If you are not redirected in five seconds, click here.

Showing posts with label Easter desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter desserts. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tutorial Tuesday: Golden, Chocolate-Filled Easter Eggs . . . WOW!!


Easter is almost upon us . . . can you believe it?  And although bright & cheerful Easter Eggs usually steal the show on this particular Spring holiday, I just love a taste of the unexpected; especially when that unexpected taste involves chocolate!

These Golden Chocolate-filled Eggs brought to us from The Kitchn are just plain magical!  And the very best part is the decadent surprise that awaits you once you crack open that shiny shell!  And wait until you see all of the yummy variations you can fill up your sparkly stunners with . . .

From The Kitchn:
"Chef Migoya uses regular eggs shells, paints them gold, fills them with melted chocolate variations, and puts them back into a decorated egg carton.

They are painted with gold dust that is made into liquid by adding a little alcohol. This gold powder is the same type used for cake decoration -- all FDA approved. You crack and peel the shell off just like a hard-boiled egg, then eat the hardened chocolate inside."

Golden Chocolate Easter Eggs
(makes 1 dozen)

~ 12 large eggs
~ Chocolate filling (recipe follows)
~ 1 1/2 tsp gold powder *
~ 1 tsp tequila, plus drops as needed

Directions:
1.) Wash each egg in warm water and dry thoroughly. Insert a sterilized needle into the small end of the egg to make a small hole. Do the same with the large end using a skewer to make a 1/4-inch hole. Insert the needle into the large end and break the yolk. Remove the contents of the egg by blowing into the small hole through a straw. You can also blow air through by using a baster.

2.) Place the shells in a large stock pot and slowly fill it with warm water until the egg shells are covered. Gently bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow to gently simmer for 10 minutes.

3.) Carefully pour out the hot water and gently rinse the shells with hot water. Remove the shells from the water and place upside down on a towel. Allow to dry for 30 minutes.

4.) Pour the melted chocolate filling into a pastry piping bag fitted with a small round tip and fill the prepared egg shell through the large hole.

5.) Return the filled eggs to the egg carton.

6.) Place the gold powder in a medium stainless steel bowl and add the tequila. Stir until completely blended. You can adjust the thickness of the mixture by adding tequila a drop at a time until you obtain the desired thickness - the mixture should be thin enough to easily spread. Use an artist brush to paint the egg shells gold.

7.) If you have an extra egg carton, cut off the high edge of the cradle and place the painted eggs back in this carton.

8.) Put the carton of painted eggs into a freezer for 7 - 10 minutes to firm the chocolate and set the paint.

9.) Remove carton from freezer and place the golden eggs into a decorated egg carton.

Chocolate Filling:
(Makes enough filling for 12 large eggs)

~ 18 ounces (approximately 2 1/4 cups) semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Directions:
1.) Melt the chocolate using a double boiler over a water bath or in a microwave according to directions on the package.

Variations:
Add ¼ cup of one the following to the melted chocolate:
Praline crunch**
English toffee, finely chopped
Finely chopped toasted almonds and shredded coconut
Finely chopped toasted macadamia nuts – you can also substitute white or milk chocolate for the semi-sweet above

You can choose to decorate your eggs with different colors by using food coloring or colored edible powders.

*Colored powders can be found in the cake decorating isle at craft stores nationwide.
**Praline crunch may be found in the freezer section of your grocery store by the ice cream.


And a bit of inspiration . . .




How about that posh bed of white feathers...the oh-so-glamorous-girl's way to do Easter Eggs!  This is just the stuff that fairy tales are made of, no?  Stay tuned for more fun & fabulous Spring treats and have a wonderful week!!
Photobucket

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tutorial Tuesday: Cadbury Creme Egg Cupcakes . . . Yum!!



As you all know, I just love it when cupcakes get creative!  And nothing is more delightful than taking a classic holiday staple and turning it into something unexpected!!  So today it brings me great joy to send these amazing little 'Cadbury Creme Egg Cupcakes', from Daily Unadventures in Cooking, your way.

Inspired by the beloved Easter 'Egg' treats that many consider a Bunny day must-have, these chocolate goodies are just the thing to get a smile out of your guests and to have your co-workers and colleagues gasping in delight!  Take a peek . . .


CADBURY CREME CUPCAKES


Ingredients:

~ 1/4 cup butter, softened
~ 1/2 cup golden corn syrup
~ 3 cups icing sugar
~ 1 teaspoon vanilla
~ yellow food colouring (optional)
~ 1/2 cup butter, softened
~ 1/2 cup sugar

~ 2 eggs, separated
~ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla


~ 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped

~ 
2 cups flour
~ 2 teaspoons baking powder
~ 
½ teaspoon baking soda
~ ½ teaspoon salt
~ 1 ¼ cups milk
~ 1/2 cup chocolate chips
~ 1/4 cup butter, softened


Directions:

1.) First you will want to prep the "creme egg" filling. Beat 1/4 cup of the soft butter until fluffy. Add syrup, icing sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until well combined. If desired, stir in some yellow food colouring until a pale yellow. Reserve in fridge and let set up.

2.) Turn oven on to 350F. Grease a muffin tin and line with paper cups. In a double boiler melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring regularly. You can start mixing the cupcake batter while it melts and then turn the double boiler off when the chocolate is melted. These cupcakes are easiest in a mixer, but can be done with a hand mixer or even an able pair of hands. Beat butter until light and fluffy and add in sugar until well combined. Separate the egg whites into a large bowl and beat the egg yolks into the sugar one at a time. Slowly add in melted chocolate and vanilla.

3.) In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Alternately fold in dry ingredients and milk in a few batches. Don't over mix! Beat the egg whites to soft peaks and fold in.
Divide the batter into the muffins cups. Remove the creme filling from the fridge and roll out 12 balls no bigger than a centimeter in diameter. In the centre of each cupcake press in a ball of filling as deep as possible. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 35 minutes.

4.) Transfer cupcakes to a rack and let cool.

5.) In the meantime combine the last 1/4 cup of butter with the remaining creme filling and beat until uniform. Transfer to a piping bag. The cupcakes should have little holes in the middle. Put your icing into a piping bag and pipe a dollop into the centre of each cupcake. Amazing when eaten just a little bit warm, of course then you risk the icing melting, but it really isn't that bad now is it?

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 60 minutes
Calories(approximate per serving): 450
(recipe & photos courtesy of Daily Unadventures in Cooking)



Now you can skip the whole center-filling part and throw a cadbury creme egg in there if you would rather, like this:

(image courtesy of zoey cakes)


Aren't those just the cutest things?  I just love a good surprise, don't you?  Hope your week is turning into a great one!! Photobucket