Desserts by Kara and Emily

Kara and Emily's Christmas dessert - an ornament cake!

A Day of Baking

Well, it took pretty much all day, but I've finally finished the baking for the holidays! I made the cakes mentioned in my post a few days ago. Tomorrow's guests will be enjoying the Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream Tart and Grandma's Cheesecake (though now that I write this, I realize I still have to do the glaze for that!).

Monday's guests will have the Frozen Grand Marnier Torte with Dark Chocolate Crust and Spiced Cranberries as well as what I'm calling a "Snowflake Cake" (pictures to come once it's made!).

I'm looking forward to all the treats!

The Yule Log

A Christmas tradition. In fact, one of the most ridiculous ones to me! Watching a fireplace burn on TV all day - can you just feel the warmth?? But I do like that they play carols over it!



Big day of baking ahead of me for the Christmas celebrations... just as soon as I drag myself to the store to buy more eggs (we ran through them really quickly making cookies on Thursday). Then tomorrow Fake Christmas begins - which reminds me that I need to finish wrapping gifts!

Holiday Clip of the Day

This isn't a movie so I didn't label it as such. It's a clip from an episode of friends. When Ross dresses up as - what else? - the Holiday Armadillo! I really wish I could find the whole scene.

Newly Discovered Talent

Making cards! Well... technically it's not all that new as I can scrapbook, but it's something I haven't tried and I'm really pleased with the results. This one is a card for a friend from work - all in all I probably spent less than $1.00 on it when you really break down the cost.

Looks like another service that Pig & Pepper can offer someday!

Recipes: Christmas Desserts

The following are in my plans for Christmas desserts. The first is a Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream Tart (which will be made, along with Grandma's Famous Cheesecake recipe) for Fake Christmas on Sunday. The second is called Frozen Grand Marnier Torte with Cranberries and it is intended for Christmas Eve with mom's family on Monday. What will the Christmas dessert be? Who knows. I'm thinking a snowflake cake - basically my standard-issue chocolate cake recipe with a ice blue fondant on the top with snowflakes. We'll see how ambitious I am on Saturday when I do all the baking!

Both recipes from epicurious.com (my new favorite website!).

DARK CHOCOLATE AND PEPPERMINT WHIPPED CREAM TART



Crust
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, diced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 teaspoons cold whole milk

Filling
1 1/4 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
12 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon coarsely crushed red–and–white–striped hard peppermint candies

Topping
3 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons peppermint extract
PreparationFor crust:Blend first 4 ingredients in processor. Add butter and vanilla; cut in using on/off turns until butter forms pea–size pieces. Add milk and blend in using on/off turns until mixture forms small moist clumps. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap dough in plastic; chill 1 hour.

Roll dough out between sheets of floured parchment to 12–inch round. Press dough onto bottom and up sides of 10–inch–diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Fold dough edges over and press to form thick sides. Using thumb, press dough around sides to extend crust 1/8 inch above edge of pan. Freeze 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake crust until brown, piercing bubbles with fork, about 30 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool.

For filling: Bring cream and corn syrup to simmer in medium saucepan; remove from heat. Add all chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool 30 minutes. Pour filling into crust. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup candy. Chill until set, about 3 hours. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.

For topping: Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in large bowl to stiff peaks. Spread 2 cups whipped cream over filling, mounding slightly in center. Spoon remaining whipped cream into 1 bottom corner of large resealable plastic bag. Twist at top; grasp top firmly. Using scissors, cut 3/4 inch off filled corner to form opening; turn bag so that 1 seam faces up. Pipe 2–inch–long ovals of whipped cream side by side around edge of tart. Pipe more ovals to form second ring inside first, then pipe ovals in center. Chill at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours. Remove tart from pan; place on platter. Sprinkle top of tart with remaining 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies and serve.

*****

FROZEN GRAND MARNIER TORTE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CRUST AND SPICED CRANBERRIES



Crust
1 9–ounce package chocolate wafer cookies
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling
8 large egg yolks
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup chilled sour cream
5 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Topping
1/2 cup ruby Port
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, partially thawed, divided

White chocolate curls (optional) PreparationFor crust: Finely grind cookies, chips, and sugar in processor. Add melted butter; blend until wet crumbs form. Set aside 1/2 cup crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9–inch–diameter springform pan with 2 3/4–inch–high sides.

For filling: Whisk first 3 ingredients in medium metal bowl. Set over saucepan of simmering water and whisk vigorously until candy thermometer registers 175°F, about 8 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Add spices. Using mixer, beat until thick and cool, about 5 minutes.

Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream, sour cream, Grand Marnier, orange juice concentrate, and grated orange peel in large bowl until peaks form. Add egg yolk mixture and fold together. Pour 2/3 of filling into crust. Sprinkle with reserved 1/2 cup crumb mixture. Gently spoon remaining filling over. Cover; freeze overnight or up to 3 days.

For topping: Whisk Port and cornstarch in large skillet to blend. Add sugar, honey, and spices. Bring mixture to boil over high heat, stirring often. Add 3 cups cranberries; cook until mixture boils and cranberries begin to pop but still hold shape, about 5 minutes. Mix in remaining 2 cups cranberries. Chill topping at least 6 hours or overnight.

Release pan sides from torte. Transfer torte to platter. Spoon topping over filling. If desired, garnish torte with white chocolate curls.

Featured Christmas Movie # 8

Muppets Christmas Carol!

Ultimate Christmas Video

Found this on youtube today. It's all the Christmas movies in one special tribute, I guess. Must admit that I don't know what all of them are, but I like the video anyway, and since we're only 6 days away from Fake Christmas on Sunday, it's time to REALLY celebrate! (Before you know it, I'll be complaining that Christmas is over!)

Christmas Quiz of the Day

You Are the Furthest Thing From Grinch

You love and live for the holidays. You even love the Grinch! You're in the holiday spirit year round... because you're all about celebrating and giving.

Are You a Grinch?

Yeah, that's pretty much true!

Featured Christmas Movie # 7

Home Alone!

More Elfin Fun!

Elfyourself.com is WAY too addicting. I keep making them using various family members. For some surprises, click here and here.

Christmas Quiz of the Day

You Are a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

Featured Christmas Movie # 6

Mickey's Christmas Carol!

Christmas Quiz of the Day

Been neglecting things around here for the Christmas Celebration, as I was sick the last couple days and then the work holiday party, but we're back in business and as I have nothing much to do today I'm sure I'll have ridiculous things to post all day!

Your Christmas Stocking Will Be Filled With a Stuffed Animal

Either Santa got your Christmas wish many years late... Or he secretly thinks you're a bit immature!

What Will Be In Your Christmas Stocking?

Well, I AM a little immature... though I think naive is the better word for me.

Featured Christmas Movie # 5

It's a theme day! As my Christmas is most like this movie - "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - I thought I would post the clip today as well.

Christmas Quiz of the Day

Your Christmas is Most Like: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Christmas is a big, boisterous event at your place. And no matter what, something hilarious usually happens.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Featured Christmas Movie # 4

The classic - "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

Christmas Quiz of the Day!

Just thought I'd mention that it snowed last night - and is still snowing a little bit! Unfortunately, work won't be cancelled... Oh, well! It's still a sure sign of winter - and Christmas! Maybe - just maybe - we'll have a white Christmas this year.

You Are a Minimal Christmas Tree

You're not a total Scrooge, but you feel no need to go overboard at Christmas. Less is more, and your Christmas reflects refined quality.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

I just have to add that clearly that's not true... if this blog isn't going overboard for Christmas than I don't know what is! Though I do tend to like minimal when it comes to decorations - I don't like the house looking tacky!

Featured Christmas Movie # 3

Love, Actually! A very Christmasy scene, albeit kind of a sad one.

Christmas Quiz of the Day

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?