December 22, 2010

Christmas Trees with Chocolate Orange Cream

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If you're looking to add an unforgettable dessert to your holiday feast this year, I urge you to give these delightful little Christmas Trees a go!

With their colourful appearance and festive charm, these desserts are sure to be a memorable addition to any holiday table.

The glasses are filled with a rich, velvety chocolate orange cream and are topped with dark chocolate covered sugar cones and crushed Smarties.

Feel free to dress the cones in whatever style, colour or flavour you please.  White chocolate and crushed peppermint candies would make for a deliciously festive tree! Or how about milk chocolate and crushed hazelnuts, almonds or pistachios?


The chocolate cream is versatile too.  I love the subtle hint of orange zest,  but mint extract, coffee liqueur or a pinch or two of cayenne pepper are all wonderful additions.


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Onto a slightly different note: A few months ago, I told you I was working on a 'special creation'. Well it turns out that it might be ready a little earlier than expected.  I have been informed by my doctor that the timer could go off at any moment! I am tired, anxious, excited, curious but more importantly; I am ready.  It has been almost nine months after all!  ; )

Have fun, stay warm and happy baking!


Christmas Trees with Chocolate Orange Cream
Adapted from Verrines by Jose Marechal

Chocolate Orange Cream:
Fills approximately 10-12 small glasses

300ml heavy pouring cream
200ml milk
70g caster sugar
6 egg yolks
200g good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Finley grated zest of one orange

Heat the milk and cream together in a saucepan over a low heat to just below boiling point. Remove from the heat.

Whisk the sugar and egg yolks together in a bowl and then add to the hot cream, stirring constantly. Return the pan to a low heat and stir until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and add the dark chocolate and orange zest.  Stir until smooth.  Fill the glasses with the cream and refrigerate for at least two hours or preferably overnight.

Chocolate Trees:
8-12 ice cream cones
200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Crushed Smarties to decorate

Place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.

Starting with one at a time, paint the cones with the melted chocolate using a pastry brush and leave for 30 seconds or so before sticking on the Smarties. Repeat with remaining cones and refrigerate for 10 minutes or for up to 24 hours.



20 comments:

  1. Oh congratulations Jennie! I am SO happy for you! Can't wait to see your little creation...whenever he/she decides to make an appearance.

    These chocolate tree creations are just gorgeous! They sparkle and shine more than a real tree.

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  2. Wow these look delicious. Wonderful photography.. Carla

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  3. Those sound amazing! And best of luck with your delivery. How exciting! :D

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  4. Lovely trees. . .
    Delicious sweetness.

    I ate your works with my eyes.
    And always look forward to your cakes!!

    Merry Christmas to you.
    A wonderful 2011.

    Thank you.
    ruma

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  5. O Jennie, I am totally in awe! There's hardly anything else more festive and gorgeous than these little chocolate X'mas trees! I love them.
    Merry Christmas!
    Angie

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  6. This.looks.amazin!!!! YUM! Wish I saw this before!!!


    ANd wow- congratulations!!!!! Hoping for a healthy baby and mama!! :)

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  7. wow congrats on the baby and this is amazing !!!

    Merry Christmas

    Love Rebecca

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  8. THIS IS SOOOOO COOL!!!!!!! ahh! I love it!

    best of luck <3 and so nice to meet you! I cant wait to read more of your lovely blog =)

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  9. those look absolutely fantastic!! delicious!

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  10. Congratulations to you! What a thrill for you and your family. (Oh, and the chocolate orange cream looks amazing!)

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  11. Encantador blog el tuyo, un placer haberme pasado por tu espacio.

    Recibe mis mejores deseos para este cambio en el contador del segundo milenio, para este nuevo año que se nos cae encima.

    Saludos y un abrazo.

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  12. Congratulations!! These Christmas trees are so adorable and look seriously delicious :) I hope you have a wonderful New Year (especially with a new addition on the way)!

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  13. Impressive creation. I'm sure your other home made project will be just as sweet. Take good care of yourself and let them feed you lots of chocolate in the coming months - you'll need the extra energy ;) All the best!

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  14. Those trees looks beautiful! And congratulations about the baby! :D

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  15. Wow I wish I would have seen these earlier!!! These are GORGEOUS!! And congrats on ur little baby to be!! :)

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  16. How cute! I love the idea! And the chocolate orange cream sounds heavenly!

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  17. Oh these are so fun and cute! Kids will love them, and especially now that you will have a little one of your own, you will have to make these for them. Congratulations, I hope all went smoothly!

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  18. Awesome. Great to see you're blogging again!

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