Posts filed under '15-30 min desserts'
Trifle with innumberable choices
Trifles are layered desert. There are four basic layers – the bread layer, the cream layer, the fruit layer, the garnish layer and the final fancy insert. This post suggests the basic lay out of trifles and options to use for the four layers.
Kind of food: Desert
How long: 15-30 min
Makes: 12 serving
Pots n pans: Bowl to mix, a wide transparent bowl to serve or wide mouthed glasses for individual servings.
Ingredients
| Choices for bread layer | Choices for cream layer | Fruit layer | Choices for garnish layer 1/4 cup of cocoa powder + one of the following choices |
Choices for the final fancy insert |
| 6 cups of angel food cake (available in the bakery section) chopped into 1″ cubes - | 5 cups of whipped cream topping mixed with 1 cup of mango pulp |
3 cups of chopped fruits like apples, pineapple, mangoes, pears, grapes, strawberry and kiwi. Avoid over ripe fruits that will turn this mixture soggy. If you will chop ahead of time add 1 Tbsp of honey or 1 tsp lime juice to prevent fruits from browning |
1/2 cup of chocolate shavings (grate a hard chocolate block available in the cake mix/desert aisle using a vegetable peeler) | 12 pieces of Pirouline cream filled wafers – Cigar like roles available in the cookie/cracker aisle |
| 6 cups of any cake chopped into 1″ cubes | 3 Nos (3.4 Oz boxes) of instant pudding mix (any flavor) – available in the cake mix/desert ingredient asile. Prepare as given in the box with milk | 1/4 cup of any one fruit chopped | 12 wafers | |
| 6 cups of Nilla wafers or other soft cookie – available in the cookie/cracker aisle | 6 cups mango shrikand or plain shrikand | 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry | 12 interesting cookies like star, holiday themed or chocolate coated cookies | |
| 12 biscotti pieces |
How to arrange:
In the serving bowl place your choice of bread in a single layer. Top with 1/2 of the cream layer. If using pudding mix prepare as per instructions on the box. Top with the fruit layer and then the other half of the cream layer. Fill a tea strainer with cocoa powder and tap slightly on the edge of the strainer to form a uniform dusting on top. Garnish with your choice of garnishes. Trifles can be arranged in a wide transparent bowl or as individual serving in wine or martini glasses. And finally place your choice of fancy insert on individual servings of trifle or on top of the individual trifles in glasses at the time of serving.
Note: If you are confused with what to choose for each layer, then assess which ingredient choice mentioned for each layer is your most favorite. Voila! It is that simple.
Make it Fast, Fun, and Facile! – Sri
Serving ideas
For a very fancy look, layer this trifle in wine glasses or glass tumblers or transparent disposable glasses.
Drizzle chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on top for a contrasting visual effect.
Add comment December 3, 2008
Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
A popular Brazilian chocolate truffle – also called Brigadeiros. A great tasting, fancy looking, homemade chocolate ball truffles. This recipe adds a bit of a twist to the traditional Brigadeiros recipe. Do read the tips section for more ideas. Remember, these make a great holiday treat.
Kind of food: Dessert / Holiday treat
How long: 20-30 mins
Makes: 20 small or 10 large truffles
Pots & Pans: A heave bottom pan
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) condensed milk (sweetened)
1 Tbsp Butter (softened)
3 Tbsp Cocoa powder (Plain cocoa powder)
10-20 Almonds / Macadamia nuts / or any choice of whole Nut (optional)
1/2 cup Sprinkles (optional)
How to make
Combine the condensed milk, butter and cocoa in a heave bottomed pan. Heat this mixture on a medium to medium-low heat. Keep stirring continuously till the mixtures starts leaving the sides of the pan (about 20-30mins depending on the heat and pan thickness). Let the mixture cool till you can handle it. Take 1Tbsp or more of the mixture, place one nut in the middle and cover the nut with the mixture on all sides and shape it like a ball. The nut is optional, you can use any hard filling – caramel bits, M&Ms, any treat of your choice. Pour the sprinkles on a plate and roll the ball on it till the ball is covered with sprinkles. Place in fun truffle paper cups, wrap them in paper or foil. These make great treats during the holidays.
Keep it Smart, Short and Sazzy! – Anu
Tips, tricks and alterations
These truffles are very versatile and can be presented in a many ways. Here are some holiday tips to use these truffles.
Holiday Tips / Serving Ideas
Use granulated sugar to coat the balls to get a snow ball effect.Can even use colored sugar available in craft stores.
Coat the truffle balls with red, green and white colored sprinkles.
Wrap the truffle balls in holiday color foils or place in holiday theme cups.
Place the truffles in a truffle jar and make a great center piece for your holiday dinner table.
Add comment December 2, 2008
