Tuesday Desserts
Today's desserts are a mix of goodness: a little of this, a little of that, and a lot of yum. Check out the Ginger-Lemon-Blueberry Pie, the Coffee Walnut Layer Cake, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
BRIGADEIROS
This is from Natalia Pereira and adapted by Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "The Brazilian sweets known as brigadeiros are a classic treat at birthday parties and family get-togethers, where the fudgy, chocolate-milk caramels are often rolled in sprinkles. The chef Natalia Pereira of Woodspoon in Los Angeles also makes more grownup, bittersweet brigadeiros by rolling them in cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Try her recipe, which she learned from her mother in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using either canned condensed milk or a homemade version. Either way, the candies will be tender and delicious."
Time: 1-1/2 hours, plus cooking; Yield: About 24 pieces
This was featured in "A Brazilian Treat for Home Cooks in a Hurry", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021918-brigadeiros.
Ingredients
For the Sweetened Condensed Milk (optional)
5 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
For the Brigadeiros
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing your hands
1-3/4 cups homemade sweetened condensed milk or 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
5 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
Pinch of flaky sea salt
1 cup chocolate or rainbow sprinkles
Preparation
Step 1
If using store-bought condensed milk, skip to Step 2. If making the sweetened condensed milk from scratch, add the milk and sugar to a large saucepan. Heat over medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the sides and bottom of the pan with a spatula, for about 30 to 40 minutes. When the milk reduces to about 1-3/4 cups, thickens to a syrup texture and turns slightly yellow, it is ready.
Step 2
Prepare the brigadeiros: Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over low heat. Add the condensed milk, cocoa powder and salt, and whisk until no trace of cocoa remains, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Turn the heat up to medium, and use a heatproof spatula to stir the mixture constantly until it becomes thick and shiny and pulls away from the bottom of the pan as a mass when you drag the spatula across it, about 7 minutes. If you’re not sure the mixture is ready, take 1/2 teaspoon of it and run it under cold water. When it’s cool enough to touch, squish it with your fingers — it should be the texture of a soft and fudgy caramel.
Step 4
Scrape all of the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, and let it cool down until it’s easy to handle, about 30 minutes. Lightly butter your hands, and use them to shape a scant tablespoon of the mixture into a ball or rough cube, then roll it in the sprinkles. Place each one on a paper wrapper, if you like. The brigadeiros will keep in the fridge for 1 week, or in the freezer for 1 month. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
CORNETTI ROLY POLY
What a catchy name for something so yummy! This recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. Macrina Bakery's Leslie Mackie wrote, "As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, I'm revisiting some beloved classics. Long-time Macrina fans will remember the Roly Poly, my all-time favorite breakfast pastry. With the home baker in mind, I have scaled down the recipe and streamlined the process, making it more accessible.
"The Roly Poly holds a particularly tender spot in my heart, as it takes its cues from the homemade cinnamon rolls my Grandmother Bakke would whip up for the family. I would watch my grandmother work her magic, tossing together flour, yeast, milk, and the like — never a measuring cup in sight.
"While we use our cornetti dough in our café version, the filling — a mélange of raisins, walnuts, coconut, and sugar — remains a faithful homage to my grandmother's original creation.
"And take note, Roly Poly fans: we’ll be featuring them in the cafés beginning in May."
This makes 6 large rolls.
To find this yumminess online, go to https://blog.macrinabakery.com/blog/cornetti-roly-poly/. While you're at it, sign up for their monthly recipe here, at the bottom of the page. Also, if you're ever in Seattle, plan to stop by and check out the bakery. I know I will (if and when I take a road trip.)
Ingredients
DOUGH
3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 tsp dried yeast
4-1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups + 1-1/2 tsp unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 tsp kosher salt
12 Tbsp (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
FILLING
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, roasted and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup seedless raisins
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
EGG WASH
1 egg
1 tsp water
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 Tbsp milk
Directions
DOUGH
Warm milk up to 90°F and place in a medium bowl. Add the yeast, sugar and vanilla. Whisk to combine well. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom and become frothy.
Add 1-1/2 cup flour and salt to the bowl. With a spoon, combine the mixture, incorporating all the dry flour and scraping the sides of the bowl. Mix for 1 minute, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
After the dough has risen, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Chop the chilled butter into small pieces and place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the remaining flour and, using medium speed, cream until the butter is smooth, approximately 2 minutes.
Scrape the creamed butter onto a floured work surface. Pat into a 6 x 6 x 3/4-inch block.
On a floured work surface, pull dough out and pat into a 12 x 12-inch rectangle. Place the butter block on the right half of the dough. Cover with the left side evenly (so it looks like a closed book). Rotate the dough with open seam down and roll out dough to a 20 x 8-inch rectangle, then fold in a “book fold” by bringing the two far ends to the center and folding in half. Do one more turn following the same method, rotating with the open seam down and rolling the dough out to a 20 x 8-inch rectangle. Cover the dough with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and do a final book fold. Rest the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
FILLING
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Brush sides and base of jumbo muffin tins* with canola oil. Line the base of the cups with a square 3 x 3-inch piece parchment paper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough out to 20 x 8-inch rectangle. Spritz with water and top with filling mixture, spreading it evenly over dough.
Begin rolling up the dough, starting with the top edge moving down towards you, into a long roll like a cinnamon roll. Finish with the roll resting on the bottom seam.
Cut into 6 equal pieces. Tuck seam under roll and place in prepared jumbo muffin cups. Cover with plastic and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove rolls from refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 45 minutes.
EGG WASH
Whisk the egg and 1 tsp water together to make egg wash. Brush on top of the rolls and bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes and invert rolls from the muffin tins (the bubbling sugar will drip down and cause them to stick).
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Add the cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. At the end, add the milk to thin the consistency. Set aside.
Spread with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. For this recipe, Samanatha wrote, "Mississippi mud pies come in all shapes and sizes: No two are exactly alike. They can have one layer, or five, and include ice cream or meringue, a flourless cake, nuts, fudge sauce and even brownie. This version, inspired by the towering beauty made by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito of Baked in Brooklyn and written about in their book, 'Baked Explorations,' features a graham cracker base, a dense brownie, chocolate custard and whipped cream. Needless to say, a little goes a long way. Share it with 16 to 32 of your closest friends. And a tip for serving: To ensure a clean release, give the underside and sides of the cake pan a 10-second blast with a hairdryer."
Time: 90 minutes, plus chilling; Yield: 16 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018722-mississippi-mud-pie. While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Make a Pie Crust."
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
About 15 whole graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Brownie Cake
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Chocolate Custard
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
To Finish
1-1/2 cups cold heavy cream
Preparation
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, grind the graham crackers to fine crumbs — you should have about 2-1/4 cups crumbs — and tip into a bowl. Add sugar, salt and butter, and toss until evenly moistened. Tip the crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Use your fingers to press the crumbs into a thin, even layer on the bottom of the pan and at least 2¼ inches up its sides. Bake the crust until just set, about 10 minutes. (The crust will continue to cook in the next step.) Increase heat to 350 degrees.
Prepare the cake: In a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water but not touching it, melt together the butter and chocolate. (Alternatively, do this in short bursts in the microwave but be careful not to scorch the chocolate.) Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the dark brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the 3 large egg yolks.
In large bowl, beat the remaining 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium until foamy, about 30 seconds. While mixing, gradually add the granulated sugar in a steady stream. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat until you have stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the egg-white mixture evenly into the chocolate mixture. Sift the flour evenly over the chocolate mixture and fold it in. Transfer the batter to the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake until a crust has formed over the top, the center is just set and a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edges comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. The center of the cake, under the crust, should still be very moist and fudgy. (Peek under the crust if necessary.) Do not overbake. The cake will sink slightly as it cools. Let the cake cool completely, at least 90 minutes.
Prepare the custard: Set the chocolate and butter in a medium bowl. Place a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Add the milk, little by little, while whisking to incorporate it fully. Whisk in the egg yolks. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has thickened and just come to a low boil. Continue to cook the custard, whisking, for another minute, then immediately pour it into the sieve, pushing it through with a small spatula. Let the custard stand for 1 minute, then whisk it together with the butter and chocolate until smooth. Pour the custard over the cooled cake. Cover the custard with plastic wrap or wax paper, making sure to press it gently into the surface of the custard. Chill until the custard has set completely, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
Just before serving, remove the ring from springform pan base and transfer pie to a serving plate. Whip the cream to soft peaks and spoon high dollops over the top of the pie, leaving about a 1-inch border. Dust with cocoa powder.
ROASTED RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRIES
This is from LadyStiles at Food52. (You can also view her blog here, though it looks like it might not have been updated for a while.)
Anyway, the recipe begins, "The more I shop at the local farmers' market (we have four each week) and find the best sources for local and organic produce, our meals radiate with simple fruits, vegetables, and good-quality meats. Sadly rhubarb is just passing the peak and strawberries are giving way to other summer berries. This is one last hurrah to the first sweet bounty of the season. I'm regretfully used to overly sweetened rhubarb dishes that tend to mask the bite that rhubarb offers. This, thankfully, is not one of those sugar-laden dishes. The rhubarb is delightfully roasted, holds its shape, and is complemented with a delicious syrup. Simplicity at it its finest."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Makes About 5 cups
To view this online, go to https://food52.com/recipes/12406-roasted-rhubarb-and-strawberries.
Ingredients
3 cups coarsely chopped rhubarb
2 cups hulled strawberries, cut in half
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Place a rack in the middle of the oven; heat to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large baking dish with parchment paper (this is a juicy dish and you don't want the delicious juices all over your oven).
In a large bowl, mix the rhubarb and strawberries. In a small bowl, whisk the maple syrup, vermouth, vinegar, and salt. Pour over the rhubarb and strawberries, gently tossing to coat.
Spread the fruit on the prepared sheet in a single layer, drizzling the juices over the fruit. Roast for about 40 minutes, until the juices are thickened and the rhubarb is tender to the touch.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.
Do Ahead: The fruit can be roasted 1 week ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
GINGER-LEMON-BLUEBERRY PIE
This is from Pillsbury, and begins, "Directions for this luscious pie specify cooling two hours before slicing, which gives the filling time to firm up a little for neater cutting. If you absolutely can't wait, serve the pie in shallow soup bowls and be ready with a large spoon to ladle up every last bit of the filling!"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Crust
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
6 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon half-and-half
Filling
5 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Remove 1 pie crust from pouch; place flat on work surface. Sprinkle top of crust with 1-1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. With rolling pin, roll crust lightly to coat with sugar. Continue to make pie crust, sugared side up, as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie using 9-inch glass pie pan.
In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon into crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust. Brush top crust with half-and-half; sprinkle with remaining 4 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Place foil or cookie sheet on oven rack below middle rack to catch any spills. Place pie on middle oven rack; bake 35 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Cool at least 2 hours before serving. Serve warm or cold.
COFFEE WALNUT LAYER CAKE
This is from Nigella Lawson in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Nigella wrote, "This is a subtle cake: the coffee tempers the sweetness, and the buttery sweetness keeps it all mellow. Even if you don't make cakes, this one is a cinch. Don't be alarmed if the two sponge layers look thin when you unmold them. They are meant to be, because the cake gains a lot of height with its frosting. This cake is all about old-fashioned, homespun charm, so don't worry about how messy it looks: however the frosting goes on is fine. If you want to fully cover the sides of the cake, make a double batch of the frosting."
Time: 1 hour; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This was featured in "AT MY TABLE; A Different Feast: It's Time for Tea", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/8463-coffee-walnut-layer-cake.
The article that the recipe was featured in is really interesting. It also has a couple of other recipes in the article. Thanks, Nigella.
Also, you might want to check out "How to Frost a Cake", a guide by Melissa Clark. It's very helpful, even for those of us who have been baking cakes forever. (Thanks, Melissa!)
Ingredients
For the Cake
Butter for pans
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (245 grams) sugar
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1-2/3 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk at room temperature, more as needed
1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
For the Frosting
2-1/2cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup walnut halves, for decoration
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch cake pans, and line base of each with parchment paper. In food processor, combine 1/2 cup walnut pieces and sugar. Process to a fine powder. Add butter, flour, baking powder, salt and eggs. Process to a smooth batter.
Add 2 tablespoons milk to coffee mixture and pour this down feed tube with motor running. Mixture should be just soft enough to drop from a spoon; if not, add more milk. Divide cake batter between two pans. Bake until risen and springy to touch, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and place on rack. Remove parchment paper. Cool completely. You may want to level them if they domed in the oven.
For frosting: Place confectioners' sugar and salt in food processor and pulse until lump-free. Add butter and process until smooth. Add coffee mixture down feed tube and pulse until well blended.
Place one cake upside down on a plate or cake stand. Spread with about half the frosting. Place second cake right side up on frosting, and cover top and sides in a swirly pattern. Place a walnut half in center of cake, and gently press remaining halves into top of cake, around the edge.
BRIGADEIROS
This is from Natalia Pereira and adapted by Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "The Brazilian sweets known as brigadeiros are a classic treat at birthday parties and family get-togethers, where the fudgy, chocolate-milk caramels are often rolled in sprinkles. The chef Natalia Pereira of Woodspoon in Los Angeles also makes more grownup, bittersweet brigadeiros by rolling them in cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Try her recipe, which she learned from her mother in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using either canned condensed milk or a homemade version. Either way, the candies will be tender and delicious."
Time: 1-1/2 hours, plus cooking; Yield: About 24 pieces
This was featured in "A Brazilian Treat for Home Cooks in a Hurry", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021918-brigadeiros.
Ingredients
For the Sweetened Condensed Milk (optional)
5 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
For the Brigadeiros
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing your hands
1-3/4 cups homemade sweetened condensed milk or 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
5 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
Pinch of flaky sea salt
1 cup chocolate or rainbow sprinkles
Preparation
Step 1
If using store-bought condensed milk, skip to Step 2. If making the sweetened condensed milk from scratch, add the milk and sugar to a large saucepan. Heat over medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the sides and bottom of the pan with a spatula, for about 30 to 40 minutes. When the milk reduces to about 1-3/4 cups, thickens to a syrup texture and turns slightly yellow, it is ready.
Step 2
Prepare the brigadeiros: Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over low heat. Add the condensed milk, cocoa powder and salt, and whisk until no trace of cocoa remains, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Turn the heat up to medium, and use a heatproof spatula to stir the mixture constantly until it becomes thick and shiny and pulls away from the bottom of the pan as a mass when you drag the spatula across it, about 7 minutes. If you’re not sure the mixture is ready, take 1/2 teaspoon of it and run it under cold water. When it’s cool enough to touch, squish it with your fingers — it should be the texture of a soft and fudgy caramel.
Step 4
Scrape all of the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, and let it cool down until it’s easy to handle, about 30 minutes. Lightly butter your hands, and use them to shape a scant tablespoon of the mixture into a ball or rough cube, then roll it in the sprinkles. Place each one on a paper wrapper, if you like. The brigadeiros will keep in the fridge for 1 week, or in the freezer for 1 month. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
CORNETTI ROLY POLY
What a catchy name for something so yummy! This recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. Macrina Bakery's Leslie Mackie wrote, "As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, I'm revisiting some beloved classics. Long-time Macrina fans will remember the Roly Poly, my all-time favorite breakfast pastry. With the home baker in mind, I have scaled down the recipe and streamlined the process, making it more accessible.
"The Roly Poly holds a particularly tender spot in my heart, as it takes its cues from the homemade cinnamon rolls my Grandmother Bakke would whip up for the family. I would watch my grandmother work her magic, tossing together flour, yeast, milk, and the like — never a measuring cup in sight.
"While we use our cornetti dough in our café version, the filling — a mélange of raisins, walnuts, coconut, and sugar — remains a faithful homage to my grandmother's original creation.
"And take note, Roly Poly fans: we’ll be featuring them in the cafés beginning in May."
This makes 6 large rolls.
To find this yumminess online, go to https://blog.macrinabakery.com/blog/cornetti-roly-poly/. While you're at it, sign up for their monthly recipe here, at the bottom of the page. Also, if you're ever in Seattle, plan to stop by and check out the bakery. I know I will (if and when I take a road trip.)
Ingredients
DOUGH
3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 tsp dried yeast
4-1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups + 1-1/2 tsp unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 tsp kosher salt
12 Tbsp (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
FILLING
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, roasted and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup seedless raisins
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
EGG WASH
1 egg
1 tsp water
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 Tbsp milk
Directions
DOUGH
Warm milk up to 90°F and place in a medium bowl. Add the yeast, sugar and vanilla. Whisk to combine well. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom and become frothy.
Add 1-1/2 cup flour and salt to the bowl. With a spoon, combine the mixture, incorporating all the dry flour and scraping the sides of the bowl. Mix for 1 minute, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
After the dough has risen, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Chop the chilled butter into small pieces and place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the remaining flour and, using medium speed, cream until the butter is smooth, approximately 2 minutes.
Scrape the creamed butter onto a floured work surface. Pat into a 6 x 6 x 3/4-inch block.
On a floured work surface, pull dough out and pat into a 12 x 12-inch rectangle. Place the butter block on the right half of the dough. Cover with the left side evenly (so it looks like a closed book). Rotate the dough with open seam down and roll out dough to a 20 x 8-inch rectangle, then fold in a “book fold” by bringing the two far ends to the center and folding in half. Do one more turn following the same method, rotating with the open seam down and rolling the dough out to a 20 x 8-inch rectangle. Cover the dough with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and do a final book fold. Rest the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
FILLING
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Brush sides and base of jumbo muffin tins* with canola oil. Line the base of the cups with a square 3 x 3-inch piece parchment paper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough out to 20 x 8-inch rectangle. Spritz with water and top with filling mixture, spreading it evenly over dough.
Begin rolling up the dough, starting with the top edge moving down towards you, into a long roll like a cinnamon roll. Finish with the roll resting on the bottom seam.
Cut into 6 equal pieces. Tuck seam under roll and place in prepared jumbo muffin cups. Cover with plastic and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove rolls from refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 45 minutes.
EGG WASH
Whisk the egg and 1 tsp water together to make egg wash. Brush on top of the rolls and bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes and invert rolls from the muffin tins (the bubbling sugar will drip down and cause them to stick).
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Add the cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. At the end, add the milk to thin the consistency. Set aside.
Spread with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. For this recipe, Samanatha wrote, "Mississippi mud pies come in all shapes and sizes: No two are exactly alike. They can have one layer, or five, and include ice cream or meringue, a flourless cake, nuts, fudge sauce and even brownie. This version, inspired by the towering beauty made by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito of Baked in Brooklyn and written about in their book, 'Baked Explorations,' features a graham cracker base, a dense brownie, chocolate custard and whipped cream. Needless to say, a little goes a long way. Share it with 16 to 32 of your closest friends. And a tip for serving: To ensure a clean release, give the underside and sides of the cake pan a 10-second blast with a hairdryer."
Time: 90 minutes, plus chilling; Yield: 16 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018722-mississippi-mud-pie. While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Make a Pie Crust."
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
About 15 whole graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Brownie Cake
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Chocolate Custard
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
To Finish
1-1/2 cups cold heavy cream
Preparation
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, grind the graham crackers to fine crumbs — you should have about 2-1/4 cups crumbs — and tip into a bowl. Add sugar, salt and butter, and toss until evenly moistened. Tip the crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Use your fingers to press the crumbs into a thin, even layer on the bottom of the pan and at least 2¼ inches up its sides. Bake the crust until just set, about 10 minutes. (The crust will continue to cook in the next step.) Increase heat to 350 degrees.
Prepare the cake: In a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water but not touching it, melt together the butter and chocolate. (Alternatively, do this in short bursts in the microwave but be careful not to scorch the chocolate.) Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the dark brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the 3 large egg yolks.
In large bowl, beat the remaining 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium until foamy, about 30 seconds. While mixing, gradually add the granulated sugar in a steady stream. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat until you have stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the egg-white mixture evenly into the chocolate mixture. Sift the flour evenly over the chocolate mixture and fold it in. Transfer the batter to the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake until a crust has formed over the top, the center is just set and a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edges comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. The center of the cake, under the crust, should still be very moist and fudgy. (Peek under the crust if necessary.) Do not overbake. The cake will sink slightly as it cools. Let the cake cool completely, at least 90 minutes.
Prepare the custard: Set the chocolate and butter in a medium bowl. Place a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Add the milk, little by little, while whisking to incorporate it fully. Whisk in the egg yolks. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has thickened and just come to a low boil. Continue to cook the custard, whisking, for another minute, then immediately pour it into the sieve, pushing it through with a small spatula. Let the custard stand for 1 minute, then whisk it together with the butter and chocolate until smooth. Pour the custard over the cooled cake. Cover the custard with plastic wrap or wax paper, making sure to press it gently into the surface of the custard. Chill until the custard has set completely, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
Just before serving, remove the ring from springform pan base and transfer pie to a serving plate. Whip the cream to soft peaks and spoon high dollops over the top of the pie, leaving about a 1-inch border. Dust with cocoa powder.
ROASTED RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRIES
This is from LadyStiles at Food52. (You can also view her blog here, though it looks like it might not have been updated for a while.)
Anyway, the recipe begins, "The more I shop at the local farmers' market (we have four each week) and find the best sources for local and organic produce, our meals radiate with simple fruits, vegetables, and good-quality meats. Sadly rhubarb is just passing the peak and strawberries are giving way to other summer berries. This is one last hurrah to the first sweet bounty of the season. I'm regretfully used to overly sweetened rhubarb dishes that tend to mask the bite that rhubarb offers. This, thankfully, is not one of those sugar-laden dishes. The rhubarb is delightfully roasted, holds its shape, and is complemented with a delicious syrup. Simplicity at it its finest."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Makes About 5 cups
To view this online, go to https://food52.com/recipes/12406-roasted-rhubarb-and-strawberries.
Ingredients
3 cups coarsely chopped rhubarb
2 cups hulled strawberries, cut in half
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Place a rack in the middle of the oven; heat to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large baking dish with parchment paper (this is a juicy dish and you don't want the delicious juices all over your oven).
In a large bowl, mix the rhubarb and strawberries. In a small bowl, whisk the maple syrup, vermouth, vinegar, and salt. Pour over the rhubarb and strawberries, gently tossing to coat.
Spread the fruit on the prepared sheet in a single layer, drizzling the juices over the fruit. Roast for about 40 minutes, until the juices are thickened and the rhubarb is tender to the touch.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.
Do Ahead: The fruit can be roasted 1 week ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
GINGER-LEMON-BLUEBERRY PIE
This is from Pillsbury, and begins, "Directions for this luscious pie specify cooling two hours before slicing, which gives the filling time to firm up a little for neater cutting. If you absolutely can't wait, serve the pie in shallow soup bowls and be ready with a large spoon to ladle up every last bit of the filling!"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Crust
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
6 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon half-and-half
Filling
5 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Remove 1 pie crust from pouch; place flat on work surface. Sprinkle top of crust with 1-1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. With rolling pin, roll crust lightly to coat with sugar. Continue to make pie crust, sugared side up, as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie using 9-inch glass pie pan.
In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon into crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust. Brush top crust with half-and-half; sprinkle with remaining 4 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Place foil or cookie sheet on oven rack below middle rack to catch any spills. Place pie on middle oven rack; bake 35 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Cool at least 2 hours before serving. Serve warm or cold.
COFFEE WALNUT LAYER CAKE
This is from Nigella Lawson in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Nigella wrote, "This is a subtle cake: the coffee tempers the sweetness, and the buttery sweetness keeps it all mellow. Even if you don't make cakes, this one is a cinch. Don't be alarmed if the two sponge layers look thin when you unmold them. They are meant to be, because the cake gains a lot of height with its frosting. This cake is all about old-fashioned, homespun charm, so don't worry about how messy it looks: however the frosting goes on is fine. If you want to fully cover the sides of the cake, make a double batch of the frosting."
Time: 1 hour; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This was featured in "AT MY TABLE; A Different Feast: It's Time for Tea", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/8463-coffee-walnut-layer-cake.
The article that the recipe was featured in is really interesting. It also has a couple of other recipes in the article. Thanks, Nigella.
Also, you might want to check out "How to Frost a Cake", a guide by Melissa Clark. It's very helpful, even for those of us who have been baking cakes forever. (Thanks, Melissa!)
Ingredients
For the Cake
Butter for pans
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (245 grams) sugar
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1-2/3 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk at room temperature, more as needed
1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
For the Frosting
2-1/2cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup walnut halves, for decoration
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch cake pans, and line base of each with parchment paper. In food processor, combine 1/2 cup walnut pieces and sugar. Process to a fine powder. Add butter, flour, baking powder, salt and eggs. Process to a smooth batter.
Add 2 tablespoons milk to coffee mixture and pour this down feed tube with motor running. Mixture should be just soft enough to drop from a spoon; if not, add more milk. Divide cake batter between two pans. Bake until risen and springy to touch, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and place on rack. Remove parchment paper. Cool completely. You may want to level them if they domed in the oven.
For frosting: Place confectioners' sugar and salt in food processor and pulse until lump-free. Add butter and process until smooth. Add coffee mixture down feed tube and pulse until well blended.
Place one cake upside down on a plate or cake stand. Spread with about half the frosting. Place second cake right side up on frosting, and cover top and sides in a swirly pattern. Place a walnut half in center of cake, and gently press remaining halves into top of cake, around the edge.
Comments
Post a Comment