Archive for Dessert Recipes
Gingerbread Affogato
Posted by: | CommentsIn Italian, affogato literally means “drowned”. In the culinary world, an affogato refers to a desert topped with espresso, which may be ice cream, but is typically either vanilla bean or bitter chocolate gelato. Originally from Milan, this warm and cold treat is basically an ice cream sundae for adults. Giada makes a unique gingerbread flavored affogato in this video, perfect for a Christmas Eve dessert. And you may be pleased with the espresso buzz as you wrap presents late into the night!
Here is the recipe courtesy of The Food Network:
Syrup:
* 1 cup water
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 3 whole cloves
Espresso: (We admit to being true coffee snobs, and strongly recommend making espresso the traditional way, instead of instant.)
* 1/2 cup boiling water
* 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
* 1 to 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur (recommended: Frangelico), optional
* 1 pint vanilla gelato or ice cream
Directions
For the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Remove the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves and discard.
Espresso: In a 1 cup glass measuring cup, whisk together the boiling water, espresso powder, and liqueur, if using, until the powder is dissolved.
Scoop the gelato into 4 dessert bowls or glasses. Pour 1/4 cup of the syrup and 2 tablespoons espresso over each. Serve immediately.
Crème brûlée, overrated?
Posted by: | CommentsOverrated, too popular, too trendy, so over. Such are the harsh words brought up by creme brulee, or crème brûlée properly written in French.
Au contraire says Savory Tv! Besides the fact that we are hopeless romantics and love this creme brulee screenshot from the film Amelie , here are our reasons:
Creme brulee is a classic, perfect, delicious french dessert. So classic, in fact, that it dates back to the year 1691, when the recipe was first displayed in the cookbook by François Massialot. François was a talented Parisian chef who cooked for several members of the French royal circle. Translated to “burnt cream” in French, creme brulee’s rich vanilla custard contrasts beautifully with it’s crispy caramelized topping, making it a perfect ending for your meal. And here’s the best part, you now have an excuse to buy a Crème Brûlée Torch!
Choose a classic recipe such as this one from Canadian Chef Michael Smith, or mix it up with a creative version using butternut squash as shown in this video and recipe by our friend Chef John Mitzewich. Either way your friends will adore you. As they should.
Caramel Crème Brûlée
Chef Michael Smith
* 1 cup plus 6 tbsp of sugar
* 1/2 cup of water
* 2 cups of milk
* 1 cup of 35% whipping cream
* 1 tablespoon vanilla
* pinch of salt
* 8 egg yolks
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Make a caramel with 1 cup of sugar and the water by placing them in a large saucepot and bringing to a boil without stirring. The sugar will dissolve and begin to bubble. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully as the water boils off and it begins to turn yellow. Gently swirl until the sugar turns an even golden. Take it off of the heat before it gets brown. Quickly pour the milk and cream into the caramel along with the vanilla and salt and whisk until incorporated.
3. Whisk eggs and then slowly pour the caramel mixture into them, a little at a time, whisking constantly.
4. Pour into 6 ramekins or crème brulee dishes and bake in a hot water bath in the oven for 30 minutes, or until edges are set and centre is slightly jiggly.
5. Just prior to serving, sprinkle with the remaining sugar and caramelize with a blowtorch.
A delicious french green apple tart with Chef David Anderson
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s apple season!
In this video, executive Chef David Anderson from Madeleine Bistro in Tarzana prepares a healthy, delicious organic green apple tart made with whole wheat flour, Earth Balance, and a cinnamon cream pastry filling.
