Stout Floats with Cocoa Syrup Bon Appétit | February 2011
by Alice Medrich
Slightly bitter beer, ice cream, and bittersweet cocoa syrup make for the perfect adult treat. Any leftover syrup will keep in the fridge for up to one month.
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (includes baking and cooling time)
ingredients
Cocoa syrup:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned into cup to measure, then leveled)
2/3 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Floats:
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons Kahlúa or other coffee-flavored liqueur
Chocolate ice cream
3 12-ounce bottles or 2 pints (about) chilled stout
Special equipment
6 iced-teaspoons
6 straws
preparation
For cocoa syrup:
Whisk sugar, cocoa powder, and pinch of salt in small saucepan. Pour 2/3 cup boiling water into heat-resistant measuring cup. Whisk just enough boiling water from cup into cocoa mixture in saucepan to form smooth paste (about 3 tablespoons), then whisk in remaining water. Bring to simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. Simmer syrup 1 1/2 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover; chill.
For floats:
Using electric mixer, beat cream and vanilla in medium bowl until peaks form. Cover; chill. Pour 1 tablespoon Kahlúa and 1 tablespoon cocoa syrup into each of six 10-ounce glasses. Place 1 scoop of ice cream in each glass. Add stout, pouring gently down side of tilted glass to prevent too much head from forming. Spoon dollop of whipped cream into each glass. Drizzle with cocoa syrup, place spoon and straw in each, and serve immediately.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
From Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted if there are clumps)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
3 tablespoons soymilk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cream together margarine and shortening until well combined. Add cocoa powder and incorporate well. Add confectioners sugar in about 1/2 cup batches and beat well, adding a little splash of soymilk after each addition. When all ingredients have been well incorporated, add the vanilla and beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes with a hand mixer, 7 minutes if mixing with a fork).
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted if there are clumps)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
3 tablespoons soymilk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cream together margarine and shortening until well combined. Add cocoa powder and incorporate well. Add confectioners sugar in about 1/2 cup batches and beat well, adding a little splash of soymilk after each addition. When all ingredients have been well incorporated, add the vanilla and beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes with a hand mixer, 7 minutes if mixing with a fork).
Sour Cream-Chocolate Cake
Adapted by smittenkitchen.com, only barely, from Sky High: Irresistable Triple-Layer Cakes
This cake is INTENSE. Serve it in the thinnest slices possible, and keep a glass of milk handy.
Makes an 8-inch triple-layer cake; serves 12 to 16 (the book says, I say a heck of a lot more)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle (I skipped this)
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cakepans. Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.
2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine them well. Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water. Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely. (Deb note: These cakes are very, very soft. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They’ll defrost quickly once assembled. You’ll be glad you did this, trust me.)
4. To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup cup of the Peanut Butter Frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. (Deb note 1: Making a crumb coat of frosting–a thin layer that binds the dark crumbs to the cake so they don’t show up in the final outer frosting layer–is a great idea for this cake, or any with a dark cake and lighter-colored frosting. Once you “mask” your cake, let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating. Deb note 2: Once the cake is fully frosting, it helps to chill it again and let it firm up. The cooler and more set the peanut butter frosting is, the better drip effect you’ll get from the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze.)
5. To decorate with the Chocolate–Peanut Butter Glaze, put the cake plate on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Simply pour the glaze over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze and frosting to set completely. Remove about 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top with chopped peanut brittle.
This cake is INTENSE. Serve it in the thinnest slices possible, and keep a glass of milk handy.
Makes an 8-inch triple-layer cake; serves 12 to 16 (the book says, I say a heck of a lot more)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle (I skipped this)
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cakepans. Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.
2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine them well. Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water. Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely. (Deb note: These cakes are very, very soft. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They’ll defrost quickly once assembled. You’ll be glad you did this, trust me.)
4. To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup cup of the Peanut Butter Frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. (Deb note 1: Making a crumb coat of frosting–a thin layer that binds the dark crumbs to the cake so they don’t show up in the final outer frosting layer–is a great idea for this cake, or any with a dark cake and lighter-colored frosting. Once you “mask” your cake, let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating. Deb note 2: Once the cake is fully frosting, it helps to chill it again and let it firm up. The cooler and more set the peanut butter frosting is, the better drip effect you’ll get from the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze.)
5. To decorate with the Chocolate–Peanut Butter Glaze, put the cake plate on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Simply pour the glaze over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze and frosting to set completely. Remove about 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top with chopped peanut brittle.
Friday, October 1, 2010
La Pampera
recreated from Hibiscus in Oakland
2 oz Pampero Anniversario Rum
juice of 1/2 lime
4 tsp simple syrup
~ 1/16 tsp cardamom
2 oz Pampero Anniversario Rum
juice of 1/2 lime
4 tsp simple syrup
~ 1/16 tsp cardamom
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Peach Scones
from http://www.visionsofsugarplum.com
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons honey
1/3 cup finely chopped peach, peeled
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted*
1 teaspoon turbinado sugar, for sprinkling on top (optional)
Glaze: (optional)
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large sheet pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together egg, milk and honey, in a small bowl, until well combined; stir in peach.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, until well combined. Add the butter in, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles pea-sized lumps. Stir in pecans and milk mixture until dough comes together, being careful not to overwork.
Place dough on a floured surface and form a ball, picking up a little bit of flour as you do it. Pat into a round, about 3/4-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, slice into 8 equal triangles; transfer to baking sheet and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake at 400 degrees F, for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, stir together butter, milk and powdered sugar, in a small bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved. Cool 5 minutes before drizzling over scones.
*To toast pecans, place in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Yield: 8 scones
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons honey
1/3 cup finely chopped peach, peeled
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted*
1 teaspoon turbinado sugar, for sprinkling on top (optional)
Glaze: (optional)
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large sheet pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together egg, milk and honey, in a small bowl, until well combined; stir in peach.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, until well combined. Add the butter in, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles pea-sized lumps. Stir in pecans and milk mixture until dough comes together, being careful not to overwork.
Place dough on a floured surface and form a ball, picking up a little bit of flour as you do it. Pat into a round, about 3/4-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, slice into 8 equal triangles; transfer to baking sheet and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake at 400 degrees F, for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, stir together butter, milk and powdered sugar, in a small bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved. Cool 5 minutes before drizzling over scones.
*To toast pecans, place in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Yield: 8 scones
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Blue Bottle's New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee
Makes 4 to 5 cups coffee concentrate, enough for about 8 to 10 cups iced coffee
Blue Bottle's most popular iced coffee features chicory for a nutty nuance. The sweetened concentrate will last two days in the refrigerator. To keep the concentrate longer, add simple syrup to each glass as you make it.
* 1 pound coffee, coarsely ground
* 1 1/2 ounces dried chicory root (see Note)
* 2 1/2 quarts water
* 3 ounces simple syrup (see note)
* 4 to 5 cups milk
Instructions: Combine coffee, chicory and water in a large stockpot. Stir with a spoon to make sure all grounds are wet. Cover and let steep at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large glass jar or pitcher. Stir in simple syrup, cover and refrigerate.
To serve, fill a tall glass with ice. Add equal parts coffee concentrate and milk, or to taste.
Note: Dried chicory root can be found in the spice section of well-stocked supermarkets or specialty grocers. To make simple syrup, bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil and simmer until sugar dissolves. Let mixture cool before using. The leftover syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Blue Bottle's most popular iced coffee features chicory for a nutty nuance. The sweetened concentrate will last two days in the refrigerator. To keep the concentrate longer, add simple syrup to each glass as you make it.
* 1 pound coffee, coarsely ground
* 1 1/2 ounces dried chicory root (see Note)
* 2 1/2 quarts water
* 3 ounces simple syrup (see note)
* 4 to 5 cups milk
Instructions: Combine coffee, chicory and water in a large stockpot. Stir with a spoon to make sure all grounds are wet. Cover and let steep at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large glass jar or pitcher. Stir in simple syrup, cover and refrigerate.
To serve, fill a tall glass with ice. Add equal parts coffee concentrate and milk, or to taste.
Note: Dried chicory root can be found in the spice section of well-stocked supermarkets or specialty grocers. To make simple syrup, bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil and simmer until sugar dissolves. Let mixture cool before using. The leftover syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Classic Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee
Makes 4 to 5 cups coffee concentrate, enough for about 10 cups of iced coffee
You've heard the saying: the fresher the beans, the better the coffee. Same goes for the quality of what makes up nearly 99 percent of coffee - water. This concentrate will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
* 1 pound coffee, coarsely ground
* 2 1/2 quarts water
Instructions: Place coffee and water in a pitcher or other non-reactive vessel. Stir to make sure all the grounds are wet. Let steep at room temperature for 12 hours. Line a fine-mesh sieve with a paper coffee filter or folded-over cheesecloth. Strain coffee by pouring through filter into a pitcher or other glass container. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
To serve: Unless you're a serious caffeine junkie, you'll want to dilute the concentrate with water or milk. I like a 1:1 ratio of coffee to water, which yields a pretty strong cup. Add more or less depending on your taste, and serve over ice.
You've heard the saying: the fresher the beans, the better the coffee. Same goes for the quality of what makes up nearly 99 percent of coffee - water. This concentrate will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
* 1 pound coffee, coarsely ground
* 2 1/2 quarts water
Instructions: Place coffee and water in a pitcher or other non-reactive vessel. Stir to make sure all the grounds are wet. Let steep at room temperature for 12 hours. Line a fine-mesh sieve with a paper coffee filter or folded-over cheesecloth. Strain coffee by pouring through filter into a pitcher or other glass container. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
To serve: Unless you're a serious caffeine junkie, you'll want to dilute the concentrate with water or milk. I like a 1:1 ratio of coffee to water, which yields a pretty strong cup. Add more or less depending on your taste, and serve over ice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)