour, almonds, brandy and vanilla.
In another bowl, toss raspberries with rhubarb. Scatter evenly over baked crust.
Drizzle cream mixture over top. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over top. Bake until custard is just set, from 35 to 40 minutes.
For a golden finish on crumble, turn on broiler and broil until topping is golden, from 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve warm or room temperature.

Rhubarb and berry coffee cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

1/2 cup each chopped rhubarb and chopped apples
1/2 cup each raspberries and blueberries
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon each salt and nutmeg
1/4 cup each butter and shortening, cubed
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 eggs
1 cup plain Balkan style yogurt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly grease 9-inch springform pan; line bottom with parchment or waxed paper.
Mix together rhubarb, apples, raspberries, blueberries and 2 tablespoons of the sugar.
Stir together flour, 1/2 cup of the remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
Cut in butter and shortening until fine crumbs form. Stir in lemon rind. Make well in center.
Beat eggs with yogurt; pour into well and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan.
Arrange fruit over top, leaving 1-inch border uncovered. Spoon remaining batter evenly over top, spread to cover fruit.
Brush with butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake on baking sheet in center of oven for about 1 hour or until golden brown. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove side of pan and cool completely.

Rhubarb and red wine jelly

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces rhubarb, cut into cubes
1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and sliced
2 ounces sugar
4 teaspoons lemon juice juice of 1 orange
1 1/2 cups red wine
2 tablespoons water
3 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

preparation

In a saucepan, put rhubarb, ginger, and sugar, lemon juice and orange juice, and wine.
Boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until rhubarb is tender.
Strain mixture through a medium mesh strainer, then through a fine strainer to obtain a clear liquid.
Dissolve gelatin in water. Set for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat. Stir in the rhubarb liquid.
Pour mixture into a 2 1/2 pint jelly mold. Refrigerate until set. Dip mold in warm water and invert over a platter to unmold.

Rhubarb and strawberry crisp

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Raspberries may also be used instead or in combination with strawberries.

Ingredients

5 cups diced rhubarb
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping:
1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup large-flake rolled oats
1/2 cup butter, melted

preparation

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Place in a greased 9-inch baking dish. Topping:
Combine flour, sugar, oats and butter. Sprinkle over rhubarb mixture.
Bake until fruit is tender and topping, golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Rhubarb cobbler

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

6 cups diced rhubarb
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping:
3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup milk

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Place in a greased 9-inch by 2-inch deep in a baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Topping:
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Add butter and milk stirring just to form a dough.
Drop tablespoons of dough on top of rhubarb.
Bake at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Rhubarb compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
6 strips orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
8 cups cut rhubarb

preparation

In a heavy non reactive saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to boil.
Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes or until tender.
Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick and orange peel.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Rhubarb crisp

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

6 cups rhubarb, diced
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:
1/2 flour
1 cup oat meal
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine rhubarb, brown sugar, butter, flour and cinnamon.
Spoon into a buttered medium casserole dish.

For topping:
Combine the topping ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over rhubarb mixture.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Test center to make sure rhubarb is cooked.

Rhubarb crumb bars

Serves: 8

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Rhubarb and strawberries are a great match. You can substitute half the rhubarb with an equal weight of quartered berries.
Recipe adapted from http://www.marthastewart.com/ using double the amount of rhubarb.

Ingredients

FOR THE STREUSEL
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus room-temperature butter for pan
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
FOR THE CAKE
1 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon light-brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Butter and flour parchment and pan, tapping out excess flour.
2. Make streusel: Whisk together butter, brown sugar, and salt. Add flour and mix with a fork until large crumbs form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Make cake: In a medium bowl, combine rhubarb, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. In another medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs, one at a time. With mixer on low, beat in vanilla, then flour mixture. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle with rhubarb and top with streusel.
4. Bake cake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool completely in pan. Using paper overhang, lift cake from pan. Cut into 16 bars.

Rhubarb custard pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

For a perfect match, combine strawberries with the rhubarb

Ingredients

1 recipe never fail pie crust
4 cup diced rhubarb
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 tablespoon flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
Sugar to sprinkle over crust

preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Divide pie crust in two equal batches.
Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface,
drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 10-inch pie dish.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with
the floured rolling pin.
Reserve the other dough half and refrigerate.
Pour boiling water over rhubarb and let stand about 5 minutes.
Drain off water. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt.
Add beaten eggs, salt and vanilla.
Blend into drained rhubarb.
Fill pie crust. Cover with a top crust.
Pierce holes with fork.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes.
Sprinkle top with sugar while pie is still hot.

Note: The recipe may be fully prepared and frozen unbaked.

Rhubarb ice cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, about 3 1/2 cups
1 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
2/3 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream

preparation

In a saucepan, combine rhubarb and 3/4 cup sugar. Cover and cook over low heat until rhubarb releases its juices, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until most of water evaporates and rhubarb has a soft jam like consistency, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Whisk egg yolks lightly. In a saucepan, combine milk and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil. Gradually whisk milk mixture into yolks. Return to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a fine-meshed sieve, strain into a bowl.
Add rhubarb mixture and cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or as long as overnight.
Freeze in an ice-cream maker to manufacturer's instructions. (Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Taste)

Rhubarb pithiviers

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

10 ounces rhubarb, trimmed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup blanched ground almonds
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons sour cream
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon Cognac
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 sheets phyllo dough
2 1/2 teaspoons unsalted melted butter
1 egg yolk
Strawberry sauce:
1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar

preparation

Peel rhubarb. Cut into ¼-inch slices.
Place in a mixing bowl with sugar. Set aside for 1 hour.
In a mixing bowl, combine almonds, sugar, cornstarch, sour cream, egg yolk, cognac and vanilla.
Drain rhubarb, press to remove liquid, and blend into custard mixture.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut phyllo leaves across in halves. Place one sheet on a buttered baking sheet.
Brush with melted butter. Repeat and stack 2 more sheets. Spoon rhubarb over phyllo, leaving 1-inch border unfilled.
Brush the edge of pastry with egg yolk. Cover with 3 more buttered sheets of phyllo.
Trim off the pastry edges, leaving a neat 8-to-10 inch circle.
Use a dinner plate as guide. Use left over pastry to form leaves and decorate top of pastry.
Brush leaves, but not the pastry. Use the back of a small knife to trace leaf veins.
Bake until the pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.
To make the strawberry sauce:
Puree strawberries, lemon juice and sugar in a blender. Strain.

Rhubarb pound cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:70 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup sugar

FOR CAKE BATTER:
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

preparation

For Rhubarb:
In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb and sugar. Cover and cook over very low heat until rhubarb is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Drain, discarding liquid. Let cool to room temperature.
For Cake Batter:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Sift flour, salt and baking powder together.
Beat butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Whisk eggs and vanilla together and add to butter mixture. On low speed, add flour mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold in rhubarb. Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth with a spatula and make a lengthwise split i inch deep to minimize splitting.
Bake until cake is browned and a tester comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Unmold and let cool right side up on a wire rack.
(Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Taste)

Rhubarb sponge pudding

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound (about 3 cups) rhubarb, cut in 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup Golden Syrup (or substitute maple syrup)
½ cup room-temperature butter, diced
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten together
¾ cup self-rising flour

preparation

Method
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Place rhubarb in a well buttered deep-dish 9-inch pie plate or ovenproof gratin. Drizzle syrup on top.
Beat butter and sugar together in a bowl with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
Gently fold in flour. Spread mixture on top of rhubarb.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve while still warm with custard, whipping cream or ice cream.

Rhubarb strawberry trifle

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups rhubarb, cleaned and diced
3 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup sugar

Combine rhubarb, strawberries and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until medium thick, about 15 minutes.

A 10" sponge cake or angel cake cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups whipped cream

CUSTARD CREAM
6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups hot milk
2 tablespoons dark rum or Grand Marnier (optional)

preparation

In mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch and whisk with a wire whisk until the mixture turns into a lemon color. Add the vanilla and blend well.
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Gradually pour over egg mixture while whisking. Transfer to a saucepan, heat and whisk until thick. The custard should not boil. Pour the custard through a fine strainer into a mixing bowl. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness. Top with wax paper to prevent skin formation and let cool completely.

ASSEMBLY
Arrange one half of the sponge cake cubes into a trifle bowl. Add 1/3 of the custard. Top that with 1/3 of the rhubarb. Do this again: cake, custard, rhubarb. Finally end with custard, rhubarb. Top the whole thing with whipped cream.

Rhubarb tart with orange-ginger glaze

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 pound red rhubarb stalks, unpeeled and thinly sliced diagonally (1/8 inch)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17 1/4-ounces package), thawed
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream

preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
Stir together orange juice, grated ginger, lime juice, and sugar in a bowl. Add rhubarb and let stand, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut pastry in half lengthwise, then roll out each piece into an 11-by 7-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin. Arrange pastry rectangles side by side on an ungreased large baking sheet.
Make a 1/2-inch border around each pastry rectangle by lightly scoring a line parallel to each edge. Prick pastry inside border all over with a fork.
Strain rhubarb mixture through a sieve set over a bowl, reserving liquid. Top 1 pastry rectangle (within border) with half of rhubarb, overlapping slices slightly. Repeat with remaining pastry and rhubarb.
Bake until pastry is puffed and golden (underside of pastry should also be golden), about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil reserved rhubarb liquid in a small saucepan, skimming foam if necessary, until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 15 to 18 minutes. The glaze will become medium thick
Transfer tarts to a rack. Brush rhubarb and pastry with glaze and sprinkle with zest.

Rhubarb-strawberry custard tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

For this recipe, you need a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom

Ingredients

Tart Dough:
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups unbleached flour
pinch of salt

Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, about 2 cups
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
Glaze:
1/2 cup apricot preserves

preparation

For dough:
Using a heavy- duty mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Add sugar and beat until pale. Beat in egg and vanilla.
Turn speed to low, add flour salt and mix until just blended.
Flatten dough to a 1/2-inch-thick disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Unwrap dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll into 1/8-inch-thick round.
Fit dough into a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom. Ease dough into bottom and up sides of pan, then run rolling pin over top to cut off excess.
Press dough to sides of pan. Freeze tart shell for 20 minutes.
To assemble and bake tart, strew strawberries and rhubarb in tart shell. Whisk cream, sugar and eggs together.
Pour over fruit, leaving a 1/8-inch margin at the top so it wont overflow in oven.
Bake until firm and well browned, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely.
Transfer to a serving platter.
For glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix preserves with 2 tablespoons water. Heat over low heat. Push through a sieve with back of a spoon.
Brush tart with glaze and let set, 1 hour. (Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Taste)

Rhubarb-strawberry-banana sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup peeled and diced rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups strawberries, cleaned and hulled
1 medium banana, peeled
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup sliced strawberries

preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb and sugar.
Stew over medium until rhubarb is tender.
Puree the sliced strawberries, rhubarb and banana in a blender until smooth. Strain.
In a small bowl, mix gelatin with orange juice. Stir to dissolve, and let soften for 5 minutes.
Warm gelatin over low heat. Stir into rhubarb-strawberry puree.
Add sugar, and stir to dissolve.
Freeze in ice cream maker. Scoop sherbet into bowls.
Top with strawberries.

Rich vanilla ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

5 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

preparation

Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy and white Heat cream and milk in heavy saucepan. Pour over egg yolk mixture and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour mixture in saucepan. Heat slowly over low heat while stirring until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. DO NOT LET BOIL. Cool completely in refrigerator.
Freeze according to manufacturers instructions.

Roasted pears and figs compote

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

4 firm-ripe Bartlett pears
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
6 dried figs, quartered lengthwise
8 ounces plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar

preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Halve the pears lengthwise and core them, then cut each half lengthwise into 3 wedges.
In a large nonstick ovenproof skillet, cook the sugar, apple juice and butter over moderate heat until the butter melts.
Stir in the cinnamon and allspice. Stir in the pears and figs and cook for 5 minutes.
Transfer the pears to the oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
Whisk the yogurt with the vanilla and superfine sugar. Spoon the compote on plates.
Serve warm or at room temperature with the yogurt sauce.

Rose macarons

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

2 egg whites - aged at room temperature for 3 days (measure 57 g after aging - I’m using 55 g eggs)
70 g ground almond powder
113 g icing / confectioners’ sugar
21 g super fine sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp rose water essence

Rose water buttercream filling:
90 g unsalted butter – room temperature
3/4 cup (100 g) icing / confectioners’ sugar
28 g (1 oz) white chocolate – melted
1 1/2 tbsp. rose water essence

preparation

1. In a food processor, add in icing sugar, ground almond powder and pulse for 30 secs into fine powder.
2. Put the mixture through a sieve and remove any lumps. Transfer to a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, add in egg whites, cream of tartar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk until foamy.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add in the sugar slowly and whisk until soft peaks.
5. Drizzle in rose water essence and turn up the mixer to high speed. Continue to whisk the meringue until stiff peaks.
6. Add in pink color gel by using a stick or skewer.
7. Turn on the mixer and mix until the color is well combined.
8. In 3 batches, fold the meringue with a spatula into the icing sugar and almond powder.
9. It should resemble a lava-like texture. When you raise the spatula, the batter should flow down slowly and perfectly okay if it breaks in between.
10. Pipe the meringue onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking sheet.
11. Rap the tray a few times on the counter to remove air bubbles. Use a skewer to break up large air bubbles.
12. Set it to dry at room temperature for 45 – 60 mins or in an oven preheated at 40C for 15 mins.
13. While waiting, prepare the buttercream filling by creaming the butter and icing sugar together till light and fluffy.
14. Add in melted chocolate and rose water essence. Continue to whisk for another 1 min.
15. Fill the buttercream in a piping bag.
16. Check the meringue by gently touching the skin of the meringue. It should be dry to the touch.
17. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 305F (150C) for 15 minutes.
18. Cool them on a wire rack completely before piping the buttercream filling.
19. If making ahead, store the cooled macaron shells in an air-tight container.
20. Macarons always taste better the next day so you could make them a day in advance and store them in air-tight containers before serving.
21. If you are staying in humid environment, store them in the fridge.

Rose shaped apple dessert

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients

1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
2 red organic apples (like red delicious, Rome)
Juice of half lemon
1 tablespoon of flour, to sprinkle the counter
3 tablespoons of apricot preserve
cinnamon
powder sugar for decorating

preparation

1. Thaw the puff pastry.

2. Prepare a bowl with some water and the lemon juice. Cut the apples in half, remove the core and cut the apples in paper thin slices, leaving the peel so it will give the red color to your roses. place the sliced apples in the bowl with lemon and water.

3. Microwave the apples in the bowl, for about 3 minutes just to soften them. Or you can also simmer the apple slices in the water in a small pan.

4. Unwrap the puff pastry over a clean and lightly floured counter. Using a rolling pin stretch the dough a little, trying to keep it in a rectangular shape. Cut the dough in 6 strips. These are about 2 in x 9 in (5 cm x 22 cm).

5. In a bowl, place three tablespoons of apricot preserve with two tablespoons of water. Microwave for about one minute, so that the preserve will be easier to spread. Spread the preserve on the dough.

6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Drain the apples.

7. Place the apples on the edge of dough, with the unpeeled edges extending over the dough Sprinkle with cinnamon.

8. Fold up the bottom part of the dough.

9. Carefully roll, seal the edge, and place in a greased muffin cup.

10. Do the same for all 6 roses. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40-45 minutes, until fully cooked.
NOTE: make sure the pastry is fully cooked on the inside before removing the roses from the oven! If after 30 minutes the apples on top look fully cooked, move the pan to a lower rack in the oven, and wait for 10-15 more minutes to avoid undercooking the puff pastry.

Sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy!

Rum-broiled grapefruit

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:6 minutes

Ingredients

2 pink or red grapefruit, halved crosswise
1/4 cup dark rum
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cayenne
4 maraschino cherries, stemmed

preparation

Heat oven broiler. Trim the ends of grapefruit halves so they sit flat when upright; transfer to a baking sheet cut side up. Run a knife around edges and between segments of grapefruit to loosen them.
Brush 1 tbsp. rum over each half and sprinkle each with about 11/2 tbsp. sugar.
Dust with cinnamon and cayenne; place 1 cherry in the center of each grapefruit. Broil, rotating pan as needed, until bubbling and slightly caramelized, 5–6 minutes.

Russian Tea Cakes

Serves: 16

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

From a history perspective, the connection to Russia is unclear. It seems they may have originated in Europe as a popular snack with tea, hence “tea cake”, then they migrated to Mexico with European nuns where they became a popular wedding cookie. They are now also very popular in the U.S. at Christmas time
the cookies come in a variety of names:
Mexican Wedding< Cookies
wedding cookies
Mexican Cookies
Italian cookies
Pecan balls
Anginetti
Polvorones
Snowball Cookies
Pecan snowball Cookies
Noel Nut Balls

These buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookie balls go by many names in recipe collections, including Mexican Wedding Cakes. They always contain finely chopped nuts and are twice rolled in powdered sugar. A holiday favorite.
Toasted coconut can also be added to the dough.

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, macadiam)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

preparation

Heat oven to 400ºF.
Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Saint-honoré

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:40 minutes

Add and mix a tablespoon of instant vanilla powder to the cream before whipping. The cream will hold firm for some time.
Refrigerate extra salted caramel for later use, and a few extra pastry puffs.

Ingredients

For the Pastry base
1 sheet of puff pastry or a recipe of Pâte Sucrée
•
For the Pate a Choux
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs

For the Creme Patissiere (pastry cream)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste, or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk

For the Creme
Chantilly (whipped cream)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste

preparation

CREAM PUFF DOUGH known as pâte á choux
For cream puff dough:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Stir in flour all at once. Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat. Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one. Beat mixture until smooth.
The pastry base and pastry puffs
1. Cut out a 7" round from the puff pastry or Pâte Sucrée. Use a pan, plate pot lid - whatever you have that will help you cut out a 7" circle. Place this pastry circle on a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Spoon cream puff mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tube and pipe a circle of cream puff dough around the edge of pastry.
Pipe a second circle inside and touching the first. Then pipe a 1-inch mound of the cream puff in the center of the base. Bake about 20 minutes until puffed, golden brown and dry. Let cool on rack.
On a second sheet pan, pipe the remaining cream puff dough into 1-inch mounds about 2 inches apart. Brush with egg glaze. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then bake the pastry puffs for another 18 minutes at 375°F, until they're a deep golden color.
Create the Creme Patissiere
1. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, flour, egg, and egg yolk together.
2. Once the milk is hot and steam is beginning to rise from it, stir in the vanilla bean paste (if using extract, hold off for now). Then, pour half of the milk into the egg mixture, whisking the egg mixture vigorously as you do. Pour the rest of the milk in, and continue to whisk vigorously.
3. Transfer the entire batter back into the saucepan and whisk over medium heat. It will take about 5 minutes for the cream to thicken up into a pudding-like consistency. Just keep whisking the whole time.
4. Once the cream is starting to look like pudding, quickly remove the cream from the heat. If you're using vanilla extract, stir the extract in now. If there are any lumps in your cream, just whisk the cream really vigorously to smooth them out.
5. Transfer the cream to a clean bowl and cover the cream with a sheet of plastic wrap placed directly onto the cream (this will prevent a filmy layer from forming). Chill the pastry cream in the refrigerator.
Create the Creme Chantilly
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the heavy cream on high speed until indentations begin to appear. Pour in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then whisk on high speed until a frosting-like consistency is formed.
Create the caramel
1. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar + 1/4 cup of water. Do NOT stir the two together. Simply place the saucepan over medium-high heat, and allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Watch the sugar-water bubble for approximately 7 to 8 minutes, watching it go from white-ish/clear to a dark amber color. Do NOT step away from the caramel as it can burn in a matter of seconds.
2. Once the caramel has reached a dark amber color and is JUST beginning to smoke, quickly remove the caramel from the heat. Carefully pour the heavy cream into the caramel (it will bubble), then stir to combine. Add the salt, and again stir to combine.
To assemble
1. Fit a pastry bag with a long, narrow filling tip. Fill the pastry bag with the creme patisserie and then pipe this into the pastry puffs. Flip the pastry puff upside down so that the flat side is facing you, then dip the top in the salted caramel. Gently give it a shake to pour off excess caramel, then carefully dip the bottom of the pastry puff in caramel too.
2. Place the pastry puff onto the pate a choux wall that you created on top of the puff pastry circle. The caramel will act like a glue. Continue until you've got a ring of pastry puffs.
3. Scoop the remaining creme patisserie onto the center of the puff pastry. Fill a new pastry bag fitted with whatever tip you like (plain, star, st. honore) with the creme chantilly, and pipe the creme on top of the pastry cream.
4. Stick one final pastry puff in the center of the dessert, then drizzle caramel all over. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Refrigerate extra salted caramel for later use, and a few extra pastry puffs.

Salted butter caramel

Serves: 8

Preparation time:5 mintes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Variations: For a chocolate caramel cream, add a few squares of chocolate

Ingredients

120 g (4 oz) caster sugar (super fine sugar)
60 g (1/2 stick) semi-salted butter
20 cl (7 oz ) of liquid cream, whole (35%)

preparation

1. Heat the sugar alone in a stainless-steel saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring until it melts and caramelizes.
2. Gradually add the butter then the cream, mixing vigorously with a whisk to avoid lumps.
3. When the preparation is homogeneous, continue cooking for 5 minutes and remove from the heat. The caramel is still liquid but it will harden as it cools.
4. Pour into a small jam jar and let cool. Store in the refrigerator.

Variations: For a chocolate caramel cream, add a few squares of chocolate.

Sicilian cannoli

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

The recipe makes 30 to 32 wafers. Use 12 for this recipe and reserve the remaining in a closed container.

The cannoli are made using a pizelle maker.
A Pizzelle is a traditional Italian sugar cookie served plain or rolled into ice-cream cones or in this recipe into cannoli shells.

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla Filling:
16 oz Mascarpone
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
Garnish: chopped pistachio nuts

preparation

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface of the pizzelli maker. Close the cover. Bake for about a minute.
Cookies are baked when golden brown.
While wafer is hot, shape into cannoli shells. Store in an airtight container.
Filling:
Whip the chilled cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar. Whisk the mascarpone and gently fold in the whipped cream.
Scoop filling into a piping bag fitted with a tip to fill each shell. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each end of the filled cannoli and dust with powdered sugar.

Simple rhubarb fool

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) fresh rhubarb, cut into 1cm pieces
1/3 cup (75g) clear honey
5 oz (150g) mascarpone
1 cup (250ml) whipping cream

preparation

Place the rhubarb in a saucepan with the honey. Cook gently for 20 minutes to obtain a soft pulp. Leave to cool. Reserve 4 dessertspoons of the pulp.
Beat the mascarpone in a bowl until smooth and creamy, then stir in the rhubarb. Do not over stir, the cream should have a marbled effect. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then fold into the rhubarb mix.
Serve in a glasses with a the rhubarb pulp on top. Goes really well with a ginger biscuit

Sorbet doudou maracudja

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

A refreshing delicious treat from Guadeloupe made with passion fruit.

Ingredients

12 passion fruit (maracudja)
2 cups water, boiling
6 to 8 ounces sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
raspberry coulis (recipe follows)
sliced bananas

RASPBERRY COULIS

2 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

Puree raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.
Coulis keeps 2 to 3 days, covered and chilled.

preparation

Cut the passion fruit in halves. Remove pulp. In a large bowl, combine pulp with the boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes. Strain the juice through a fine strainer. Add the sugar to the juice. Stir to dissolve. Add cinnamon and vanilla.
Chill the mixture before freezing in the ice cream maker. When the sorbet is thick and smooth, spoon in a decorative mold or individual molds.Freeze.
Unmold on plates.
Spoon raspberry coulis on the platter. Decorate with sliced bananas

RASPBERRY COULIS
Puree raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.
Coulis keeps 2 to 3 days, covered and chilled.

Souffléed crêpes with cointreau

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:12 minutes

Using a 7-inch bottom diameter nonstick pan to make the crêpes, and filling them with a pastry cream flavored with Cointreau, you get a superb dessert.

Ingredients

Crêpe batter
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 cups milk
5 teaspoons butter, melted
grated orange zest of 1 orange

Pastry cream
2 cups milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup Cointreau
2 eggs, separated
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
confectioner's sugar for dusting

preparation

Crêpe batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs and milk until the batter is smooth. Stir in the cool melted butter and orange zest. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Heat a 7-inch nonstick pan until a drop of water will sizzle on it. Then ladle in 2 ounces of the batter, tilting the pan to coat the bottom. Cook the crêpe until golden brown (check the color by lifting the edges of the crêpe with a metal spatula). Then flip it with the spatula and cook the other side. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Continue cooking the other crêpes. Stack the crêpes as they are made.
Pastry cream:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Add the flour, cornstarch and vanilla. Mix well. Pour the scalded milk over the egg yolk mixture, and whisk well to blend. Return the mixture to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, while whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes, whisking to reach all parts of the pan.
Transfer the pastry cream to a mixing bowl. Mix in the vanilla extract and Cointreau. Cover with a film wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Let cool.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Whisk 1/3 of the egg whites into the pastry cream mixture to loosen it; fold in the remaining egg whites.
Line 8 crêpes on a working surface. Divide and spoon the soufflé filling on one-half of the crêpes and fold the opposite side over.
Bake until the crêpes have risen and puffed, about 10 minutes. to serve, transfer the crêpes to individual hot plates. sift confectioner's sugar over each crêpe. Serve immediately.

Southern pecan pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 pie crust
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup oat bran
1 cup pecans, chopped, (or pecan meal)
1 cup pecan halves

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, mix the eggs with sugar and corn syrup. Stir in butter, oat bran and chopped pecan.
Pour prepared mixture in pie shell. Neatly arrange pecan halves on top of pie. Bake for 15 minutes.
Cover pie with foil to avoid browning pecans and continue baking 30 to 40 minutes.

Spiced pumpkin bread

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Butter and flour two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans. Beat sugar and oil in large bowl to blend. Mix in eggs and pumpkin.
Sift flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt and baking powder into another large bowl. Stir into pumpkin mixture in 2 additions. Mix in walnuts, if desired.
Divide batter equally between prepared pans. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Transfer to racks and cool 10 minutes.
Using sharp knife, cut around edge of loaves. Turn loaves out onto racks and cool completely.

Spicy poached peaches

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
8 slices peeled ginger, crushed slightly
6 slightly under ripe peaches
1 lemon, halved
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

preparation

Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in a large saucepan. Set over high heat and stir until sugar dissolves. When boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel peaches, cut them in half and remove pits. Cut halves in half again. Rub peaches all over with cut lemon.
After sugar-ginger mixture has simmered for 10 minutes, add half of peaches. Reduce heat slightly and simmer gently until just tender, from 4 to 6 minutes.
Then remove with a slotted spoon. Add remaining peaches and repeat cooking as directed above.
When all peaches have been poached, remove ginger from poaching liquid and discard. Bring liquid back to a boil. Boil gently, uncovered, over medium-high heat until reduced to a thick amber syrup, about 10 minutes. Stir often near end of cooking. Remove cinnamon sticks.
Arrange peaches in bowls. Pour warm syrup over fruit. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. Just before serving reheat. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Sponge cake pancakes

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

These pancakes are light and fluffy.

Ingredients

250 mL of milk,
150 mL of sparkling water,
140 g of wheat flour,
3 large eggs, separate yolks and whites
2 tablespoons of sugar,
pinch of salt,
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil + oil for frying.

preparation

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with sugar until fluffy.
Add the milk and sparkling water to the yolks while continuing to mix.

Next, add the sifted flour, a pinch of salt, and two tablespoons of oil to the mixture. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth batter.

Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula.

Cover the finished batter and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
After this time, mix the batter again and start frying the pancakes on a preheated, lightly greased pan.

Cook the pancakes on both sides until golden brown over medium heat.
Place the finished pancakes on a plate. Serve with fruits, whipped cream, jam, or other toppings.

Strawberries with zabaglione sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

2 pints fresh strawberries
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup Cool whip

preparation

Cut the strawberries into quarters or slices. Place in individual crystal compote dishes or other bowl.
Combine the egg yolks, sugar, and wine in a metal mixing bowl. Set over a pot with boiling water.
Whisk egg yolks until thick and creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the Grand Marnier. Add Cool whip. Spoon zabaglione sauce over strawberries, and top with sliced almonds.

Strawberry and peach compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup red wine, (beaujolais, pinot noir, or merlot)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 pounds white or yellow peaches
1 pint strawberries, cleaned and sliced

preparation

In a small bowl, combine wine, sugar, and almond extract. Peel, half and slice peaches. Layer strawberries and peaches in dessert glasses.
Pour the red wine syrup over and serve. Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead.

Strawberry bavarian

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound strawberry jam
5 egg yolks
1 cup milk
3 ounces strawberry Jello
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup fresh strawberries

preparation

Mix the strawberry jam with the egg yolks.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk to a boiling point. Pour over egg mixture and stir well. Heat over low heat stirring continuously until thick. Do not boil.
Strain the custard. Blend in the jello.
Refrigerate to cool.
Whip cream until thick. Fold into the strawberry custard. Pour mixture into a decorative mold. Refrigerate to set.
To serve, immerse mold in hot water. Unmold over a serving dish. Garnish with fresh strawberries.

Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust

Serves: 10

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

Ingredients

For the sauce:
3 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, halved
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

For the crust:
1/4 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
2 large egg whites
2 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted

For the filling:
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, soft
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dark rum
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled, halved lengthwise

preparation

Sauce:
In a heavy large saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil. Simmer to a thick syrup consistency, about 30 min. Cool.
Crust:
Boil apricots and water. Remove from heat. Let stand until fruit is soft. Drain apricots and pat dry. Place in food processor. Add sugar and egg whites and process apricots are minced. Add 1/2 cup coconut and process until minced.
Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in remaining coconut. Freeze until firm.
Wrap heavy-duty foil around outside of 9-inch springform pan with 2 3/4-inch high sides. Spoon coconut mixture into pan. Spread over bottom and 2 inches up sides of pan to form crust. Bake crust until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Filling:
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and salt in large bowl until smooth. Add sour cream, rum, lemon juice, and vanilla and beat until well blended.
Add eggs and beat until blended. Transfer to crust.
Bake cheese cake until brown, and firm in center, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 10 minutes
Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Arrange berry halves over top of cake. Garnish with mint, if desired.
Serve with strawberry sauce.

Strawberry cheesecake with rhubarb sauce

Serves: 12

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups sugar cookie crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup strawberries, hulled and coarsely mashed
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces sour cream
4 large eggs
Rhubarb Sauce:
1 pound rhubarb
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

preparation

Combine rhubarb, sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until very tender. Cool slightly. Purée in food processor or blender and refrigerate.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool. Stir together the mashed strawberries, 1 tablespoon sugar and the lemon juice. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and sour cream together until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Swirl in strawberries with a spoon, being careful not to mix too much. Pour into prepared crust. Bake 1 hour or until the edges are puffed and set and the center does not move anymore when slightly shaken. Cool in the pan on a rack.
Refrigerate. To serve, wet a knife in warm water and run around the edge between the cake and the outer ring. Remove the ring. Serve in wedges with Rhubarb Sauce.

Strawberry daiquiri sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
4 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, washed
1/4 cup dark rum
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Triple sec or other orange liqueur

preparation

Heat water and sugar in a saucepan to dissolve.
Puree strawberries in a blender adding some of the sugar syrup.
Mix in rum, lime juice, and triple sec. Strain. Chill.
Freeze in an ice cream maker.

Strawberry delight

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries
2 ounces sugar
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
2 ounces sugar
1 teaspoon water
4 ounces lady fingers

For vanilla cream:
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla pudding
2 ounces sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling milk

preparation

Clean strawberries. Remove stems and mix with 2 ounces of sugar. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Vanilla cream:
Mix 1/2 cup milk with cornstarch, and whisk in the eggs, vanilla pudding and sugar. Pour boiling milk over egg mixture, whisking vigorously for a while. Bring custard to a boil in a saucepan. Pour in a bowl to cool, and cover with plastic wrap.
Save 6 to 8 strawberries for garnish. Puree the rest, and strain. Mix the Grand Marnier with sugar and water.
Dip the lady fingers in syrup and set on a tray. Pour 1/2 of the vanilla cream in a glass serving bowl. Arrange 1/2 of the lady fingers on top upside down. Pour the strawberry puree over lady fingers.
Top with remaining lady fingers. Cover with remaining cream. Decorate with reserved strawberries. Chill before serving.

Strawberry linzertorte

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

For filling:
1 orange
1 lemon
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, washed, halved
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

For pastry:
2/3 cup+2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 large egg yolks
1 egg, beaten with
1 teaspoon cream

preparation

For a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
Filling:
Remove peel and pith from oranges and lemon. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces, discarding seeds. Place in a large pot or Dutch oven. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Add strawberries, sugar, chopped fresh ginger and pepper. Bring to a boil while stirring. Cook over medium heat until thick and reduced to 2 cups.
Transfer filling to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. (can be made 3 days ahead).

Dough:
Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Process 2/3 cup sugar, hazelnuts and almonds in processor until ground. Add flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt and nutmeg, and blend. Add butter and process until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Beat 1/4 cup cream and egg yolks in a small bowl. Add to dough and process to form moist clumps. Turn out dough to work surface. Knead until smooth. Divide in 3 equal parts.
Flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic. Chill. (can be made a day ahead.)
Roll out one disk to 11-inch round. Transfer dough to tart pan. Press dough into place. Trim edges. Chill crust until firm.
Meanwhile, roll out another dough disk to 11-inch round. Cut 16 1/2-inch wide-strips. (Reserve remaining dough disk for another use.)
Spoon filling into crust.
Arrange 8 dough strips across filling, spacing evenly. Arrange 8 dough strips in opposite direction across filling, creating a lattice pattern.
Press dough strips at edges to seal strips to crust bottom. Trim strip ends. Brush glaze over lattice top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar.
Bake torte until golden brown and very firm to touch, and filling begins to bubble, about 1 hour. Let cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes.
Gently push bottom of pan up, freeing torte from pan sides; let torte settle back into pan. Cool in pan on rack. (can be made 8 hours ahead.)

Strawberry mousse cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

almond génoise (see recipe)
For syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For mousse:
1 1/2 cups hulled and cleaned strawberries
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup halved strawberries
1/2 cup currant jelly

preparation

Prepare almond genoise.
Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine syrup ingredients. Heat to dissolve sugar.
Mousse:
Puree strawberries in food processor. Strain through fine sieve to make 1 cup.
Dissolve gelatin in 1/4 cup of the puree. Heat remaining puree with sugar to dissolve. Add gelatin to melt. Let mixture stand until cool but not set.
Whip the cream to form peaks. Fold into strawberry mixture.
Cut the two cakes in halves lengthwise. Line bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with cardboard. Line with 1 cake layer. Brush with syrup. Spread with 1/4 of the mousse. Continue with remaining layers. Decorate top with strawberries.

Strawberry napoleons with caramel sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

For pastry cream:
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups boiling milk

For caramel syrup:
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons brandy
For pastry:
1/2 pound puff pastry sheet, thawed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1-pint baskets strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced

preparation

Pastry cream:
Whisk yolks, sugar and flour, and vanilla in bowl. Add boiling milk while whisking continuously. Return to saucepan, and whisk over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
Transfer pastry cream to bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly onto surface of pastry. Chill. (can be made 2 days ahead.)
Syrup:
In a medium heavy saucepan, stir cup water and sugar. Heat over high heat until caramel forms, occasionally swirling the pan. Meanwhile, bring remaining 1 cup water to boil in a small saucepan. Remove caramel from heat. Mix in boiling water. Stir to dissolve caramel. Cool syrup.
Pastry:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out puff pastry sheet on floured surface. Cut out nine 4-inch rounds. Arrange on a baking sheet. Pierce pastries several times with tines of fork. Chill 15 minutes.
Beat egg and milk to blend. Brush 6 pastries with egg wash; sprinkle with sugar. Bake pastries until puffed and golden. Transfer to rack and cool.
Cut each pastry in half horizontally. Reserve 6 sugar-coated tops.
Place 1 plain pastry round on each of six plates. Spread a tablespoon of pastry cream over. Top with sliced berries. Cover with second pastry. Repeat layering of pastry cream and berries. Top with reserved sugar-coated pastries.
Spoon caramel syrup around base of each napoleon.

Strawberry orange shortcakes

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

Ingredients

For compote:
3 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, washed
3/4 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick

For shortcakes:
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons minced orange peel
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups whipping cream

preparation

Compote:
Slice berries; combine in a medium saucepan with sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until compote thickens, stirring occasionally. Cool.
Shortcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend first 6 ingredients in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 1 cup cream and process until evenly moist. Transfer to a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup cream.
Knead gently until dough forms. Roll out dough on floured surface to a thickness of 3/4 inch. Use 2-inch round cutter to cut out dough. Gather dough. Roll and cut more to make 20. Place on heavy baking sheet. Brush top with 1/4 cup cream. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake until brown about 35 minutes.
Whip remaining 1 1/2 cups cream to firm peaks.
Spoon 1/3 cup compote in shallow plates. Cut shortcakes horizontally in half. Arrange two shortcake bottoms on each plate. Spoon dollop of cream on each bottom half. Press tops over.

Strawberry parfait

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 pints strawberries, cleaned

preparation

Whip the cream until firm. Fold in the melted chocolate.
Reserve 6 strawberries for garnish.
Puree remaining and strain.
Alternate strawberry puree and chocolate cream in parfait glasses. Top with whole strawberries. Serve cold.

Strawberry purses

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

A recipe from Restaurant Daniel in New York City.

Ingredients

3 sheets of phyllo dough, 12 by 17 inches
1/4 cup melted butter
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
4 slices pound cake, 2 inches squares by 1/2 inch thick
20 strawberries, hulled
8 mint leaves, 4 chopped and 4 reserved for garnish

For sauce:
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint liqueur or drops of peppermint extract
4 chopped mint leaves

preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Brush the sheets of phyllo with melted sweet butter.
Dust sheets with 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar, and stack the three sheets.
Quarter the phyllo sheets.
Place a 2 inch square, 1/2 inch thick slice of pound cake on each square. Arrange 3 to 5 hulled clean strawberries on each cake square, stem down.
Brush strawberries with melted butter, sprinkle each square with 1/2 teaspoon chopped mint.
Gather the edges of each phyllo quarter to encase the strawberries, leaving a 2-inch opening in center of phyllo purse. Brush the outside with melted butter.
Dust with confectioner's sugar.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until purses are golden brown.
Sauce: Combine vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, peppermint liqueur or drops of extract, and 4 chopped mint leaves. Stir until soft and creamy. Refrigerate.
Spoon the mint sauce on plates. Place a purse on each plate. Garnish with mint leaves.

Strawberry rhubarb crumble bars

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

To create the perfect balance of tart and sweet, rhubarb is most often paired with strawberries.

Ingredients

Crumble mixture
1 cup 3 plus tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled from the fridge
2 ½ cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (95 g) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (62 g) large flake oats
½ cup (105 g) sugar
¾ cup (144 g) brown sugar, packed
1/8 teaspoon salt
Zest of one lemon
1 egg; 1 egg white
Filling
3 cups rhubarb sliced into 1-cm pieces
3 cups strawberries halved and then sliced
½ cup (105 g) sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons corn starch

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 and grease a 9 x 13 tray. Use a cheese grater to grate the butter onto a plate and then place the grated butter in the freezer while you mix the rest of the ingredients. This works best with butter from the fridge, not room temperature or frozen butter.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup oats (do not add the 2 tablespoons yet), brown sugar, white sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Add the egg and egg white and mix them into the dry ingredients with a fork.
Get the grated butter from the freezer and add it to the crumble mixture. Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles crumbs the size of peas. Remove two cups of the crumble mixture to use as the topping and stir the 2 tablespoons of oats into this mixture.
Press the remaining crumble mixture into the greased pan into an even layer.
In a different bowl stir together the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, vanilla and corn starch. Spread on top of the layer of pressed crumble. Top with the reserved two cups of crumble mixture.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. While warm, the rhubarb flavor is a lot sharper and sour, it mellows and sweetens as it cools. These bars are excellent leftover. Cover with plastic wrap loosely to avoid soggy topping.

Strawberry shake with red berry coulis

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

This creamy light berry ice cream shake is very easy to make and quick for a refreshing dessert. The coulis can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead and the shake made just before serving.

Ingredients

For the strawberry shake:
8 strawberries
1 pint good quality vanilla ice cream
1 cup red berry coulis

For the red berry coulis:
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

preparation

Strawberry shake:
Hull and thinly slice 4 strawberries, save 4 whole with the stems on, slit halfway up from the bottom and reserved for garnish
Decorate 4 tall glasses or champagne flutes with strawberry slices by pressing one slice at a time against the insides of the glasses from bottom to top.
Freeze the decorated glasses 10 minutes before serving.
Red berry coulis:
In a blender, puree the red coulis ingredients until very smooth. Strain through a fine strainer. Refrigerate until needed. Combine the berry coulis and the ice cream in a food processor. Blend until light and smooth. Pour or spoon the shake into the decorated glasses. Slide one slit strawberry onto the rim of each glass and serve immediately with a tall spoon.

Strawberry shortcake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
4 tablespoons milk, warm
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the filling:
1 cup strawberry jam
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding
2 cups cleaned strawberries, hulled and sliced

preparation

Strawberry-orange sherbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

2 pints strawberries, cleaned and hulled
2 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
3/4 cup sugar

preparation

Puree 1/2 of the strawberries. Strain. Combine with orange juice. In a small bowl, mix gelatin with 2 tablespoons orange-strawberry juice. Stir to dissolve, and let soften for 5 minutes. Warm gelatin over low heat. Stir into orange-strawberry juice. Add sugar, and stir to dissolve.
Freeze in ice cream maker.
Slice remaining strawberries. Sprinkle with sugar if needed. Scoop sherbet into bowls. Top with strawberries.

Strawberry-topped lime mousse tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

For crust:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 teaspoons cold water

For filling:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup chilled whipped cream, (divided into 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup)
5 ounces white chocolate
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream

Topping:
3 12-ounce baskets strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

preparation

Crust:
Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Blend first 4 ingredients in processor until nuts are ground. Add butter cut into small pieces, and mix until dough has a fine texture. Blend in enough water until mixture forms a ball. Press dough evenly over bottom and up sides of tart pan. Freeze crust for 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown for about 30 minutes.
Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and gelatin. Let stand for 10 minutes to soften. Bring 1/4 cup cream to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in the white chocolate. Add gelatin mixture; stir to dissolve. Mix in peel. Chill until cold and beginning to thicken but not set, stirring often.
Whip sugar, sour cream and remaining 1/2 cup cream to medium-stiff peaks.
Fold whipped cream mixture into the white chocolate mixture. Spoon mousse into crust.
Chill until mousse sets, about 2 hours.
Arrange berries atop the mousse.
Melt jam in small saucepan over low heat. Brush jam over strawberries to glaze.

Swiss roll

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
4 tablespoons milk, warm
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup flour, all purpose
2 teaspoons baking powder
Filling:
12 ounces apricot jam

preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cover the bottom of a 12-by-16 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Grease and flour the bottom and sides of pan. In bowl of an electric mixer, beat sugar, egg yolks, and milk until light and creamy. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until medium firm. Combine flour and baking powder.
Fold flour in egg yolk mix alternately with egg whites. Spread cake mix over the whole surface of pan.
Bake 12 minutes or until center of cake is set. Sprinkle a clean towel with confectioner's sugar.
Turn the cake over towel. Roll into a jelly roll. Cool. Unroll and fill with apricot jam.
Roll again and cool before serving.

Tangerine jelly

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

4 fresh tangerines or tangelos
30 pieces white sugar cubes
2 cups dry white wine
1 envelope unflavored gelatin

preparation

Rub the tangerines all over with the sugar cubes, collecting as much skin oil on the cubes as possible. Pare some skin and cut into fine strips.
Peel remaining tangerines. Remove sections, discarding membranes and seeds.
Place sections in a mixing bowl. Pour the wine in a saucepan with the sugar cubes and the tangerine strips. Add gelatin.
Heat wine to a boil. Strain and let cool. Fill into glass cups. Chill to set. Arrange tangerine sections on top.
Serve with Lemon or lime mousse

Tangerine soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tangerines, peeled, quartered and seeded
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
unsalted butter, for ramekins
6 large egg whites
Orange Strawberry Sauce (recipe follows)

1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup Grand Marnier 4 tablespoons sugar, plus more if necessary
3 tablespoons tangerine juice

preparation

In a medium saucepan, heat orange juice and 1 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add tangerines, and simmer, covered, until tangerines are very tender, 25 to 35 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing gently to extract most of the juice, reserving both fruit and juice.
In a food processor, combine tangerines and 1/2 cup tangerine juice. Puree until fairly coarse. Add Grand Marnier, and process to combine. The purée should just hold its shape without being sticky; if necessary, work in a little more juice. Transfer the purée to the saucepan.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Generously butter six 8 ounce ramekins, chill them for 10 minutes in the freezer, and butter them again. Set on a baking sheet. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk egg whites with a tablespoon of sugar until the whites hold a stiff peak, 1 to 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, stirring with a spoon until whites are glossy and hold a long peak when the spoon is lifted, about 1 minute. Heat the tangerine purée until just simmering. Remove from heat, and add about 1/4 of the whites, stirring until well mixed. Add this mixture to the remaining whites, lightly folding to combine.
Transfer soufflé mixture to ramekins, filling to the rim and mounding generously in the center. Run your thumb around the edge of the mixture to make it rise evenly. Bake the soufflés until puffed and brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Set the ramekins on small plates, preferably lined with a napkin to prevent slipping. Serve immediately with orange strawberry sauce.

ORANGE STRAWBERRY SAUCE

In a blender, purée strawberries, Grand Marnier, sugar, and tangerine juice. Taste, adding more sugar, if desired. Chill before serving.

Tarte tatin

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

History of the recipe.

The legendary caramelized apple pie is baked upside-down.
Originally from Sologne, France, in the 19th century, the Tarte Tatin owes its name to two sisters: Caroline and Stéphanie Tatin. According to the versions, the legend tells that the recipe would be the result of a clumsiness (the pie would have been reversed and cooked upside down), of an oversight (the apples would have cooked too long) or would be simply the reproduction of an old solognote specialty. Anyway, victim of its success, the tart became a welcome in Paris in 1926. Served for the first time at Maxim's restaurant, the dessert has since become a classic French dessert!

Ingredients

The apples:
Use Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Grannty Smith or King of the Pippins, the same as Reine des Reinette, Golden Winter Pearmain, Golden Pearmain, or Clarkes Pearmain, a popular 19th century apple, very widely grown in Europe at the time, and versatile for culinary and dessert uses.

Ingredients for 8 people:
8 to 10 apples
150 g (5oz) of unsalted butter
150 g (5oz) superfine (caster) sugar
200 g (7oz) of pie crust dough or puff pastry
cinnamon powder (optional)
Accompaniment:
whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Equipment used : A Ø 28 cm (11-inch) Tatin pie mold or a deep copper or stainless flan dish, Spatula, rolling pin, White round serving dish Ø 33 cm(13-inch)

preparation

To make this pie tatin recipe, start by preparing all the ingredients.
Peel the apples. cut them in quarters and remove the cores and seeds with the tip of a paring knife.
In a tart tatin mold, put the butter to melt over medium heat. Add the sugar. Mix gently with a spatula until both ingredients are well mixed.
Make a brown caramel. Let the caramel color to a light golden brown. Remove from fire. (Be careful not to let it darken too much, it will give a bitter taste to your pie.)
Arrange the half apples very tightly in the warm caramel. Keep them upright. Pack them well.
Add cinnamon (optional).
Cook for ten minutes over medium-high heat. Thus, the apples will begin to cook and they will be well mixed with caramel.
Sprinkle flour over your work surface. Roll dough with a rolling pin 3 or 4 mm (1/4-inch) thick into a disc slightly larger than the diameter of the dish.
To make sure of the size of the dough disc, I use here a pie circle that is slightly larger (2 to 3 cm) (¾ to 1-inch) than the tarte tatin mold, and I cut the dough all around.
Lift the dough circle and gently place it on the still hot apples.Tuck the dough edges protruding into the mold. Do not hesitate to push them with your fingers.
With the tip of a paring knife, make a small chimney so that water vapor can escape during cooking.
Bake in a hot oven (180-200 ° C) (350–375 F) for 20 to 25 minutes until apples are completely cooked and the crust is golden brown. This cooking time may vary from oven to oven. The dough is cooked when the caramel starts to rise on the sides. When finished, remove the pan from the oven.
Cover with a serving dish with a light border to collect the juice.
At the same time, catch both dishes with two dry cloths and turn the set in a fast but controlled movement.
Beware of splashing!
Lift the baking dish still hot and you can finally discover this delicious apple tatin tart. Preferably serve warm with a tablespoon of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The chocolate cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Makes 1 12-inch cake or 2 9-inch cake.
To make 2 8-inch cakes, use half of the recipe
Fill the cake layers with Chocolate mousse filling and glaze top with Ganache

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups boiling water
1 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

preparation

The summit cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:30 minutes

The weight of air is a phenomenon most cooks seldom contemplate.
But if you live in Breckenridge or a host of other high-altitude locales, you'll face fallen cakes and overflowing batters if you don't adjust your recipe to the higher elevations. This birthday cake was specially designed to alleviate the uncertainties of high altitude baking.

Ingredients

1 recipe
Spanish olive oil tortas
4 oz melted semi sweet chocolate
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding
4 (6-oz) containers fresh raspberries
white icing

preparation

Make 5 8-inch round tortas according to the recipe
Mix 1/4 cup whipping cream with the melted chocolate
Combine remaining whipping cream with instant vanilla pudding and chocolate mixture in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer.
Beat at medium speed until cream is firm.
To assemble the cake:
Arrange one circle of tortas on a serving tray. spoon 1/4 of the cream over and top with raspberries. Continue the same process with the remaining tortas, cream and raspberries. Cover the top with white icing.

Toffeed pears

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

For the poached pear:
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Zest from a lemon
4 firm, not quite ripe Bosc, Barlett or Anjou pear, peeled, quartered and cored

For the toffee:
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 star anise, broken into pieces
1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked whole peppercorns
Vanilla ice cream

preparation

For the poached pear:
In a medium saucepan, heat the wine, sugar, lemon juice and water, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the lemon zest and juice and pear quarters and simmer gently, turning occasionally, just until the pears are tender and cooked through.
Remove from the heat; set aside to cool slightly. Transfer the pear quarters to a plate. Discard the poaching liquid or reserve for another use.
For the toffee:
Pat the pear quarters dry. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat the honey and butter, stirring constantly, until the butter melts. Add the allspice, cinnamon, star anise and peppercorns and heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is combined and bubbles.
Add the pear quarters and cook, without moving, until they are slightly seared on one side, about 3 minutes. Cook, turning every few minutes, until the pear pieces are seared on all sides, and well coated with toffee, 3 to 5 minutes more.
Remove the skillet from the heat; remove and discard the star anise. The toffee should have reduced slightly to a glaze.
To serve, transfer 2 pear quarters to each plate, drizzle with the remaining toffee and immediately top with ice cream, which will melt into the sauce. Serve immediately.

Tofu coffee pudding

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound soft or silken style tofu
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cocoa

preparation

Unwrap tofu and place on paper towel lined plate; let drain for 15 minutes.
Pat dry with paper towel.
In food processor, combine tofu, sugar, maple syrup, coffee granules, brandy, vanilla and cocoa powder; blend until smooth. Spoon into dessert cups.

Trianon or Gâteau Royal

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

The Cocoa and Almond Sponge Cake :
Allows to make 2 squares 16x16 cm
- 3 egg-whites
- 40 gr sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 30 gr flour
- 50 gr ground almonds
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder

The Praliné Feuillantine (Crispy Praline) :
- 100 gr praline paste
- 65 gr milk chocolate
- 50 gr crèpes dentelles (if not available use corn flakes or rice crispies)

The Chocolate Mousse :
- 200 gr dark chocolate
- 50 gr cream
- 4 sheets gelatin
- 3 egg-yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 50 gr sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 350 gr cream

The Chocolate Glaze :
- 150 gr water
- 180 gr sugar
- 60 gr cocoa powder
- 6 gelatin sheets
- 100 gr cream

preparation

The Cocoa and Almond Sponge Cake

Start beating the egg-whites and when it forms peaks add the sugar and keep beating until fluffy. Then the yolks, beat until homogeneous
Mix together the ground almonds, the flour and the cocoa then blend them into the meringue delicately
Spread this mixture over 2 sheets of baking paper, shape 2 squares a bit larger than 16x16 cm and put in a preheated oven (medium heat) for 7-10 minutes (according to your oven). Then leave to cool down for 5 minutes, remove from the baking paper (turn them upside down), reserve.

The Praliné Feuillantine (Crispy Praline)
Warm up the praline paste over a hot water bath, add the chocolate, stir until completely melted.
Crush the crèpes dentelles (or the corn flakes or even crispy rice), and mix them into the praline paste and chocolate.
Spread this mixture over a sheet of baking paper, try to shape a square 16x16 cm... Place in the freezer right away.

The Chocolate Mousse :
Hydrate the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Melt the chocolate over a warm water bath. Heat up the 50 gr cream and add the gelatin (drained), stir until dissolved, then blend the cream into the chocolate, mix until homogeneous. We get a ganache. Leave to cool down, until it reaches about 30°C/86°F.
Place the yolks and the whole egg in a large bowl (glass or metal). Then prepare the syrup, gather the water and sugar in a pan and heat it up until it reaches 115°C/239°F, pour it right away in a thin stream over the eggs, whipping all the time until it reaches the room temperature. We get a smooth mousse. Blend delicately this mousse into the ganache. Then prepare the whipped cream with the 350 gr cream and fold it delicately as well into the previous mixture.

The Chocolate Glaze :
Hydrate the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes.
In a pan bring to the boil the water and sugar. Add the cocoa powder, mix until homogeneous. Add the gelatin (drained), mix until dissolved, then add the cream. Reserve (we want to use it below 30°C/86°F).

The Assembly :

Place one square of sponge cake in the middle of the cake frame. Place over it the crispy praline (still frozen). Then pour the chocolate mousse almost to the top.Place the second square of sponge cake, press a bit then cover with the rest of mousse to the top. Level with a large spatula. Put right away in the freezer for about 2 or 3 hours. This step will help to remove the cake from the cake frame and to set quickly the chocolate glaze.
Remove the cake from the freezer, and delicately from the cake frame.
Place the cake on a shelf and pour the chocolate glaze over it and leveling the top with a large spatula.

When the glaze is completely set, decorate as you want, here with some macaroons. Leave it at room temperature for 1 hour in order to defrost and then serve right away.

Trifle

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ingredients

12 ounces pound cake
2 tablespoons raspberry jam, melted
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup brandy
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons super fine sugar
3 cups Custard crean

2 cups fresh raspberries

preparation

Cut the pound cake into 1 inch cubes, and combine with the melted raspberry.
In a round serving glass bowl, alternate layers of pound cake and custard sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the almonds. Pour the sherry and brandy over and let steep for 30 minutes.
Whip the cream until stiff, gradually adding the sugar. Save a dozen raspberries for garnish. Scatter the rest over the cake, then spread 1/2 of the cream.
Using a pastry bag fitted with a large decorative tip, decorate the cake with the remainder cream. Garnish with raspberries and sprinkle with almonds. Serve chilled.

Triple blueberry and strawberry pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

1 recipe NEVER FAIL PIE CRUST
2 cups blueberries
4 cups strawberries
1 cup raspberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup tapioca
1 top pie crust strips
1 egg
1 tablespoon sugar

preparation

Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Save remaining dough for strips on top.
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Stem strawberries and cut in half. Toss berries, 3/4 cup sugar and quick cooking tapioca in large bowl.
Let stand 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mound filling in crust.
Place dough strips atop pie, forming lattice; trim excess.
Gently press edges to crust. Brush with egg glaze.
Top with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake until crust is golden and filling bubbles at edges, about 40 minutes.

Triple chocolate cheesecake

Serves: 14

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Ingredients

For the crust:
2 cups chocolate graham crackers crumbs
6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
8 ounces (227 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
24 ounces (680 grams) full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) super fine sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the topping:
5 oz (150 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

preparation

For the crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Process the cookies in the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until moistened. Press into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

For the filling:
Melt the chopped chocolate until smooth. Let cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sugar, cream, and cocoa powder and beat** until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until smooth. Beat in the melted chocolate until just combined. Do not to overbeat.

Pour the batter into the cooled crust. Place the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top looks slightly dry and the middle is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open and allow to cool for 10 minutes as this helps prevent cracking. Remove the cheesecake from the oven to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours. Release the cheesecake from the pan onto a cake stand or serving plate.

For the topping:
Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream just until simmering. Pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes before stirring until the mixture is melted and smooth. If needed, allow to cool and thicken. Pour over the cheesecake.

** Do not overbeat the batter as it adds air which causes the cake to crack in the center when cooked as it cools.

Upside-down peach cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

Ingredients

8 ripe peaches (fresh, canned or frozen)
3 teaspoons soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch salt
melted apricot glaze or strawberry jam

preparation

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Blanch and peel 8 ripe peaches. Cut in halves. Or use canned or frozen peaches. Slice 1 inch thick.
Butter a 9-by 1 1/2-inch round cake pan with 3 tablespoons soft butter, and sprinkle with 1/2 c. sugar over butter. Arrange peaches close together in a circle in the pan.
In an electric mixer, cream 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) soft butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Sift together 1 1/4 cup cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch salt and combine into butter sugar mixture.
Gradually stir in flour batter over peaches, smoothing top.
Bake cake 55 minutes to 1 hour, or till brown.
Cool on rack for 10 min.
Invert on a platter. Brush peaches with melted apricot glaze or strained strawberry jam. Serve with whipped cream.

Valentine truffle cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Ingredients

Truffle Cream:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup crème de cassis
Cake:
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 large egg yolks
1 cup buttermilk
Glaze:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (such as Valrhona)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup crème de cassis
fresh raspberries

preparation

For truffle cream:
Stir chocolate, cream and butter in heavy saucepan, over low heat until chocolate and butter melt and mixture are smooth. Mix in liqueur. Let stand at room temperature until very thick and spreadable, stirring occasionally, about two hours.
For cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 9-inch heart-shaped pan with 1 1/4-inch high sides. Dust with flour. Sift first four ingredients into bowl. At high speed beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add yolks one at a time, beating just to combine after each addition.
With rubber spatula, mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted in center comes out clean, about thirty five minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool. Cut cake horizontally in half. Spread truffle cream over bottom layer. Arrange top layer over and press gently. Smooth cream on sides of cake if necessary. Chill at least one hour.
For Glaze:
Stir chocolate and butter in saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add corn syrup and liqueur and whisk until smooth. Let glaze stand until lightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about thirty minutes.
Place cake on rack. Pour glaze over cake, coating completely. Chill cake on rack until glaze is set, about thirty minutes.
Transfer cake to platter. Garnish with raspberries.

Vanilla custards

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Ingredients

8 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups milk

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl whisk the eggs and sugar till creamy and lemony.
Bring the milk to the boiling point. Gradually whisk in the egg mixture. Stir in vanilla. Strain and pour custard mixture into individual ramekin dishes. Bake in a water bath for about 25 minutes. or until set.

Vanilla-pomegranate parfaits

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

POMEGRANATE COMPOTE

2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 medium pomegranate (1 cup of seeds)
2/3 cup pomegranate juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice

PUDDING
2 cups milk
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds for garnish
6 mint sprigs for garnish

preparation

To prepare compote:
Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add pomegranate juice, lemon juice and 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds (save 1/4 cup for garnish) ; stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate while you prepare the pudding.

To prepare pudding:
Combine milk in a medium heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk egg, egg yolk, 1/3 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch in a medium bowl. Reheat the milk mixture just until steaming. Carefully whisk one-third of the steaming milk into the egg mixture. Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in butter.

To prepare parfaits: Divide the pomegranate compote among six 6-ounce (1 cup) parfait glasses, ramekins or other small dessert cups). Spoon the pudding mixture over the compote. Cover and refrigerate until the pudding is well chilled, at least 3 hours.
To serve, garnish each parfait with pomegranate seeds and a mint sprig, if desired.

Vatrushki cream cheese buns

Serves: 8

Preparation time:50 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Vatrushki are sweet pastries made with a yeast dough and filled with cheese filling.

Ingredients

1 cup milk (250 ml)

2.5 cups (250 gr) cups all purpose flour

1/2 stick (50 gr) of melted butter

2 eggs

1/2 cup (100 gr) sugar

2 tbsp of sour cream

1 pack (7 gr) dry fast action yeast

2 tsp of oil

1/2 tsp of salt

For the filling :

8 oz (250 gr) farmers cheese -dry cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

8 oz (250 gr) cream cheese

1 egg

1 tbsp of vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp of sugar

1-2 tbsp of flour

raisins ( optional)

preparation

Mix dry yeast with luke warm milk, sugar and mix well. Set aside for 15 minutes so yeast starts to activate.

Into a large bowl, add milk and yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, sour cream and half of the flour. Mix the dough and then add the rest of the flour with salt. Sprinkle flour onto working surface; Kneed the dough for a minute. If its too wet, add more flour. Place the dough back into the oiled bowl. Cover and leave to raise and double in size for an hour or more depending on the kitchen temperature.

Whisk cream cheese, cottage cheese, egg, vanilla, sugar and flour together for the filling. Optionally, you can add raisins to the filling. I used half and half.

Once the dough has risen, place on the floured surface, pinch a small ball and roll into a flat shape. Place them onto the baking sheet. Using a small glass, press the center of each ball to create an indent in the middle. Fill each hollow with a filling. Leave to raise for another 30 minutes.

Brush dough with egg wash.

Bake in preheated oven at 350F (180 C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
serve hot or at room temperature.

Walnut white chocolate snowball cookies

Serves: 20

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

Original recipe: Canadian Living

Ingredients

3/4 cups walnut halves
1 1/4 cup icing sugar
1 cup butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups white chocolate chips

preparation

Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased; set aside.

In food processor, whirl walnut halves with 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the sugar until finely ground.

In large bowl, beat butter until fluffy; stir in nut mixture, then vanilla and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup (250 mL) at a time. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; stir in. Shape by heaping teaspoonfuls (5 mL) into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Arrange, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, on prepared pans. Cover lightly; chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of 325?F (160?C) oven, rotating and switching pans halfway through, until bottoms are golden, about 22 minutes. Let rest on pans for about 3 minutes.

Sprinkle remaining icing sugar into shallow wide bowl. Working with about 6 cookies at a time, place, rounded side down, in sugar; roll to coat all sides. Place, right side up, on racks to let cool.

Press icing sugar through sieve to sift. Roll cookies again. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.)

Warm blueberry and mango compote

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium mango
1/2 cup blueberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon candied ginger (finely minced)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)

preparation

Peel half the mango and cut ½ inch-thick lengthwise slices down to the pit. Cut crosswise to release the slices. Repeat the process with the other half, then cut the mango slices into ½-inch dice.
In a small non reactive pan, combine the mango, blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, candied ginger, and lemon zest with 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer until the fruit is softened and the liquid thickened, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
(The compote can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving)

Warm chocolate torte

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Ingredients

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, such as Caillebaut, or Valrhona, coarsely chopped
10 ounces sweet butter, soft
9 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
confectioners' sugar for dusting

preparation

Preheat oven at 300 degrees.
Butter the inside of 10 3 1/4 -or 4-by 1-inch rings.
Use empty 6-oz pineapple cans, with tops, bottoms, and labels removed or use circles of same diameter. Set rings on a buttered baking sheet.
Melt chocolate on low heat or in double boiler. Set aside to cool. Cream the butter in an electric mixer. Beat in the cooled chocolate.
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 6 teaspoons sugar until lemony colored. Beat in the chocolate mixture.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to form soft peaks. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar and beat at high speed to hold soft peaks. Fold in the chocolate mixture.
Fill rings 1/2 full. Recipe can be made 3 hours ahead to this point.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Set baking sheet on a rack to cool. After 10 minutes.
Twist rings and remove from the tortes.
Transfer to dessert plates. Dust with sugar. Serve with ice cream. Drizzle with bittersweet chocolate sauce.
Bittersweet chocolate sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine 5 oz bittersweet chocolate with 1 1/4 cups warm water. Melt chocolate on low heat.
Away from heat, whisk in 2 teaspoons sweet butter. Cool and refrigerate.

Watermelon sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 50 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 cups pureed watermelon
1 tablespoon lemon juice

preparation

Combine sugar, water and syrup in a saucepan. Stir until it boils. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool. Refrigerate.
Remove meat from the watermelon and discard seeds. Puree in a blender. Measure and add 3 cups of watermelon and lemon juice to the cold sugar, water, syrup mixture.
Freeze the mixture in an ice cream machine for 20 to 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

White chocolate and raspberry tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

This recipe was featured in Homemaker's Magazine and is from Toronto's Grano Restaurant in Canada

Ingredients

Pastry:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, beaten

Filling:
1 pound good quality white chocolate, chopped
5 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup whipping cream
2 cups raspberries

preparation

Pastry:
Place flour, butter and sugar in food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add egg and water. Pulse again until ball of dough forms.
Roll out dough and place in 11-inch flan pan. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover dough with sheet of foil and weight with dried beans or pastry weights.
Bake for 20 minutes or until pastry is lightly browned.
Remove foil and beans and bake for 5 to 8 minutes longer.
Filling:
Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler over hot (not boiling) water. Stir in cream; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Arrange raspberries over bottom of pastry shell and cover with chocolate mixture.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Wild blueberry flan

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
5 cups wild fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
2 cups sour cream
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat butter and sugar until blended. Beat in egg and almond extract. In separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; pour over batter and stir until blended. Pat over bottom and 2 inches up side of greased 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Filling:
Toss together blueberries, liqueur and lemon rind; scrape over crust. Whisk together sour cream, egg yolks, sugar and almond extract; scrape evenly over blueberries. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until crust is golden and crisp. Let cool in pan on rack. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until chilled. Remove side of pan.
Cut into wedges to serve. For an added touch, pipe whipped cream over tart and decorate with thin candied orange strips and almond slivers

Wine jelly

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:none

Ingredients

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup Madeira wine

preparation

Mix the gelatin and sugar together in small bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let soften for 5 minutes. Pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over and mix well to dissolve. Add orange juice, lemon juice and wines. Pour into a mold and chill until firm.

Winter citrus compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sweet dessert wine
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp honey
1/2 vanilla bean
1/2 cup raisins
3 seedless oranges
1 blood orange
2 clementines
2 grapefruits
3 kiwi fruits peeled & sliced

preparation

In a saucepan combine wine, orange juice and honey. Split the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise, and scrape the seeds into the pan using the tip of the knife. Add the pod and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is reduced to about one cup (about 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and add the raisins. Set aside to cool then remove vanilla pod. Cut off the orange peel with a knife. Separate the segments free from all membranes. Repeat with remaining citrus, removing seeds. Add all fruit to the cooled liquid. Spoon into glasses.

Yogurt orange cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

This yogurt cake recipe can also be made in an 8-inch springform or 9-inch round cake pan. A 9-inch cake will only take around 30–35 minutes to bake, whereas an 8-inch round will take closer to 40 and a medium loaf between 35 and 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the cake:

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
Grated zest of 1 orange
¾ cup (110g) whole plain yogurt, sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1½ cups (180g) cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. fine sea salt
½ cup neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed

For the soaking syrup:

2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier
2 Tbsp. orange juice
¼ cup (50g) superfine sugar

For the glaze:

¾ cup apricot jam or marmalade
2 tsp. rum or water

preparation

1. Make the cake
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan.
Step 2
Combine the sugar and orange zest in a bowl and, using your fingertips, rub them together to distribute the citrus oils.
Step 3
Whisk the yogurt, eggs and oil together. Add the zesty sugar and vanilla and whisk to thoroughly combine. Add the flour, baking powder and. Whisk just to combine.
Step 4
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Make the soaking syrup
Step 5
Prepare the syrup by heating the Grand Marnier and orange juice in a microwave until warm, but not hot. Stir in the sugar to dissolve. Drizzle this over the cake while still warm.
3. Make the glaze
Step 6
To make the glaze, warm the jam with the rum over low heat. Strain. Brush onto the cake once it has cooled to room temperature.

Yogurt with cranberry port topping

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups greek yogurt
1 bag (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) water
1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch
1/2 cup (125 mL) port

preparation

In small saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar and water to boil; reduce heat and simmer until saucy and berries pop but still retain shape, about 8 minutes.

Whisk cornstarch into port until dissolved; gently whisk into cranberry mixture and return to boil. Boil until thickened, about 1 minute. Let cool slightly; cover and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons topping evenly over yogurt and serve.

conversion of liquids

Type a value in one of the inputs below to convert into other units.

Liters - l
Déciliters - dl
Centiliters - cl
Milliliters - ml
	*USA*	*UK, Canada*
Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
Teaspoons - tsp

Weights

Temperatures

Measures of non liquid ingredients

Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted into weight using the table below. For products not included, use a metric scale Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams
Ingredient	1 cup	3/4 cup	2/3 cup	1/2 cup	1/3 cup	1/4 cup	2 tablespoons
All-purpose wheat flour	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour	110 g	80 g	70 g	55 g	35 g	27 g	13 g
White sugar	200 g	150 g	130 g	100 g	65 g	50 g	25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar	100 g	75 g	70 g	50 g	35 g	25 g	13 g
Brown sugar normally packed	180 g	135 g	120 g	90 g	60 g	45 g	23 g
Corn flour	160 g	120 g	100 g	80 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Cornstarch	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
Rice (not-cooked)	190 g	140 g	125 g	95 g	65 g	48 g	24 g
Macaroni (uncooked)	140 g	100 g	90 g	70 g	45 g	35 g	17 g
Couscous (uncooked)	180 g	135 g	120 g	90 g	60 g	45 g	22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked)	90 g	65 g	60 g	45 g	30 g	22 g	11 g
Table salt	300 g	230 g	200 g	150 g	100 g	75 g	40 g
Butter / Margarine	240 g	180 g	160 g	120 g	80 g	60 g	30 g
Shortening	190 g	140 g	125 g	95 g	65 g	48 g	24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
chopped walnuts	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Nuts /ground almonds	120 g	90 g	80 g	60 g	40 g	30 g	15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed)	60 g	45 g	40 g	30 g	20 g	15 g	8 g
Dry bread crumbs	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	40 g	20 g
Parmesan grated	90 g	65 g	60 g	45 g	30 g	22 g	11 g
Chocolate chips	150 g	110 g	100 g	75 g	50 g	38 g	19 g

1 2 3 4 5 6

Last page

dessert

{Page-Turner} E-Cookbooks Library

on a world cooking journey.

441 Recipes

dessert recipes

Kilogramms :	kg
Gramms :	g
Pounds :	lb
Ounces :	oz

Degrees Celsius :	°C
degrees Fahrenheit :	°F

If you love all things dessert this {Pageturner Ecookbook} is for you

If you love all things
dessert
this {Pageturner Ecookbook} is for you