Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Baking Chocolate Brownies

Brownies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Butter (or spray with a nonstick cooking spray) an 8 inch (20 cm) square pan.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a large stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar . Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the flour, salt

and chocolate chips (if using).

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a little batter and a few moist clumps clinging to it. Do not over bake. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled. These freeze very well.

Makes 16 brownies.

Source:

Lewis, Matt & Nelson, Alison. Chocolate Bar. Running Press. Philadelphia: 2004.

Brownies:

5 ounces (140 grams) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped I substituted 2 ounces of milk chocolate for 2 ounces semisweet

1/2 cup (1 stick) (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 tablespoons (15 grams) cocoa powder

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon

pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs

3/4 cup (95 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (125 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips (opti


Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

whip together with beaters until smooth, drop by spoonfuls into brownie and drag spoon through to swirl the two.


Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/brownies.html#ixzz4jz1SHUnI

Monday, May 17, 2010

Cooked Chocolate Pudding


This pudding has a very dark deep chocolate flavor. To cut the bitterness substitute half of the semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate or even all if you prefer.

Chocolate Pudding: Have a fine medium-sized strainer and bowl ready near the stove as you may need to strain the pudding after it is cooked.

I was diligent with stirring as it cooked and didn't need the strainer

Chocolate Pudding Recipe:

In a large stainless steel (heatproof) bowl whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

3 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch (corn flour)

1/3 cup (30 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

Then whisk in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the milk until you have a thick paste.

1/2 cups (50 ml) milk

Add the egg yolks, one at a time, whisking to blend into the cocoa paste mixture.

4 large egg yolks

Set aside while you heat the milk and cream. First, rinse a medium-sized heavy saucepan with cold water and then shake out the excess water. Doing this step prevents the milk from scorching. Then pour in the remaining 2 cups (480 ml) milk with the cream. Bring this mixture just to a boil and then remove from heat.

2 cups milk (550 ml)

1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream

Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Rinse out the heavy sauce pan and pour mixture back into it. Cook on medium heat for an add'l 3 to 5 minutes thickening pudding to desired thickness. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla and butter, stir until blended in.

4 ounces (120 grams) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature (cut into small pieces)

Pour into 6 to 8 bowls or dessert glasses. Can serve warm or if chilling, press plastic wrap

onto the surface of the warm puddings to prevent a skin from forming. Can be made a day or two ahead of serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Garnish: Lightly sweetened whipped cream

Grated chocolate


Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolatePudding.html#ixzz4jyzl1MXn

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Petite Orange and Cream Scones (English)

2 cups sifted flour
3 Tbsp sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
6 Tbsp cold butter
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream (whipping cream) or half and half
sugar and cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Sift the dry ingredients together and cut in the butter with a pastry cutter.

Beat eggs until light, then mix them with the whipping cream or half and half and orange juice. Add this liquid mix to the dry ingredients, stirring as little as possible.

Pat the dough or roll it out until it is about 1/2" thick circle. Cut into triangle wedges and place on greased and floured baking pan. Or press into greased and floured 7" cake pans. Cut in scores with a knife so they can be pulled apart easier when baked.

Sprinkle the tops lightly with the cinnamon sugar mixture if desired or top with a light coating of a glaze. Bake at 400ºF for about 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Glaze topping

1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 cups pwd sugar
milk pour in until desired consistency