Archive for April, 2023

Apr 27

Chocolate tiffin Easter nest

Frances Quinn’s Chocolate tiffin Easter nest

SERVES: 10-12

 

Ingredients

Method

  • STEP 1

    Line a 20cm round cake tin with a large paper cake tin liner, or cling film. Heat the butter and golden syrup in a large heavy-based saucepan over a gentle heat. Once melted, add the vanilla extract and all the chocolate. Continue heating gently until the chocolate has melted, stirring every now and then to combine.

  • STEP 2

    Remove the pan from the heat and mix through the pretzel sticks, shredded wheat, chocolate-covered raisins and peanuts. Transfer to the prepared tin, pressing in and around its sides, creating a dip in the centre to produce a nest shape. Chill for 1 hr or until set. To serve, remove from tin, scatter with extra pretzels (if you like) and fill with an assortment of chocolate eggs. Will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

     

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/frances-quinns-chocolate-tiffin-easter-nest

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Apr 27

Flowerpot chocolate chip muffins

Flowerpot chocolate chip muffins

Ingredients

You will need

  • 10 mini teracotta pots (see tip)

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly oil the inside of the terracotta pots with a little vegetable oil and place on a baking tray. Place a paper mini muffin case in the bottom of each pot.

  • STEP 2

    Put the flour, baking powder and cocoa in a bowl and stir in the sugar.

  • STEP 3

    Crack the egg into a jug and whisk with the milk and remaining oil. Pour this over the flour and cocoa mixture, and stir in with 50g of the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix – you want a loose but still quite lumpy mixture. Spoon into the pots up to three-quarters full. Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 12-15 mins until risen and firm. Transfer to a wire rack (still in the pots) and leave to cool.

  • STEP 4

    Put the rest of the chocolate chips in a small bowl and melt over a small pan of gently simmering water (don’t let the water touch the bowl), or put in a microwave-proof bowl and heat on High for 1 min until melted.

  • STEP 5

    Spread the tops of the muffins with the melted chocolate. Sprinkle over the chocolate decorations and add 2 rice paper wafer daisies to each pot to serve. Will keep for 2 days in an airtight container.

     

RECIPE TIPS
BAKE IN A POT

You will need mini terracotta pots measuring 57mm wide and 50mm tall. Garden centres should have good supplies. Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry the pots before using.

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/flowerpot-chocolate-chip-muffins

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Apr 27

Easter chocolate truffle cake

Easter chocolate truffle cake

SERVES: 10-12

Ingredients

For the cake

For the icing and filling

For the truffles

  • 100g milk chocolate, broken into chunks
  • 1 tsp soft butter
  • 50g digestive biscuits
  • 2-3 tbsp coloured or chocolate sprinkles

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease two 20cm cake tins and dust with flour. Tip all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat well with an electric hand whisk or wooden spoon to give a smooth, thick batter consistency.

  • STEP 2

    Divide the mixture between the tins and bake in the oven for 30-35 mins until it springs back to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for about 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack.

  • STEP 3

    Meanwhile, make the truffles. In a bowl, gently melt the milk chocolate in the microwave or over a pan of simmering water. Stir in the butter. Put the biscuits in a sandwich bag and crush them to fine crumbs by bashing with a rolling pin. Mix into the chocolate and chill in the fridge for about 20 mins. When chilled, roll into 11 even-sized balls with your hands. Coat in sprinkles and set aside.

  • STEP 4

    For the icing, pour the cream into a saucepan and place over a medium heat. Once hot, stir in the butter until melted. Break the chocolate into small pieces, tip into a medium bowl and pour over the hot cream mixture. Stir well until the chocolate melts into the cream. Cool for about 30 mins.

  • STEP 5

    Once the cake is completely cool, sandwich the two sponges together with the jam in the middle. Spread the top and sides with the icing. Finish by placing the truffles around the outside of the cake.

     

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easter-chocolate-truffle-cake

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Apr 27

Easter egg brownies

Easter egg brownies

SERVES: 9-10

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easter-egg-brownies

Ingredients

To decorate

  • You will also need a few fluffy chenille Easter chick to decorate (optional)

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Put the butter and the chocolate in a medium-sized heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Alternatively, cover the bowl loosely with cling film and microwave at 30 sec intervals until melted. Leave the melted chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.

  • STEP 2

    Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease a 20cm square tin with butter and line with 2 long strips of folded baking paper or foil – one running top to bottom, the other left to right then line the base with a piece of baking paper. The strips will help you lift it out later.

  • STEP 3

    Break the eggs into a large bowl and tip in the caster sugar. With an electric mixer on maximum speed, whisk the eggs and sugar for around 5-8 mins or until they look thick and creamy and have doubled in size.

  • STEP 4

    Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the egg mixture, then gently fold together.

  • STEP 5

    Sieve the flour and cocoa into the wet ingredients then continue to fold the mixture gently with a spatula just until everything is fully combined, try not to over-mix.

  • STEP 6

    Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and carefully level the mixture with the spatula. Put in the middle of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

  • STEP 7

    Meanwhile, cut the fondant filled eggs in half and set aside then place the mini chocolate eggs into a pestle and mortar. Crush a few of the mini chocolate eggs but leave some whole. After 20 mins take the brownie out of the oven and press in the fondant eggs, cut side up. Scatter over half of the mini chocolate eggs too then put it back in the oven for a further 5 mins.

  • STEP 8

    Once baked, top with the remaining mini eggs, leave to cool completely then place in the fridge for about 1hr to firm up. Lift it out of the tin using the strips of baking paper and cut into squares to serve. Decorate with little Easter chicks if you like.

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Apr 27

Easter fudge

Easter fudge cut into cubes and topped with mini chocolate eggs

MAKES: 20

Ingredients

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Line a 20cm square brownie tin with baking parchment. Tip all the ingredients, except the mini chocolate eggs, into a saucepan set over a low heat. Stir gently until all of the sugar has melted. Turn up the heat and simmer for 10-15 mins, scraping the bottom of the pan regularly until the mixture reaches 115C on a sugar thermometer. If you don’t have a sugar thermometer, drop a teaspoon of mixture into a small bowl of cold water – if it’s ready, it will form a soft ball that can be easily flattened.

  • STEP 2

    Remove the fudge mixture from the heat and leave to cool for 5 mins. Use a wooden spoon to beat the mixture for another 5 mins.

  • STEP 3

    Roughly chop 100g of the mini chocolate eggs and tip these into the fudge mixture, then stir until evenly combined. Tip the fudge mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface and pushing it into the corners using a rubber spatula. Scatter over the remaining mini chocolate eggs, then leave at room temperature until completely firm and set. Turn out onto a chopping board and cut into 20 squares before serving.

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easter-fudge

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Apr 27

Cheesecake-filled Easter eggs

Two cheesecake-filled Easter egg halves

SERVES: 4 (makes 2)

Ingredients

  • 1 hollow chocolate Easter egg
  • 75g digestive biscuits
  • 25g butter, melted
  • 75g mascarpone
  • 100g soft cheese
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar, sieved
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder, sieved
  • 100g double cream

To serve

  • Easter treats, such as mini chocolate eggs or crumbled chocolates
  • caramel sauce or cooled melted chocolate

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Carefully separate the Easter egg in half along the seam. (Use a knife dipped into a bowl of hot water to cut through the seam rather than slicing, as it may break the chocolate.)

  • STEP 2

    Tip the digestive biscuits into a bowl or food bag and bash to crumbs with the end of a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Spoon this into the Easter egg halves and pack down gently using the back of the spoon. Chill until needed.

  • STEP 3

    Mix the mascarpone, soft cheese, icing sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl with a wooden spoon until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the double cream to soft peaks using an electric whisk. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, then carefully spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled biscuit bases in the Easter eggs. Gently level the surfaces with a palette knife or spatula, then chill for at least 2 hrs or overnight until firm and set. You may be left with extra cheesecake filling, depending on the size of your Easter eggs – this can be spooned into glasses over extra digestive crumbs for another treat.

  • STEP 4

    Scatter the set cheesecake-filled eggs with mini chocolate eggs or other Easter treats, then drizzle with caramel or melted chocolate to serve.

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cheesecake-filled-easter-eggs

 

 

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Apr 27

Chocolate chip hot cross buns

Chocolate chip hot cross buns

MAKES: 8

 

Ingredients

For the glaze (optional)

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    KIDS the writing in bold is for you ADULTS the rest is for you. Mix the bun ingredients. Put the strong flour, yeast, caster sugar and 1 tsp salt in a bowl with the spices and mix. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk, egg and butter. Start mixing with a plastic or wooden spoon and finish with your hands. If the dough is too dry, add warm water, or extra flour if it’s wet.

  • STEP 2

    Now stretch the dough – this is called kneading. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 mins until it becomes smooth and springy. This will be a bit too much work for children, so get them to start the kneading, then when they get tired, take over.

  • STEP 3

    Leave the dough to rise until doubled in size because of the yeast. Transfer to a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover loosely with a clean, damp tea towel. Leave in a warm place to rise until roughly doubled in size – this will take about 1 hr depending on how warm the room is.

  • STEP 4

    Add the chocolate chips and do some division. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and flatten. Scatter over the chocolate chips (or dried fruit), and knead the dough a few more times. Divide it into 8 even portions – halve the dough, then halve each portion twice more, and explain the maths.

  • STEP 5

    Roll the dough into buns. Roll each portion into a smooth round and place on a greased baking sheet in 2 rows of 4, leaving some room between each bun for it to rise. Cover with a tea towel again and leave in a warm place to prove for 20 mins, until almost doubled in size again or just touching.

  • STEP 6

    Make the crosses on the buns and bake them. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mix the plain flour with 1 tsp sugar and 4-5 tbsp water to give you a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe white lines on the buns to make crosses. Bake for 20 mins until they are light brown.

  • STEP 7

    Brush them with jam if you want them to be nice and shiny. If you want to enjoy the buns untoasted, gently heat the jam in a pan or the microwave, and brush over the buns using a pastry brush. If you are going to toast them, then don’t glaze them as the jam will burn.

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-hot-cross-buns

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Apr 27

Easter brownie bites

Easter brownie bites on a wire rack

 

MAKES: 24 mini bites

Ingredients

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line 24 holes of a mini muffin tray with paper cases. Put the butter, dark chocolate and sugar in a pan and heat it very gently, stirring all the time until the butter and chocolate have melted. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for a few mins.

  • STEP 2

    Meanwhile, sift the flour, cocoa and a good pinch of salt into a large bowl. Stir in the warm, melted chocolate mixture and the beaten eggs, then add half the chocolate chips and mix until just combined.

  • STEP 3

    Divide the mixture between the cases and place a mini egg into the middle of each muffin, pushing down gently. Bake for 12-15 mins until cooked but still gooey in the centre – they will continue cooking a little as they cool down. Leave to cool for 10 mins in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • STEP 4

    Melt the rest of the chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring frequently. Leave to cool until it is quite thick, then dot a small amount on each cake and stick on some more mini eggs.

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easter-brownie-bites

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Apr 27

Easter egg cookies

Easter egg cookies displayed in a circle

MAKES: 12

Ingredients

 

Method

  • STEP 1

    Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Tip the butter, sugars and vanilla into a bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and beat again. Tip in the flour, bicarb and a pinch of salt, then use a spatula to mix together before adding the chocolate chunks and about half the crushed mini eggs (set aside the larger pieces) and mix again until everything is combined.

  • STEP 2

    Scoop golf-ball-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, making sure you leave plenty of space between each one. (You should fit 4-6 cookies on each, so you’ll have to bake in batches to make the total 20 cookies.) Push the remaining mini egg pieces into the tops. Can be frozen at this point for up to three months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before baking. Bake for 15-18 mins, swapping the sheets around halfway through. For soft and chewy cookies, the cookies should be golden around the edges but still pale and soft in the middle. If you prefer a biscuit texture, you will need to bake them a little longer.

  • STEP 3

    Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 mins before transferring to a wire rack, then bake the second batch. Continue until all the cookies are baked. Will keep in an airtight container for up to a week.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easter-egg-cookies

 

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