Christmas Sweets - Croquembouche

Never thought I'd attempt this, but I was thinking since profiteroles turned out good last time, no harm trying the next level up ^^

So after much researching on other blogs and videos, I decided to try a recipe from www.citrusandcandy.com, and use my own variation to make it Christmas themed...

Last time I made profiteroles (a.k.a. choux pastry), I cheated and used ice-cream as filling. Couldn't do that for croquembouche, so I had to make a batch of creme patissiere (pastry cream) the day before. I can't really describe what it is, but it does taste different to normal store-bought custard... and it really goes well with choux pastry!

Only bad thing was the toffee didn't turn out too well... it hardened too quickly and I had to reheat it multiple times... must've been a bad idea because it turned bitter =s Not sure how this can be improved, but it'll probably be a while until I attempt another croquembouche... Maybe if I get requests!? =p

Christmas Sweets - Peppermint Bark

Something sweet, something Christmas-y, wrapped individually or placed in a nice jar; this is the perfect Christmas gift for friends! Made so many of these this Christmas =)

What you need is simple:

Christmas themed cookie cutters
Dark and White cooking chocolate (I used >500g)
Peppermint candy canes, crushed (I used 12 regular sized ones)

How to make it:

1. Crush candy canes
2. Melt chocolate, pour into piping bag
3. Place cookie cutters on a sheet of baking paper
4. Pipe melted chocolate into the cookie cutters, tap lightly for chocolate to spread into corners
5. Place crushed candy canes in a sieve and dust over chocolates, then sprinkle in larger pieces of candy
6. Let chocolates set for about 5-10mins, gently push them out of the mould.
   

... and for a non-peppermint version

Mini Baked Cheesecakes

Finally, a "baked cheesecake" recipe that works in my oven! I always complain about my oven... Any full size cheesecake cake I've tried either burns or doesn't cook in the centre... so I wasn't very confident with this recipe, but I decided to try anyway (cos I love cheesecake =D). Found the recipe on www.joyofbaking.com again. I used a muffin pan to make these, which probably made it easier for the heat to be more evenly distributed. Just like how mini cupcakes bake perfectly in my oven, these mini cheesecakes came out surprisingly good. And so simple to make too =)



They were a bit too sweet for my taste, so will need to reduce the amount of sugar... but I'll definitely make these again!

Musical Mini Cupcakes

My first attempt using white Royal Orchard icing.. it was a bit tricky at the beginning but I think I mastered it at the end. Next time, remember not to over-fill the paper cups so I get an even surface on the cupcakes!
And a bonus shot from Mr. Photographer: the Mini-Cupcakes wishing all a merry white Christmas =D

What you need:
Plain vanilla mini cupcakes (recipe here)
500g Orchard White Icing
Writing icing in various colours
A bit of musical creativity! (If you don't have any, just find some sheet music and copy the funny symbols you can find =p)

Profiteroles!

... with vanilla ice-cream and warm chocolate ganache

... is quickly becoming my new favourite comfort food =)
If only it didn't take that long to make...


Recipe from www.joyofbaking.com

Fruit Tart

Made this for a friend's birthday =)

Ingredients

• pre-made tart shell
• cooking chocolate
• thick custard
  
• Fruits: blueberry, strawberry, kiwi, canned apricot
  

Grilled Baby Octopus with Pasta-bake

Mid-sem break came and went... and this is what I got up to =)

Grilled Baby Octopus

1. Marinate with salt, pepper (wine?)
   
2. Add to boiling water and simmer until tender (20mins?)
   
3. Place on hot grill, turning every 3 minutes
   

Note to self: always simmer octopus until tender before grilling!! (I think I ate a semi raw tentacle before realising they weren't cooked thoroughly...)

Pasta Bake

1. Cook 250g short pasta, drain.
   
2. Steam broccoli, season with salt and crushed garlic
   
3. Pour hot pasta into baking dish, pour in one jar (500g) of pasta bake sauce (Leggo's Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Bake) and toss well
4. Place cooked broccoli on top, sprinkle with shredded cheese
5. Put into oven, 200'C, for 20 mins