Tag Archives: Chocolates

Chocolate Madeleines

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Madeleines are buttery little cakes originated from France. These shell-like sweets are actually very easy to make. Of course, you will need a madeleine pan. The classic flavour is usually lemon. But as a chocolate lover and an avid baker, I am “obligated” to make some chocolate ones ! And (almost) everything is better with chocolate, right ? They may not be the most eye catching desserts, but they are absolutely delicious ! And I finally tempered my own chocolate! It’s much smoother and shinier !  Here is the recipe that I followed https://www.cordonbleu.edu/news/technique-tempering-chocolate/en . Again, it’s something that looks more difficult than it actually is.  All you need is a thermometer, good chocolate and some patience ! But trust me, it’s worth it ! 

Makes about 20-24 madeleines

  • 120 g unsalted butter + 30 g for greasing pan, melted
  • 60 g all-purpose flour
  • 90 g cake and pastry flour
  • 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 g baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 180 g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 7.5 mL pure vanilla extract
  • melted dark chocolate for drizzles
  1. Melt 120 g of butter in a sauce pan or microwave, cool slightly 
  2. Sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, set aside 
  3. Whisk together eggs, sugar and vanilla until frothy 
  4. Fold flour mixture into egg mixture 
  5. Gently mix in melted and cooled butter, 2-3 tablespoons at a time until just blended 
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight 
  7. When ready to bake, prepare madeleine pan by melting about 30 g of butter in a sauce pan or microwave, cool slightly 
  8. Brush moulds with melted butter, coat with flour, tapping off excess
  9. Place coated pan in freezer for at least one hour
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F
  11. Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mould without spreading it out
  12. Place madeleine pan on another large baking tray and bake for about 12 minutes 
  13. Cool in moulds for a few minutes then completely on rack 
  14. Drizzle with melted, tempered dark chocolate, best to consume within 2 days

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No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake 

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Baking is one of my favourite things to do. But when it’s so hot outside, even the most devoted baker needs a break ! So I made these no bake cheesecake jars the other day. They are creamy, chocolaty, yummy and super easy to do ! 

As a food blogger, I am constantly looking for props that I can use without spending too much. Plates, cups, cutlery, baking tools, towels, etc. So, kitchenware stores, thrift stores, dollar stores and garage sales have become my favourite places to hang out. And I get super excited when I can reuse or recycle ! It’s like doing a makeover ! These cute little jars were containers of some petit pot yoghurts that I bought. They are perfect for individual desserts ! My only complain…..they’re too petit ! Cause these cheesecakes are so delicious and one is not enough !  

Makes about 8 servings

  • 12-15 graham crackers (or other cookies of choice)
  • 45 g unsalted butter,melted 
  • 120 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, plus more for garnish 
  • 200 g cream cheese 
  • 120 g icing sugar, sifted  
  • 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
  • 240 mL cold heavy whipping cream 
  1. Crush graham crackers into crumbs and mix in melted butter 
  2. Spoon into containers, press down gently and refrigerate for later use 
  3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave, cool slightly 
  4. Place one small mixing bowl in the freezer for about 20 minutes (for making whipped cream)
  5. In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth
  6. Add in melted chocolate, set aside
  7. In the cold mixing bowl, beat 120 mL of the cream until medium peak 
  8. Gently fold into the chocolate cream cheese until just combined 
  9. Spoon or pipe on top of graham cracker base (refrigerate if not serving right away)
  10. Just before serving, whip remaining cream to garnish, top with chopped chocolate 

Baked Double Chocolate Doughnuts 

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My daughter has been asking me to make doughnuts for a while. I love doughnuts,  just not too crazy about frying. I tried frying doughnut holes a couple of times, but they came out like burnt fritters. The only doughnuts I had successfully done were my Baked Honey Crullers. So this time, I decided to bake them again. I figured I would have a better chance of success. And voilà! I made it in one try ! The more exciting part is my son loves them ! He doesn’t have a sweet tooth and it’s not often that he likes my goodies (at least me and my daughter think they are !) He even asked me to make it again and I did ! It’s so easy when you have a doughnut pan. You can actually transform any of your muffin or quick bread recipes into doughnuts !  Just dress them up with a glaze or some sprinkles ! 

Makes 12 -14 doughnuts

For the doughnuts 

  • 270 g all-purpose flour
  • 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder 
  • 120 g granulated sugar 
  • 60 g demerara or brown sugar 
  • 3 g baking powder 
  • 3 g baking soda 
  • 2 g salt 
  • 2 large eggs
  • 60 mL vegetable oil 
  • 250 mL buttermilk (adjust if needed)
  • 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Sift together flour,cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt
  3. Add in both sugars 
  4. In another bowl, mix together eggs, oil, buttermilk and vanilla 
  5. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients 
  6. Mix until just blended 
  7. Spoon/pour batter into lightly greased doughnut trays 
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes 
  9. Cool completely on rack 

For the chocolate glaze 

  • 120 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped 
  • 120 mL whipping cream
  • 2.5 mL pure vanilla extract 
  1. Heat whipping cream over medium heat until just starting to boil 
  2. Pour it over chopped chocolate 
  3. Wait 30 seconds, add vanilla and stir until smooth 

When doughnuts are cooled, dip one side into chocolate glaze, place on rack to dry 

Tools that I used

Wilton Nonstick 6-Cavity Donut Pan

You can get this doughnut pan through the Amazon website by clicking the above link. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item. 


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies 

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Whether is a PB & J sandwich or a cookie, even a dipping sauce for salad rolls, to me, anything with peanut butter just feels comforting and very satisfying. My daughter loves it too, especially with her banana and apples. I am very thankful that we don’t have any nut allergies in our family so we can enjoy this tasty butter. I was craving for a sweet dessert bar the other day, so I put together this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies.  It’s quick, easy and just…..hearty! (I think dessert can be hearty too, not just soup….) I used milk chocolate chips, but you can also use white or butterscotch chips, or M&M’s, Reese…..etc.

Makes about 16 squares

  • 120 g unsalted butter
  • 120 g smooth peanut butter 
  • 80 g demerara or brown sugar 
  • 60 g granulated sugar 
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
  • 250 g all-purpose flour 
  • 3 g baking soda 
  • 2 g salt
  • 100 g chocolate chips 
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Sift together flour,baking soda and salt, set aside 
  3. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, peanut butter and sugars until fluffy 
  4. Mix in eggs and vanilla
  5. Add flour mixture in 2 parts, mix until blended 
  6. Stir in chocolate chips
  7. Bake in a square or a rectangular pan lined with parchment paper for 30-35 minutes (my pan is 9 inch x 13 inch)
  8. Cut into squares when cooled

Spring Chocolate Pudding 

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Spring is finally finally here ! It’s been a long time ! Even the cherry blossoms think so, they’ve been waiting to bloom and shine !  I used to garden a lot more, but ever since I have kids, I’ve been too busy growing two little humans and kind of abandoned my garden. This year, I want to at least plant some herbs, so I got some basil and cilantro seeds the other day and just put them in a couple of small pots. Well, I have to wait a while before my herbs grow.  So meanwhile, I made these cute little pudding pots to enjoy. They look very realistic !  And I was so happy that I could shoot the pictures in my backyard with some sunshine ! They would make a fun little snack for the kids at Easter ! Try to pick strawberries that are smaller and longer in shape so they would look more like little carrots.  

Makes about 6-8 servings 

For the candy coated strawberries

  • 180 g orange candy melts 
  • 5-10 mL vegetable oil
  • 8-10 strawberries (at room temperature)
  1. Wash and dry strawberries leaving the stems on 
  2. Melt candy melts in the microwave or over a double boiler according to package instructions 
  3. Add 5-10 mL of vegetable oil to achieve desired consistency if needed 
  4. Coat strawberries with candy melts, tap off excess, be careful not to break the stems 
  5. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper 
  6. Pour remaining candy melts into a piping bag 
  7. Cut a small hole at the end of piping bag 
  8. Drizzle over dried, coated strawberries 

For the chocolate pudding 

    • 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder 
    • 75 g granulated sugar 
    • 30 g cornstarch 
    • Pinch of salt 
    • 500 mL milk (whole or 2%)
    • 120 g semi-sweet chocolate chips 
    • 5 mL pure vanilla extract 

You would also need 8 regular-sized Oreo cookies for topping

      1. In a non-stick pot, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, salt
      2. Gradually stir in milk 
      3. Place over medium heat, stirring continuously until starting to bubble   
      4. Add chocolate chips, stir until thickened and chocolate all melted
      5. Remove from heat, mix in vanilla extract 
      6. Spoon into containers, let cool and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (a skin will form on top of pudding, but that’s OK, as we will put crushed Oreo on top)

To assemble pudding, crushed Oreo into small pieces, put on top of pudding, place a coated “carrot” on top 

Candy coated strawberries recipe adapted from lifemadesimplebakes.com

Espresso Truffles 

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2016 has been a pretty busy blogging year for me….Trying new recipes, participating in recipe round-ups, collaborative posts, Gastroposts, etc.  I also took a few pastry courses to improve my knowledge and skills. It’s been fun and rewarding. To treat myself and write my last post for the year, I made these Espresso Truffles with two of my favourite things, coffee and chocolate ! These little balls are so yummy, just one bite can already put a smile on my face and they are surprisingly easy to make ! Looking ahead, I hope to continue to learn, create and share more recipes.  Have a Happy New Year ! Espresso Truffles

Makes about 16 truffles

    • 180 g semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped)
    • 60 g dark chocolate (70%, finely chopped)
    • 120 mL whipping cream
    • 3 g French Vanilla or other flavoured coffee beans (coarsely crushed)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • toppings of choice : unsweetened cocoa powder, melted chocolate for dipping (about 8 oz for 16 truffles), sea salt, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, etcEspresso Truffles
  1. Pour whipping cream and crushed coffee beans in a non-stick pot over medium heat until simmering
  2. Pour hot cream through a fine mesh and over chopped chocolate, let sit for about 30 seconds, add vanilla
  3. Stir until smooth
  4. Cool, then put in fridge for about 2 hours
  5. With the help of a melon scooper or a teaspoon, shape about 2 teaspoons each into balls
  6. Roll over desired toppings or dip them in melted chocolate 
  7. Keep in fridgeEspresso Truffles

Marble Chocolate Bark 

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This is probably one of the easiest homemade Christmas treats that you can give to your friends and relatives. And there are so many different ingredients you can use.  All you need are three basics :

  1. chocolate, dark, milk, white or a mix
  2. something chewy, like dried fruits
  3. something crunchy, like nuts, seeds,toffee bits, crushed candy canes

I like mine very simple because I still like to enjoy the chocolate.  So here is my creation !

  • 240 g dark chocolate
  • 120 g white chocolate 
  • 30 g pistachios (remove shells and crush into small pieces)
  • 30 g dried cranberries 
  1. Melt chocolates in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Pour dark chocolate on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spread evenly with a spatula
  3. Drop spoonfuls of white chocolate over dark chocolate
  4. Swirl with a skewer or handle of a spatula to create marble effect
  5. Sprinkle dried cranberries and pistachios 
  6. Refrigerate until firm
  7. Break into pieces

 

 

Earl Grey Orange Truffles

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I am mostly a coffee drinker, but I love tea too, especially after meals. Tea contains antioxidants and has many health benefits. Studies have shown that some teas may help with cancer and heart disease. Besides drinking, tea can be used in many recipes, both savory and sweet. These Earl Grey truffles are infused with a subtle tea flavour.  They taste scrumptious and are so easy to make!

Makes about 24 

  • 2 Earl Grey tea bags
  • 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • Zest of one medium orange (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
  1. Heat cream in a non-stick pot over medium heat until just starting to bubble
  2. Remove from heat, put in tea bags and orange zest, let steep for about 1 hour (You can cover the pot with a dry tea towel but not the lid of the pot, otherwise condensations will drip into mixture)
  3. Finely chop chocolate, set aside in a large mixing bowl
  4. After 1 hour, remove tea bags, squeezing the tea out into the cream
  5. Strain out orange zest with a mesher
  6. Reheat cream mixture in a non-stick pot over medium heat until just starting to bubble
  7. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 1 minute
  8. Add vanilla, stir until smooth
  9. Cool, then put in fridge for about 3 hours
  10. With the help of a melon scooper or a teaspoon, roll 2 teaspoons each into balls
  11. Roll in unsweetened cocoa powder
  12. Keep in fridge

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Chocolate Truffles

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I am a big chocoholic, and I do mean BIG! One thing my house never runs out of is chocolate. Whether I am in a good or bad mood, I have to eat it!  Maybe that’s not a very good thing……but it makes me happy!  That’s all that matters!

Makes about 16 -20 truffles

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder or coatings of choice (e.g. shredded coconut, crushed nuts, sprinkles)
  1. Pour whipping cream in a non-stick pot over medium heat until simmering 
  2. Pour hot cream over chocolate, let sit for one minute, add vanilla
  3. Stir until chocolate melted and smooth
  4. Cool, then put in fridge for about 2 hours
  5. With the help of a melon scooper or a teaspoon, roughly shape about 2 teaspoons each into balls
  6. Put them back in the fridge for another 2 hours or overnight
  7. Shape into round balls with hands, then roll over unsweetened cocoa powder or other coatings of choice
  8. Keep in fridge

If the chocolate doesn’t melt completely with the hot cream, you can put it over a pan of simmering water for a few minutes

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies

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My daughter loves peanut butter. This is especially for her!

Makes about 30 cookies

  • 200 g creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/4 cup all-purposed flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
  3. Using an electric mixer with paddle attachment, cream peanut butter, butter and both sugars until blended
  4. Add vanilla and egg
  5. Add flour mixture in 2 to 3 portions and mix well, scraping sides of bowl
  6. Stir in chocolate chips
  7. Place tablespoonful of dough on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing about 2 inches apart
    (You can shape them by gently rolling them into balls)
  8. Bake for about 13 minutes, rotating baking sheets half way through
  9. Cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes then transfer to rack to cool completely