Just Desserts
It's time for another round of just desserts. Today's offerings include Cream Cheese Tiramisu and Apple Empanadas Mini Taco Bowls. Enjoy!
PINATA CUPCAKES
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Learn how to make Piñata Cupcakes, and you'll have everyone looking forward to your next party. Make and bake the cake mix, then cut a small hole to create a pocket in the center of the cupcake to fill it with your piñata goodies (rainbow-colored sprinkles and mini chocolate-covered candies). Want even more color? Divide the frosting up, and add different gel food colors for a fun rainbow effect. A cupcake is always a treat, but every bite of this fun, candy-filled Piñata Cupcakes recipe is a fiesta."
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Makes 24 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/pinata-cupcakes.
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
Water, oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1-1/4 cups mini candy-coated chocolate candies
1/2 cup candy sprinkles
6-1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 to 7 tablespoons milk
Gel food colors
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.
In small bowl, mix mini candy-coated chocolate candies and candy sprinkles.
Using sharp knife, cut a circle/hole into center of cupcake to create a little pocket about 1 inch deep, leaving 1/4-inch of cake at bottom. Trim baked side of plug to 1/2 inch, and set aside.
Place about 1 tablespoon candy mixture inside cupcake. Replace cupcake plug to cover candy mixture. Repeat with remaining cupcakes and candy mixture.
In large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 4 tablespoons of the milk.
Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar.
Divide frosting (about 1 cup each) into four separate small bowls. Stir gel food color into each bowl to make desired colors. Spoon each color frosting into separate pastry bag fitted with desired tip. Frost cupcakes, as desired.
Expert Tips
We recommend using gel food color, which can bring vibrant colors that won’t change the frosting consistency.
Pipe frosting onto cupcakes using a pastry bag and piping tip to give a more polished decorating look. For easy cleanup, look for disposable pastry bags, which often come with various piping tips.
To give these Piñata Cupcakes a festive look, we’ve used a variety of gel food colors. Try to look for inside-of-the-cupcake sprinkles and candies that match the frosting colors.
For a quick and easy way to make the pockets in the cupcakes, use a 1-inch round cookie cutter.
For the maximum piñata effect of candy spilling out of the cupcakes, fill the cupcakes with the sprinkles and candy on the same day they'll be enjoyed.
MICROWAVE APPLE CRISP
This yumminess is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Make a classic, favorite apple dessert even quicker when you cook with a microwave."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 medium tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced (4 cups)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
In ungreased 2-quart microwavable casserole or 8-inch square microwavable dish, arrange apple slices. In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
Microwave uncovered on High 7 to 10 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
Good choices of cooking apples include Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious and Greening.
You can bake this simple dessert in the oven. Grease 8-inch square pan or glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. Decrease oats to 1/2 cup; increase butter to 1/3 cup. Bake in 375°F oven about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Serve this warm, fragrant dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
BUCKEYE ROLL-UPS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "You can make these addictive peanut butter and chocolate roll-ups a full day ahead for maximum convenience — but will you be able to resist the sweet and salty deliciousness for 24 whole hours?"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Makes 32 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/buckeye-roll-ups.
Ingredients
1 container (8 oz) whipped cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 package (11 oz) Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas; 8 inch)
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped salted roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
Preparation
In small bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Divide peanut butter among tortillas, spreading evenly over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border. Divide cream cheese mixture evenly among tortillas, gently spreading over peanut butter. Top half of each tortilla with chocolate chips and peanuts.
Starting from side with toppings, roll up very tightly. Wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
To serve, cut 1 inch from end of each roll, and discard. Cut each roll into 4 (1-1/2-inch) slices. Sprinkle with cocoa.
Expert Tips
The whipped cream cheese is a cinch to combine with the powdered sugar, and it spreads easily straight from the refrigerator.
For best results, use a small offset spatula for spreading the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition: 1 Serving: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 90); Total Fat 10g (Saturated Fat 3.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 150mg; Total Carbohydrate 11g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 5g); Protein 4g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 1 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
CREAM CHEESE TIRAMISU
This is from Betty Crocker kitchens, and begins, "Make your kitchen game a whole lot stronger with this decadent Tiramisu dessert! It's an elevated showstopper, made with cream cheese, and is the perfect pairing to any great meal. Creamy, comforting, and downright delicious! You know what they say, 'leave the best for last'!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes; Makes 9 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cream-cheese-tiramisu/7e944cbf-d9ce-4641-9c5c-c669d188eb2a.
Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons light rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 package (3 ounces) ladyfingers, (12 ladyfingers)
1/2 cup cold prepared espresso or strong coffee
2 teaspoons baking cocoa
Directions
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in rum on low speed; set aside.
Beat whipping cream in chilled small bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture.
Split ladyfingers horizontally in half. Arrange half of the ladyfingers, cut sides up, on bottom of ungreased square pan, 8x8x2 inches, or round pan, 9x1-1/2 inches. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the espresso over ladyfingers. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over ladyfingers.
Arrange remaining ladyfingers, cut sides up, on cream cheese mixture. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup espresso. Spread with remaining cream cheese mixture.
Sift or sprinkle cocoa over top. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until filling is firm. Store covered in refrigerator.
Expert Tips
For 9 grams of fat and 170 calories per serving, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) for the regular cream cheese. Substitute 2 cups frozen (thawed) reduced-fat whipped topping for the beaten whipping cream.
“Carry me up” is the translation for tiramisu, pronounced tir-ruh-mee-SOO. This rich Italian dessert is usually made with mascarpone, a buttery rich, slightly sweet and smooth Italian cream cheese.
Look for mascarpone in the cheese case in large supermarkets, specialty cheese shops or gourmet food stores.
OLD-FASHIONED BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking section. For this, Melissa wrote, "This creamy pudding, thickened with cornstarch and egg yolks and stirred together on the stove, is as homey as it gets. Spiking the mixture with a little bourbon or Scotch isn’t strictly traditional, but it does add a pop of flavor. Choose bourbon to underscore the caramelized notes of the brown sugar, or Scotch for a savory smokiness and a nod to the name. Here’s a tip: Make sure to bring the pudding to a full, vigorous boil to activate the cornstarch. Otherwise, it may not set. If you’ve ever ended up with thin, runny pudding, undercooking may have been the issue."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus 2 hours' chilling
This was featured in "The Best Butterscotch Pudding Is Homemade" (which includes the line, "This unfussy, old-fashioned recipe is easy to stir together on top of the stove, and hard to mess up."), and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021800-old-fashioned-butterscotch-pudding.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 packed cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon bourbon or Scotch whisky (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving
Chopped candied ginger, sliced almonds, Demerara sugar, shaved chocolate, cocoa nibs or flaky sea salt (or a combination), for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Put egg yolks, cornstarch and salt into a large heatproof bowl, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
In a medium pot over medium heat, combine brown sugar and butter, whisking, until the brown sugar melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to smell like hot caramel and darkens slightly, about 1 minute longer. (Don’t walk away, or the mixture may burn.)
Immediately pour the milk and cream into the pot. (It will bubble fiercely and seize up.) Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the clumps melt, 2 to 4 minutes.
Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking yolks until smooth, then whisk in the remaining hot cream mixture. Pour the egg-cream mixture back into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Cook pudding, whisking constantly especially around the bottom and edges of the pot, until it comes to a full boil. (Don’t worry about the eggs curdling. You’re going to strain the mixture later.) Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring the mixture constantly, until it thickens enough to mound thickly on the spoon, 4 to 7 minutes. If at any point the pudding looks curdled, whisk to help smooth it out.
Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof container or bowl, then stir in the Scotch or bourbon, if using, and vanilla. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding. (If you like the skin, don’t cover pudding until it cools.) Chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
When serving, spoon pudding into dishes. Top with dollops of whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, and any of the optional garnishes.
Tip
Make sure to bring the pudding to a full, vigorous boil to activate the cornstarch. Otherwise, it may not set. If you’ve ever ended up with thin, runny pudding, undercooking may have been the issue.
APPLE EMPANADAS MINI TACO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Old El Paso™ brings our Tex Mex take on the perfect fall apple cinnamon taco dessert with these Apple Empanadas Mini Taco Bowls. This recipe deep fries our Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Mini Bowls to make them warm and crispy and then dusts them with cinnamon sugar for an easy to fill, easy to eat apple pie taco dessert. Delicious Granny Smith apples are spiced and served up with cinnamon sour cream and caramel sauce to make for a warm, delicious end to any taco night."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 20 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/apple-empanadas-mini-taco-bowls.
Ingredients
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
20 Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ mini soft flour tortillas (1 Party Pack)
3/4 cup sour cream
6 medium Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup caramel topping
Preparation
In deep fat fryer or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat at least 2 inches oil to 350°F. Add 3 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon to a 1-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Place bowls in batches in preheated oil; fry 1 minute on each side, using tongs to turn bowls halfway through, until lightly brown all over. Drain bowls upside down on paper towel-lined cookie sheet until slightly cool; toss 4 bowls at a time in cinnamon sugar to coat. Remove to cooling rack to cool completely.
In small bowl, beat sour cream, remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon with whisk. Set aside.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, mix apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and the salt over medium-high heat. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and apples are tender.
Divide apple mixture among fried bowls; top with cinnamon sour cream, and drizzle with caramel topping.
Expert Tips
Pears can be substituted for apples in this recipe.
Using a candy thermometer/deep frying thermometer helps to ensure correct temperature when frying to give best results.
PINATA CUPCAKES
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Learn how to make Piñata Cupcakes, and you'll have everyone looking forward to your next party. Make and bake the cake mix, then cut a small hole to create a pocket in the center of the cupcake to fill it with your piñata goodies (rainbow-colored sprinkles and mini chocolate-covered candies). Want even more color? Divide the frosting up, and add different gel food colors for a fun rainbow effect. A cupcake is always a treat, but every bite of this fun, candy-filled Piñata Cupcakes recipe is a fiesta."
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Makes 24 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/pinata-cupcakes.
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
Water, oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1-1/4 cups mini candy-coated chocolate candies
1/2 cup candy sprinkles
6-1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 to 7 tablespoons milk
Gel food colors
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.
In small bowl, mix mini candy-coated chocolate candies and candy sprinkles.
Using sharp knife, cut a circle/hole into center of cupcake to create a little pocket about 1 inch deep, leaving 1/4-inch of cake at bottom. Trim baked side of plug to 1/2 inch, and set aside.
Place about 1 tablespoon candy mixture inside cupcake. Replace cupcake plug to cover candy mixture. Repeat with remaining cupcakes and candy mixture.
In large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 4 tablespoons of the milk.
Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar.
Divide frosting (about 1 cup each) into four separate small bowls. Stir gel food color into each bowl to make desired colors. Spoon each color frosting into separate pastry bag fitted with desired tip. Frost cupcakes, as desired.
Expert Tips
We recommend using gel food color, which can bring vibrant colors that won’t change the frosting consistency.
Pipe frosting onto cupcakes using a pastry bag and piping tip to give a more polished decorating look. For easy cleanup, look for disposable pastry bags, which often come with various piping tips.
To give these Piñata Cupcakes a festive look, we’ve used a variety of gel food colors. Try to look for inside-of-the-cupcake sprinkles and candies that match the frosting colors.
For a quick and easy way to make the pockets in the cupcakes, use a 1-inch round cookie cutter.
For the maximum piñata effect of candy spilling out of the cupcakes, fill the cupcakes with the sprinkles and candy on the same day they'll be enjoyed.
MICROWAVE APPLE CRISP
This yumminess is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Make a classic, favorite apple dessert even quicker when you cook with a microwave."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 medium tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced (4 cups)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
In ungreased 2-quart microwavable casserole or 8-inch square microwavable dish, arrange apple slices. In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
Microwave uncovered on High 7 to 10 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
Good choices of cooking apples include Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious and Greening.
You can bake this simple dessert in the oven. Grease 8-inch square pan or glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. Decrease oats to 1/2 cup; increase butter to 1/3 cup. Bake in 375°F oven about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Serve this warm, fragrant dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
BUCKEYE ROLL-UPS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "You can make these addictive peanut butter and chocolate roll-ups a full day ahead for maximum convenience — but will you be able to resist the sweet and salty deliciousness for 24 whole hours?"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Makes 32 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/buckeye-roll-ups.
Ingredients
1 container (8 oz) whipped cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 package (11 oz) Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas; 8 inch)
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped salted roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
Preparation
In small bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Divide peanut butter among tortillas, spreading evenly over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border. Divide cream cheese mixture evenly among tortillas, gently spreading over peanut butter. Top half of each tortilla with chocolate chips and peanuts.
Starting from side with toppings, roll up very tightly. Wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
To serve, cut 1 inch from end of each roll, and discard. Cut each roll into 4 (1-1/2-inch) slices. Sprinkle with cocoa.
Expert Tips
The whipped cream cheese is a cinch to combine with the powdered sugar, and it spreads easily straight from the refrigerator.
For best results, use a small offset spatula for spreading the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition: 1 Serving: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 90); Total Fat 10g (Saturated Fat 3.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 150mg; Total Carbohydrate 11g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 5g); Protein 4g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 1 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
CREAM CHEESE TIRAMISU
This is from Betty Crocker kitchens, and begins, "Make your kitchen game a whole lot stronger with this decadent Tiramisu dessert! It's an elevated showstopper, made with cream cheese, and is the perfect pairing to any great meal. Creamy, comforting, and downright delicious! You know what they say, 'leave the best for last'!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes; Makes 9 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cream-cheese-tiramisu/7e944cbf-d9ce-4641-9c5c-c669d188eb2a.
Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons light rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1 package (3 ounces) ladyfingers, (12 ladyfingers)
1/2 cup cold prepared espresso or strong coffee
2 teaspoons baking cocoa
Directions
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in rum on low speed; set aside.
Beat whipping cream in chilled small bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture.
Split ladyfingers horizontally in half. Arrange half of the ladyfingers, cut sides up, on bottom of ungreased square pan, 8x8x2 inches, or round pan, 9x1-1/2 inches. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the espresso over ladyfingers. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over ladyfingers.
Arrange remaining ladyfingers, cut sides up, on cream cheese mixture. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup espresso. Spread with remaining cream cheese mixture.
Sift or sprinkle cocoa over top. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until filling is firm. Store covered in refrigerator.
Expert Tips
For 9 grams of fat and 170 calories per serving, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) for the regular cream cheese. Substitute 2 cups frozen (thawed) reduced-fat whipped topping for the beaten whipping cream.
“Carry me up” is the translation for tiramisu, pronounced tir-ruh-mee-SOO. This rich Italian dessert is usually made with mascarpone, a buttery rich, slightly sweet and smooth Italian cream cheese.
Look for mascarpone in the cheese case in large supermarkets, specialty cheese shops or gourmet food stores.
OLD-FASHIONED BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking section. For this, Melissa wrote, "This creamy pudding, thickened with cornstarch and egg yolks and stirred together on the stove, is as homey as it gets. Spiking the mixture with a little bourbon or Scotch isn’t strictly traditional, but it does add a pop of flavor. Choose bourbon to underscore the caramelized notes of the brown sugar, or Scotch for a savory smokiness and a nod to the name. Here’s a tip: Make sure to bring the pudding to a full, vigorous boil to activate the cornstarch. Otherwise, it may not set. If you’ve ever ended up with thin, runny pudding, undercooking may have been the issue."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus 2 hours' chilling
This was featured in "The Best Butterscotch Pudding Is Homemade" (which includes the line, "This unfussy, old-fashioned recipe is easy to stir together on top of the stove, and hard to mess up."), and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021800-old-fashioned-butterscotch-pudding.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 packed cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon bourbon or Scotch whisky (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving
Chopped candied ginger, sliced almonds, Demerara sugar, shaved chocolate, cocoa nibs or flaky sea salt (or a combination), for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Put egg yolks, cornstarch and salt into a large heatproof bowl, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
In a medium pot over medium heat, combine brown sugar and butter, whisking, until the brown sugar melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to smell like hot caramel and darkens slightly, about 1 minute longer. (Don’t walk away, or the mixture may burn.)
Immediately pour the milk and cream into the pot. (It will bubble fiercely and seize up.) Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the clumps melt, 2 to 4 minutes.
Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking yolks until smooth, then whisk in the remaining hot cream mixture. Pour the egg-cream mixture back into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Cook pudding, whisking constantly especially around the bottom and edges of the pot, until it comes to a full boil. (Don’t worry about the eggs curdling. You’re going to strain the mixture later.) Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring the mixture constantly, until it thickens enough to mound thickly on the spoon, 4 to 7 minutes. If at any point the pudding looks curdled, whisk to help smooth it out.
Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof container or bowl, then stir in the Scotch or bourbon, if using, and vanilla. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding. (If you like the skin, don’t cover pudding until it cools.) Chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
When serving, spoon pudding into dishes. Top with dollops of whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, and any of the optional garnishes.
Tip
Make sure to bring the pudding to a full, vigorous boil to activate the cornstarch. Otherwise, it may not set. If you’ve ever ended up with thin, runny pudding, undercooking may have been the issue.
APPLE EMPANADAS MINI TACO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Old El Paso™ brings our Tex Mex take on the perfect fall apple cinnamon taco dessert with these Apple Empanadas Mini Taco Bowls. This recipe deep fries our Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Mini Bowls to make them warm and crispy and then dusts them with cinnamon sugar for an easy to fill, easy to eat apple pie taco dessert. Delicious Granny Smith apples are spiced and served up with cinnamon sour cream and caramel sauce to make for a warm, delicious end to any taco night."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 20 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/apple-empanadas-mini-taco-bowls.
Ingredients
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
20 Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ mini soft flour tortillas (1 Party Pack)
3/4 cup sour cream
6 medium Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup caramel topping
Preparation
In deep fat fryer or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat at least 2 inches oil to 350°F. Add 3 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon to a 1-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Place bowls in batches in preheated oil; fry 1 minute on each side, using tongs to turn bowls halfway through, until lightly brown all over. Drain bowls upside down on paper towel-lined cookie sheet until slightly cool; toss 4 bowls at a time in cinnamon sugar to coat. Remove to cooling rack to cool completely.
In small bowl, beat sour cream, remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon with whisk. Set aside.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, mix apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and the salt over medium-high heat. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and apples are tender.
Divide apple mixture among fried bowls; top with cinnamon sour cream, and drizzle with caramel topping.
Expert Tips
Pears can be substituted for apples in this recipe.
Using a candy thermometer/deep frying thermometer helps to ensure correct temperature when frying to give best results.
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