Desserts
While today's post doesn't necessarily have a theme (unless you count yummy desserts as a theme), there's plenty here to enjoy, including Warm Brownie Wedges with Java Cream and Salted Chocolate Pudding With Whipped Sour Cream. Enjoy!
RED VELVET OOEY GOOEY BARS
This is from the Food Network, and begins, “A classic red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting has been taken to new level of ooey gooey buttery goodness, just in time for the holidays.”
Level: Easy; Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling and cooling times); Yield: 24 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/red-velvet-ooey-gooey-bars-7262669.
Ingredients
Cake:
Nonstick baking spray
One 15.25-ounce box red velvet cake mix
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
Sprinkles, for decorating, optional
Directions
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick baking spray.
Add the cake mix, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract and 2 of the eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. Add 1 stick of the butter and mix until just combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
Beat the cream cheese in a separate bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or clean the first bowl) on medium speed until light and smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally, about 2 minutes. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Once combined, add the remaining 1/2 stick butter and beat until smooth. With the mixer running on low speed, add the confectioners' sugar, one spoon at a time, until combined, scraping down the sides occasionally. Evenly pour the mixture over the cake layer and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Bake until the edges are puffed and golden brown and the center is just set, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, and then chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.
For the royal icing: Add the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and 6 tablespoons water to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the chilled cake to a baking sheet and remove the foil. Spread an even layer of royal icing on the cake with an offset spatula and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Cut into 24 bars (4 lengthwise strips and 6 crosswise strips).
Cook’s Note
It is important that all the ingredients are at room temperature. Otherwise, the batter will be difficult to spread in the cake pan.
RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 40 min; Yield: 10 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1-1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 28 cookies)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Transfer 2 cups batter to a bowl; stir in the cocoa powder and food coloring. Pour the red batter into the crust, then pour the white batter on top. Using a spoon, pull some of the red batter up from the bottom of the cake and swirl. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still wobbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Turn off the oven but keep the cake inside to cool, 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan (don't remove the springform side), then transfer to a rack to cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing.
WARM BROWNIE WEDGES WITH JAVA CREAM
This recipe begins, “Dense wedges of chewy chocolate are paired with a sweet coffee-flavored cream and fresh berries.”
Yield 8 servings
Serving size 1/8 brownie, 2 tablespoons cream and 1/4 cup berries
Source: "The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen" by Chef Nancy Hughes
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1263
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1263.shtml
Watch video on how to make it: http://diabeticgourmet.com/media/67.shtml
Ingredients
Wedges
Canola oil cooking spray
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/3 cup white whole-wheat flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar substitute blend
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup egg substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
4 ounces fat-free whipped topping
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup blackberries or blueberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F.
Coat 9-inch, nonstick springform pan or cake pan with canola oil cooking spray.
Combine flours, cocoa and baking powders, 1 tablespoon coffee granules and salt in medium bowl.
Combine sugar, canola oil, egg substitute and vanilla in another medium bowl; mix well. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture, and stir until just blended. Batter will be very thick.
Spoon into bottom of pan; spread evenly by coating the back of a spoon with cooking spray. Bake for 11 minutes or until slightly puffed. (Mixture will not be completely cooked at this point, but it will continue to cook while standing without overcooking and drying out.)
Place pan on a wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove sides of the pan and gently remove from bottom or leave on bottom and place on a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature. When cooled completely, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
To make cream, combine water with 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules in a medium bowl, and stir until dissolved. Add whipped topping; whisk until a sauce consistency is reached. For thinner sauce, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or milk.
Refrigerate until needed. To serve, cut into wedges, spoon mocha cream on top, and sprinkle with berries.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 260; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 10 g; Sodium: 145 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 36 g
HOT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
How does Hot Chocolate Cheesecake sound? Yum!
This comes from The Food Network Kitchen, and starts off, “Use your leftover hot chocolate or cocoa mix in both the crust and the filling of this super-rich cheesecake that tastes just like the classic drink.” Total Time: 3 hr 45 min; Prep: 30 min; Inactive: 45 min; Cook: 2hr 30 min; Yield: 12 to 14 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/hot-chocolate-cheesecake.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
9 graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1/4 cup hot chocolate or cocoa mix
Pinch fine salt
Filling:
Four 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup hot chocolate or cocoa mix
1 cup sour cream
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 marshmallows
Directions
Special equipment: a 9-inch springform pan
For the crust: Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 325 degrees F. Butter the inside of a 9-inch springform pan.
Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add the butter, hot chocolate mix and salt, and pulse until the mixture comes together and holds its shape when squeezed. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, and press it into the bottom to make an even layer. Bake until the crust is just firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Place the pan on a large piece of foil, and fold the foil up the sides of the pan. (This helps seal the pan, to keep water out while baking.)
For the filling: Wipe out the food processor. Pulse the cream cheese, sugar, hot chocolate mix and sour cream until completely smooth, without any lumps, scraping down the side of the bowl a few times. Add the eggs and vanilla, and pulse until incorporated. Pour the filling into the crust, and set the pan inside a roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with enough hot water to go halfway up the side of the springform pan (but not above the foil).
Bake the cheesecake until the edge is set but the center jiggles slightly (when you gently shake the pan, the cheesecake should move in a cohesive wave motion), 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off, and open the door for a few seconds to let out some heat. Close the door, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven until cooked completely through, 1 hour more.
Transfer the springform pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge, and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.
Before serving, cut the marshmallows on the diagonal, and arrange them, cut-side down, in a neat line all over the top edge of the cheesecake.
SALTED CHOCOLATE PUDDING WITH WHIPPED SOUR CREAM
This is from Alison Roman at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “A classic, old-fashioned chocolate pudding, this dessert is made a bit more interesting by layering with whipped sour cream (for a little tang) and crushed cookies of your choosing (for texture). While you can absolutely make and serve chocolate pudding in individual cups, there is something delightfully communal about sharing it from one giant vessel, which can be nearly anything you want: Mixing bowls, trifle bowls or baking dishes all work, just aim for something tall and deep so you can build as many layers as possible.”
Time: 45 minutes, plus 3 hours’ chilling
This was featured in “Desserts That Bring the Party, but Not the Fuss”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020708-salted-chocolate-pudding-with-whipped-sour-cream.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (65 to 70 percent), finely chopped
3 cups heavy cream
3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Assembly:
3 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 cups sour cream
12 ounces thin wafer cookies, such as gingerbread, vanilla wafers or chocolate wafers
Flaky sea salt
Preparation
Make the pudding: Place chocolate in a large bowl; set aside.
Heat heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium pot over medium-high, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a bare simmer, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, the egg yolks, the cornstarch, the salt and the vanilla, if using, until the mixture is lump-free and pale in color. Ladle a bit of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks and whisk until completely blended, adding a bit more at a time until half the cream mixture is added. Transfer the yolk-cream mixture back into the pot with the remaining cream mixture.
Return the pot to medium heat and, whisking constantly, cook until the mixture has gone from thin and watery to thick and custardy, with the occasional bubble popping up, 3 to 5 minutes.
Immediately pour the mixture over the chocolate, and let sit for a minute or two, giving the bowl a shake to help the chocolate settle as it melts. Using a whisk, mix the chocolate into the cream as it melts, until you have an ultrasmooth, silky pudding. Transfer to a flat baking dish (an 8-by-8-inch pan works well) and cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until pudding is completely set, at least 3 hours and up to 48 hours.
Assemble and serve: Using either an electric mixer on medium or a whisk and elbow grease, whisk heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. (The cream should hold a gentle peak.) Whisk in sour cream.
To serve, spoon a bit of chocolate pudding into a serving vessel. This can be done in individual bowls, glasses, cups or coupes, or alternatively, one large bowl or baking dish — the choice is yours. Then spoon in an equal amount of whipped sour cream, and scatter with crumbled cookies. Repeat until the vessel is full, topping with flaky salt.
Eat immediately, so the cookies stay crunchy, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
DIRTY CHAI EARTHQUAKE COOKIES
This comes from Susan Spungen at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Susan wrote, “In case you’re wondering about the name of this cakey, chewy-edged cookie, which nearly explodes through its sugary crust, it’s a nod to a coffee bar creation in which a shot of espresso tops off a cup of masala chai, the Indian spiced tea. It’s right at home on a traditional holiday cookie plate, thanks to its festive cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves. Feel free to add a little freshly grated nutmeg, if you’re so inclined. A strong coffee flavor adds nuance; black pepper lends a spicy kick; and malted milk powder, browned butter and brown sugar all contribute toasty warm notes to this craveable treat.”
Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling; Yield: 2 dozen cookies.
This was featured in “12 Stunning Cookies That Will Impress Everyone You Know,” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020652-dirty-chai-earthquake-cookies.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon finely ground espresso (not instant espresso) or finely ground coffee
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons malted milk powder, such as Carnation brand
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
2 large eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted, for rolling
Preparation
Put espresso or coffee in a small metal bowl. Put butter in a small saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat, swirling and stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula, until nutty brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the butter to the bowl with the espresso and stir to combine. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the rest of the cookie.
Combine the flour, malted milk powder, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine thoroughly and set aside.
Combine eggs and light brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly paler, about 3 minutes, scraping bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla and the butter mixture, then mix on low speed until combined. Add the flour mixture, then mix again on low until combined. Transfer dough to a resealable glass or plastic container, and chill thoroughly, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar into two separate bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough into heaping tablespoons (about 25 grams each). Roll into smooth balls and drop a few at a time into the bowl of granulated sugar, rolling to coat. Transfer to the bowl with the confectioners’ sugar. Roll gently, coating well, then transfer to a parchment- or silicone mat-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between cookies. Place in freezer until firm, about 10 minutes.
Bake until cookies are golden underneath but still quite tender (they will firm up as they cool), 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool a few minutes on the baking sheets and transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week.
RED VELVET OOEY GOOEY BARS
This is from the Food Network, and begins, “A classic red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting has been taken to new level of ooey gooey buttery goodness, just in time for the holidays.”
Level: Easy; Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling and cooling times); Yield: 24 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/red-velvet-ooey-gooey-bars-7262669.
Ingredients
Cake:
Nonstick baking spray
One 15.25-ounce box red velvet cake mix
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
Sprinkles, for decorating, optional
Directions
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick baking spray.
Add the cake mix, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract and 2 of the eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. Add 1 stick of the butter and mix until just combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
Beat the cream cheese in a separate bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or clean the first bowl) on medium speed until light and smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally, about 2 minutes. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Once combined, add the remaining 1/2 stick butter and beat until smooth. With the mixer running on low speed, add the confectioners' sugar, one spoon at a time, until combined, scraping down the sides occasionally. Evenly pour the mixture over the cake layer and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Bake until the edges are puffed and golden brown and the center is just set, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, and then chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.
For the royal icing: Add the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and 6 tablespoons water to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the chilled cake to a baking sheet and remove the foil. Spread an even layer of royal icing on the cake with an offset spatula and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Cut into 24 bars (4 lengthwise strips and 6 crosswise strips).
Cook’s Note
It is important that all the ingredients are at room temperature. Otherwise, the batter will be difficult to spread in the cake pan.
RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 40 min; Yield: 10 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1-1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 28 cookies)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Transfer 2 cups batter to a bowl; stir in the cocoa powder and food coloring. Pour the red batter into the crust, then pour the white batter on top. Using a spoon, pull some of the red batter up from the bottom of the cake and swirl. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still wobbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Turn off the oven but keep the cake inside to cool, 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan (don't remove the springform side), then transfer to a rack to cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing.
WARM BROWNIE WEDGES WITH JAVA CREAM
This recipe begins, “Dense wedges of chewy chocolate are paired with a sweet coffee-flavored cream and fresh berries.”
Yield 8 servings
Serving size 1/8 brownie, 2 tablespoons cream and 1/4 cup berries
Source: "The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen" by Chef Nancy Hughes
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1263
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1263.shtml
Watch video on how to make it: http://diabeticgourmet.com/media/67.shtml
Ingredients
Wedges
Canola oil cooking spray
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/3 cup white whole-wheat flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar substitute blend
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup egg substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
4 ounces fat-free whipped topping
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup blackberries or blueberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F.
Coat 9-inch, nonstick springform pan or cake pan with canola oil cooking spray.
Combine flours, cocoa and baking powders, 1 tablespoon coffee granules and salt in medium bowl.
Combine sugar, canola oil, egg substitute and vanilla in another medium bowl; mix well. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture, and stir until just blended. Batter will be very thick.
Spoon into bottom of pan; spread evenly by coating the back of a spoon with cooking spray. Bake for 11 minutes or until slightly puffed. (Mixture will not be completely cooked at this point, but it will continue to cook while standing without overcooking and drying out.)
Place pan on a wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove sides of the pan and gently remove from bottom or leave on bottom and place on a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature. When cooled completely, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
To make cream, combine water with 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules in a medium bowl, and stir until dissolved. Add whipped topping; whisk until a sauce consistency is reached. For thinner sauce, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or milk.
Refrigerate until needed. To serve, cut into wedges, spoon mocha cream on top, and sprinkle with berries.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 260; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 10 g; Sodium: 145 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 36 g
HOT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
How does Hot Chocolate Cheesecake sound? Yum!
This comes from The Food Network Kitchen, and starts off, “Use your leftover hot chocolate or cocoa mix in both the crust and the filling of this super-rich cheesecake that tastes just like the classic drink.” Total Time: 3 hr 45 min; Prep: 30 min; Inactive: 45 min; Cook: 2hr 30 min; Yield: 12 to 14 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/hot-chocolate-cheesecake.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
9 graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1/4 cup hot chocolate or cocoa mix
Pinch fine salt
Filling:
Four 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup hot chocolate or cocoa mix
1 cup sour cream
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 marshmallows
Directions
Special equipment: a 9-inch springform pan
For the crust: Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 325 degrees F. Butter the inside of a 9-inch springform pan.
Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add the butter, hot chocolate mix and salt, and pulse until the mixture comes together and holds its shape when squeezed. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, and press it into the bottom to make an even layer. Bake until the crust is just firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Place the pan on a large piece of foil, and fold the foil up the sides of the pan. (This helps seal the pan, to keep water out while baking.)
For the filling: Wipe out the food processor. Pulse the cream cheese, sugar, hot chocolate mix and sour cream until completely smooth, without any lumps, scraping down the side of the bowl a few times. Add the eggs and vanilla, and pulse until incorporated. Pour the filling into the crust, and set the pan inside a roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with enough hot water to go halfway up the side of the springform pan (but not above the foil).
Bake the cheesecake until the edge is set but the center jiggles slightly (when you gently shake the pan, the cheesecake should move in a cohesive wave motion), 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off, and open the door for a few seconds to let out some heat. Close the door, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven until cooked completely through, 1 hour more.
Transfer the springform pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge, and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.
Before serving, cut the marshmallows on the diagonal, and arrange them, cut-side down, in a neat line all over the top edge of the cheesecake.
SALTED CHOCOLATE PUDDING WITH WHIPPED SOUR CREAM
This is from Alison Roman at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “A classic, old-fashioned chocolate pudding, this dessert is made a bit more interesting by layering with whipped sour cream (for a little tang) and crushed cookies of your choosing (for texture). While you can absolutely make and serve chocolate pudding in individual cups, there is something delightfully communal about sharing it from one giant vessel, which can be nearly anything you want: Mixing bowls, trifle bowls or baking dishes all work, just aim for something tall and deep so you can build as many layers as possible.”
Time: 45 minutes, plus 3 hours’ chilling
This was featured in “Desserts That Bring the Party, but Not the Fuss”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020708-salted-chocolate-pudding-with-whipped-sour-cream.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (65 to 70 percent), finely chopped
3 cups heavy cream
3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Assembly:
3 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 cups sour cream
12 ounces thin wafer cookies, such as gingerbread, vanilla wafers or chocolate wafers
Flaky sea salt
Preparation
Make the pudding: Place chocolate in a large bowl; set aside.
Heat heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium pot over medium-high, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a bare simmer, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, the egg yolks, the cornstarch, the salt and the vanilla, if using, until the mixture is lump-free and pale in color. Ladle a bit of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks and whisk until completely blended, adding a bit more at a time until half the cream mixture is added. Transfer the yolk-cream mixture back into the pot with the remaining cream mixture.
Return the pot to medium heat and, whisking constantly, cook until the mixture has gone from thin and watery to thick and custardy, with the occasional bubble popping up, 3 to 5 minutes.
Immediately pour the mixture over the chocolate, and let sit for a minute or two, giving the bowl a shake to help the chocolate settle as it melts. Using a whisk, mix the chocolate into the cream as it melts, until you have an ultrasmooth, silky pudding. Transfer to a flat baking dish (an 8-by-8-inch pan works well) and cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until pudding is completely set, at least 3 hours and up to 48 hours.
Assemble and serve: Using either an electric mixer on medium or a whisk and elbow grease, whisk heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. (The cream should hold a gentle peak.) Whisk in sour cream.
To serve, spoon a bit of chocolate pudding into a serving vessel. This can be done in individual bowls, glasses, cups or coupes, or alternatively, one large bowl or baking dish — the choice is yours. Then spoon in an equal amount of whipped sour cream, and scatter with crumbled cookies. Repeat until the vessel is full, topping with flaky salt.
Eat immediately, so the cookies stay crunchy, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
DIRTY CHAI EARTHQUAKE COOKIES
This comes from Susan Spungen at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Susan wrote, “In case you’re wondering about the name of this cakey, chewy-edged cookie, which nearly explodes through its sugary crust, it’s a nod to a coffee bar creation in which a shot of espresso tops off a cup of masala chai, the Indian spiced tea. It’s right at home on a traditional holiday cookie plate, thanks to its festive cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves. Feel free to add a little freshly grated nutmeg, if you’re so inclined. A strong coffee flavor adds nuance; black pepper lends a spicy kick; and malted milk powder, browned butter and brown sugar all contribute toasty warm notes to this craveable treat.”
Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling; Yield: 2 dozen cookies.
This was featured in “12 Stunning Cookies That Will Impress Everyone You Know,” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020652-dirty-chai-earthquake-cookies.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon finely ground espresso (not instant espresso) or finely ground coffee
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons malted milk powder, such as Carnation brand
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
2 large eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted, for rolling
Preparation
Put espresso or coffee in a small metal bowl. Put butter in a small saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat, swirling and stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula, until nutty brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the butter to the bowl with the espresso and stir to combine. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the rest of the cookie.
Combine the flour, malted milk powder, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine thoroughly and set aside.
Combine eggs and light brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly paler, about 3 minutes, scraping bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla and the butter mixture, then mix on low speed until combined. Add the flour mixture, then mix again on low until combined. Transfer dough to a resealable glass or plastic container, and chill thoroughly, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar into two separate bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough into heaping tablespoons (about 25 grams each). Roll into smooth balls and drop a few at a time into the bowl of granulated sugar, rolling to coat. Transfer to the bowl with the confectioners’ sugar. Roll gently, coating well, then transfer to a parchment- or silicone mat-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between cookies. Place in freezer until firm, about 10 minutes.
Bake until cookies are golden underneath but still quite tender (they will firm up as they cool), 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool a few minutes on the baking sheets and transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week.
Comments
Post a Comment