Friday, June 11, 2010

Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Recipe adapted from "Emeril's New New Orleans Cooking" by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, William Morrow, 1993

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings
User Rating:


8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
4 cups heavy cream, whipped until thick, in all
1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
1 cup chocolate sauce
1/4 pound chocolate, shaved into curls
Fresh mint sprigs

Using an electric mixture, fitted with the whip attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the peanut butter, milk and roasted peanuts and beat well. Fold 2 cups of the whipped cream into the cheese mixture. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill completely, about 2 hours. Slice the pie into 8 servings. To assemble, place 1 piece of pie on each plate. Dollop each piece of pie with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish each piece with the salted peanuts, drizzle of chocolate sauce, chocolate curls and mint.

Peanut Butter Cake

2 cups cake flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

2 ½ tsp baking powder

¾ tsp salt

½ cup shortening

2/3 cup milk plus ¼ cup

2 eggs

2 tlbs peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together dry ingredients and slowly add shortening and 2/3rds cup of milk while mixing at low speeds until well incorporated. In a separate bowl lightly mix eggs and ¼ cup of milk. Add milk and egg mixture in to cake batter until well incorporated. Add peanut butter and mix well. Pour into 2 pre-greased 9” baking pans and bake for 30 min or until tooth pick comes out nearly clean.

Peanut butter mouse icing

Mousse:
8 tbls peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chilled heavy cream, divided
2 tablespoons Kailua
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

To make the Mousse: Put the 8 ounces of peanut butter in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of the cream, the Kailua, and vanilla to a boil over medium high heat. Pour the hot cream mixture over the peanut butter; whisk until smooth. Cool the peanut butter mixture to room temperature, whisking occasionally. In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1 1/2 cups cream until it holds a soft peak. Sift the sugar over the cream, and continue beating until slightly thicker; take care not to over whip the cream. Fold a third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter to lighten the mixture. Fold in the remaining cream.

Mile High Chocolate Parfait Pie

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 25 graham crackers (broken into pieces) or 3 1/4 cups graham crackers crumbs
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
Butterscotch pudding: Recipe courtesy "Joy of Cooking":
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water, plus 1/4 cup
  • 1 package powdered unflavored gelatin, about 2 1/2 teaspoons
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup packed cornstarch

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 6 ounces quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Mousse:

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chilled heavy cream, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Top of the Parfait:

  • 1 cup chilled heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy
  • Dark chocolate curls
  • Equipment: a 9 by 3 1/2-inch spring form pan and a large Pastry bag - not required....can use spoon

Directions

To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pulse the graham crackers and brown sugar in a food processor to a fine crumb. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add it to the crumb mixture, and pulse until just combined. Pour the mixture into the spring form pan and press it firmly along the bottom and all the way up the sides of the pan to make an even crust. Bake until the crust browns, about 15 minutes. Cool and refrigerate while making the pudding.

To make the pudding: In a small medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dark brown sugar and cook, stirring, until melted and bubbly. Gradually add in the heavy cream and stir over low heat until the butterscotch is dissolved. Whisk in the milk and salt. Remove from the heat and set aside until lukewarm. Pour the 2 tablespoons of water into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top, do not stir. Set aside to let the gelatin bloom.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 cup water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the butterscotch mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low; stir briskly, and bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin mixture and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator while you make the ganache.

To make the Ganache: Put the 6 ounces of chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream and butter to a boil over high heat. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate; set it aside for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth.

Pour the chocolate ganache into the chilled crust; then swirl the pan so the ganache evenly covers the sides and bottom of the crust. Set the crust aside at room temperature while you make the chocolate mousse.

To make the Mousse: Put the 8 ounces of chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of the cream, the brandy, and vanilla to a boil over medium high heat. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate; set it aside for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth. Cool the chocolate mixture to room temperature, whisking occasionally.

In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1 1/2 cups cream until it holds a soft peak. Sift the sugar over the cream, and continue beating until slightly thicker; take care not to over whip the cream. Fold a third of the whipped cream into the chocolate to lighten the mixture. Fold in the remaining cream.

To assemble the Parfait Pie: Pour the pudding into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Pour the chocolate mousse on top of the pudding, smooth the top if needed. Refrigerate until set, about 6 hours. In a medium bowl whip the cream and brandy until it holds a soft peak. Spoon dollops of the whipped cream over the chocolate to cover and decorate with the chocolate shavings. Carefully remove the spring form ring. Transfer the Parfait Pie to a cake stand and serve. Cut with a warm serrated knife.

by: Emeril Lagasse

Lemon and Blueberry Tea Cake

Ingredients needed:
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 1/3 cups flour
  • 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Juice of two lemons
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the sugar, brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until the topping is incorporated. Using an electric mixer, cream the remaining sugar and butter together. Add the egg, half and half, sour cream, and lemon juice, blend until smooth. In a mixing bowl, sift the remaining flour, baking powder, salt and remaining cinnamon together. With the machine running, slowly add the flour until all the flour is incorporated. Fold in the blueberries and lemon zest. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping on top of the batter. Bake the bread for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve.

Yield: 1 loaf

Lemon Cake complete with lemon icing

2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large whole eggs, at room temperature
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup whole milk

1. To make the lemon cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust the pans with flour and tap out the excess.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together the dry ingredients with a whisk. Set aside.
3. In an electric stand mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, increase the speed to medium-high, and continue to beat until the mixture is light, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the whole eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon zest. Reduce the speed to low and gradually beat in he lemon juice (the batter will appear curdled at this point smooth out after you add the dry ingredients). Beat in the dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 10 seconds. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans.
5. Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the racks and cool completely.

Lemon Filling

2 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream

6. To make the lemon filling, in a medium non-reactive saucepan, whisk together the yolks and sugar until combined. Whisk in the lemon juice, butter, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mixture turns opaque, thickens, and coats the back of the spoon. Do not let the filling boil, or it will curdle. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and allow the filling to cool.
7. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chilled.
8. In a clean bowl of the electric mixer, using the whisk attachment or beaters, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Remove the lemon filling from the refrigerator and whisk until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the filling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling until ready to assemble the cake.
Lemon Frosting:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

9. To make the lemon frosting, in the large bowl of the electric mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar on low speed. Add the cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest. Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat for about 3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. To assemble the cake, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Pile the lemon filling onto the center using a small offset metal spatula, and spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the cake layer. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon frosting. (If some of the filling oozes out from the middle, just blend it with the frosting around the sides of the cake.) Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Lady Fingers

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted flour
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 egg whites, beaten until stiff
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 baking sheets with 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons of flour.
Mark parallel lines in the flour across the width of the tray about 4 inches apart.
Put the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl, and with an electric mixer fitted with
a wire whisk beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and has tripled
in volume, about 8 minutes, using the mixer. Add the egg whites, remaining 3/4 cup flour, salt and vanilla,
fold to mix thoroughly so the mixture is smooth. Fill a large pastry bag with a 3/4-inch plain tube with
the mixture. Pipe fingers about 4 1/2-inches in length on to the baking sheet, using the lines as a guide.
Dust the ladyfingers with powdered sugar. Bake until for 15 to 18 minutes, or until just firm on the outside
and soft in the cent

Halloween Candy Corn Cookies


Servings: Approximately 9 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients:
  • 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
  • 1/3 cup (0.6 stick/2.4 oz./68g) butter or margarine, melted
  • 1 egg
  • Orange paste food color
  • 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted, cooled
Instructions:
  1. Line a 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending paper over sides of pan. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
  2. On work surface, place 3/4 cup dough. Knead desired amount of orange food color into dough until color is uniform. Press dough evenly in bottom of pan.
  3. Divide remaining dough in half. Gently press one half of remaining dough into pan on top of orange dough. On work surface, knead chocolate into remaining dough until color is uniform. Press over plain dough in pan, pressing gently to edge of pan. Refrigerate 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until firm.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C. Remove dough from pan. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into 5 wedges. On ungreased cookie sheet, place wedges 1 inch apart.
  5. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are very light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container.
  6. Makes 9 1/2 dozen cookies.
Source: Betty Crocker
Date: October 13, 2006