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5 Truffle Recipes Perfect for the Holidays

Photo by Pelageia Zelenina from Pexels

When it comes to Christmas, no one can deny the importance of a glazed ham or a roasted turkey. But a holiday feast is not complete without a delicious dessert to match it. And yes, cookies, trifles, and the occasional Yule log are what most home cooks go for. But for a dessert that looks extravagant without taking forever to make, look no further than the classic truffle. The bite-sized treat is tasty and super versatile. In fact, you can use any ingredient you want to make your own unique creation. So, if you're ready to sweeten your holiday meals, these five truffle recipes have your name written all over them. Happy Holidays!

P.S.: These treats also work great as a gift. Just pop them in a cute little box, put a festive bow on it, and offer them to your loved ones.

1. Eggnog Truffles

Even if you're not a big fan of eggnog, these little treats will make you change your mind thanks to their unique flavor. Combining fragrant spices with sweet white chocolate (and a hint of rum), they're like Christmas in a snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 2/3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2/3 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp rum (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add the egg yolk, heavy cream, one teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/3 teaspoon of nutmeg, and the vanilla extract to a heatproof bowl. Fill a pot with water about one-third of the way and bring to a low simmer. Place the bowl on the pot and whisk for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bowl.
  2. Add the chocolate and rum and continue stirring until it is melted. Remove from the heat and refrigerate until the mixture is chilled and firm.
  3. Combine the powdered sugar with the remaining cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl and set aside. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside as well.
  4. To make the truffles, scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball with your hands, and toss it into the bowl with the powdered sugar. Place them on the sheet tray and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

 Boozy Cherry Truffles

The amaretto-soaked cherries, the creamy ganache, and a thin layer of chocolate sprinkles in these truffles will get everyone in a frenzy from the very first bite. Who knew a combo so simple could taste so decadent?

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup freeze dried cherries
  • 2/3 cup amaretto liqueur
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Add the cherries and liqueur to a small bowl. Let them soak for 20 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the cherries with a strainer and set aside.
  2. Add the cream to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat. Remove from the heat, stir in the chocolate chips, and whisk until the chocolate is melted. Refrigerate until the ganache mixture has thickened, about 45 minutes.
  3. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and add the chocolate sprinkles to a small bowl.
  4. Scoop two tablespoons of the ganache and press into its center to create a small dent. Place a liqueur-soaked cherry into the dent and roll the ganache into a ball. Repeat the process with the remaining ganache and cherries and toss them into the sprinkles.
  5. Arrange them onto the sheet tray and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

3. Salted Caramel Banana Truffles

If you like your sweets with a side of salty, this truffle recipe should be at the top of your to-do list. Combining the natural sweetness of dates and bananas with peanut butter's inherent saltiness, it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Plus, the treat doesn't call for heavy cream, as it uses dates to create all that dairy-free creaminess. And that's always a bonus!

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp freeze dried bananas
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Add the dates, bananas, and one cup of warm water to a bowl. Soak for 15 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the dates and bananas to a food processor. Pulse until you form a loose "dough." If it's too sticky, add warm water, one teaspoon at a time. Add the salt and peanut butter and pulse one last time.
  2. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you're out of "dough." Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  3. Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 25 seconds. Stir one more time and continue heating in 15-second increments until the chocolate is melted.
  4. Dip the truffles into the chocolate and place them back onto the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

4. Gingerbread Pineapple Truffles

It's not often that such a small dessert can stop us in our tracks, but these festive truffles had us from the get-go. The unique combo of gingersnap cookies and pineapple ushers in a new era of holiday flavors while the chocolate-pecan coating keeps things traditional.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups gingersnap cookies, crumbled
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup freeze dried pineapples
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Add the pineapple and one cup of warm water to a bowl and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water and squeeze the fruit to remove excess liquid. Transfer to a food processor.
  2. Add the cream cheese and cookie crumbs to the food processor and pulse until everything is combined.
  3. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop two tablespoons of the mixture, and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you're out of dough. Arrange them on the sheet tray and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  4. Place the chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 25 seconds. Give another good stir and continue heating in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Don't forget to stir in between the intervals. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  5. Dip the truffles into the chocolate and place them back onto the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

5. Strawberry Cappuccino Truffles

While these truffles taste divine with just a teaspoon of espresso powder, adding a handful of freeze dried strawberries to the ganache takes them to a new level. The trick is to grind the fruit into a fine powder and blend it as you would with ground coffee. Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Add the strawberries to a blender and pulse until they turn into fine powder. Set aside.
  2. Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and heat again for 25 seconds. Stir one more time and continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Don't forget to stir in between intervals. Set aside.
  3. Combine the heavy cream, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and ground strawberries in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Please don't bring it to a full boil!
  4. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the chocolate and stir well to combine. Whisk in the butter, cover with cling wrap, and let cool at room temperature. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  5. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, scoop two tablespoons of the ganache and roll with your hands to form a ball. Repeat until all the ganache is used up.
  6. Add the chocolate sprinkles to a bowl, dip the truffles, and arrange them on the sheet tray. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.

Which truffle recipes would you like to try this year? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://www.shugarysweets.com/eggnog-truffles/#mv-creation-754-jtr
  2. https://www.verybestbaking.com/toll-house/recipes/artisan-cherry-truffles/
  3. https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-salted-caramel-peanut-butter-truffles/
  4. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/gingerbread-truffles/
  5. https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/17065/cappuccino-truffles/
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How to Celebrate Banana Split Day, the Tasty Way

How to Celebrate Banana Split Day, the Tasty Way

Photo by Eiliv Aceron from Pexels

Packed with nostalgia and a lot of ice cream, the now-classic banana split is synonymous with summer. And yes, there's plenty to love about this dessert in its classic form (whipped cream is just the beginning). But, there are also dozens of ways to enjoy the treat outside the longboat bowl. So, in honor of National Banana Split Day(1) (August 25th), we rounded up our five favorite banana split recipes that cover every taste and occasion, from the traditional to the unique. So, how about we push some banana split boundaries this year?

The Classic Banana Split Sundae

Before we experiment with new takes on the classic treat, let's talk about its OG ingredients. In its classic form, the dessert consists of a banana cut in half lengthwise, three scoops of ice cream (which are sandwiched between the banana halves), and is usually topped with whipped cream, sauces, maraschino cherries, and crushed nuts. The following recipe is a great starting point.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana, halved lengthwise
  • 3 scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry)
  • 3 tbsp whipped cream
  • 3 maraschino cherries
  • 2 tbsp syrup (chocolate or strawberry)
  • 1/4 cup crushed nuts (peanuts or walnuts)
  • 3 tbsp freeze dried strawberries (sliced)

Directions:

  1. Add the strawberries and 1/4 cup warm water to a small bowl. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Place the ice cream scoops in a row in an oblong dish. Sprinkle with the nuts and place the banana halves on each side of the plate. Top each scoop with one tablespoon of whipped cream and one maraschino cherry. Sprinkle with the strawberries and drizzle with the syrup.

1. Banana Split Ice Cream Cake

We'll be honest: This banana split recipe requires a little bit of legwork. But the result is well worth it! Just a slice of this no-bake cake, and you'll regret not making it sooner.

Ingredients:

  • 20 chocolate cookies
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup freeze dried bananas
  • 1 pint of chocolate ice cream
  • 1 pint of strawberry ice cream
  • 1 pint of vanilla ice cream
  • 2 cups fudge sauce
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

  1. Add the banana slices and 2 cups warm water to a bowl. Soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Grease an 8x3-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. Add the cookies and butter to a food processor and pulse until you form a dough. Transfer to the pan and press into an even layer at the bottom of the pan. Top with the banana slices and freeze for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the freezer. Using a spatula, spread the strawberry ice cream into an even layer on top of the crust. Top with one cup of fudge sauce, spreading it as evenly as possible. Freeze for 1 hour.
  5. Remove the pan from the freeze and, using a spatula, spread the chocolate ice cream over the strawberry layer. Top with one cup of fudge sauce and freeze for another hour.
  6. Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the vanilla ice cream on top of the chocolate layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight.
  7. Before serving, release the cake from the pan, pipe the whipped cream into mounds on the outer edge of the cake, and top each with a maraschino cherry. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts.

2. Banana Split Parfait

A dessert in disguise, this parfait is the closest thing to eating a banana split for breakfast. It calls for yogurt instead of whipped cream and trail mix instead of nuts - so it'll fill you with energy first thing in the morning.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Add 2 cups of warm water to a bowl and soak the bananas and strawberries for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Then, add 3 tablespoons of yogurt at the bottom of 3 parfait glasses. Top with the strawberries and pineapple, diving them equally between the glasses. Drizzle with the chocolate sauce and, again, divide the banana slices equally between the 3 glasses.
  3. Top with the remaining yogurt and sprinkle with the walnuts/trail mix. Refrigerate for 15 minutes and serve cold.

3. Banana Split S'mores

S'mores are perfect just the way they are. But in honor of National Banana Split Day, we decided to give the treat an upgrade by adding freeze dried bananas and strawberries to the mix. Now, if this recipe doesn't make you want to light up your backyard fire pit, we don't know what will.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill on high-medium heat and break the crackers in half and lay them on a plate. Cut the chocolate into pieces and set aside.
  2. Divide the banana slices and strawberries between half of the crackers. Then, top with 2 ounces of chocolate.
  3. Skewer 2 marshmallows in each skewer and toast for about 20 seconds over the grill. Put them directly onto the chocolate, cover with the remaining crackers, and press down. Serve immediately.

4. Banana Split Kebabs

A kid-friendly spin on the classic banana split, this recipe is the perfect way to get your little one to eat some fruit. Plus, they're so easy to make that you can encourage them to help you during prep and get them excited about healthy cooking.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Add 3 cups of warm water to a bowl and soak the strawberries, pineapple, and banana slices for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Thread two banana slices, two strawberries, and two pineapple bites onto a skewer and repeat the process until you're out of fruit.
  3. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the "kebabs" and top with the chopped walnuts/granola. Serve immediately.

5. Banana Split Cupcakes

This baked version of a banana split will allow you to enjoy the classic dessert during wintertime when cakey and cozy is the name of the game. The frosting will make the dessert even more irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup freeze dried bananas
  • 1 tbsp buttermilk or kefir
  • 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 10 maraschino cherries

Directions:

  1. Add the banana slices and one cup of warm water to a bowl, and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and transfer them to a small bowl. Using a form, mash the bananas and set the mush aside.
  2. Add the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and combine. Add the butter and mix until the dough has a sand-like texture.
  3. Add the milk, buttermilk, and egg, and mix until you have a dough. Stir in the mashed banana and mix well until everything is combined.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350oF and line a muffin tin with liners. Fill each liner about 3/4 of the way with the batter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake comes out clean.
  5. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with the chocolate sauce, sprinkle with the walnuts, and decorate with a maraschino cherry on top.

How will you celebrate National Banana Split Day? Let us know in the comment section down below!

References:

  1. https://nationaltoday.com/national-banana-split-day/
  2. https://www.browneyedbaker.com/banana-split-ice-cream-cake/
  3. https://mindovermunch.com/recipes/banana-split-breakfast-parfait/
  4. https://dinnerthendessert.com/banana-split-smores/
  5. https://noblepig.com/2021/06/banana-split-kabobs/
  6. https://thescranline.com/banana-split-cupcakes/
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4 Amazing Pie Recipes to Celebrate the National Pi Day

4 Amazing Pie Recipes to Celebrate the National Pi Day

pie recipes
Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels

March 14 is an annual commemoration of National Pi Day. It celebrates the history of the mystical number 3.14. Pi is an infinite mathematical concept that may be difficult to grasp but significant in many aspects of our lives. 

The best part is that the day does not only celebrate Pi, but also pie. The mathematical concept and the scrumptious dessert are celebrated on the same day because they sound the same. Also, since Pi is a constant measurement in all circles, and pies are round, it's only natural that they're both commemorated on this day with pie recipes.

History of National Pi Day

The history of the National Pi Day is directly linked to the number itself.  Pi is an ancient concept, and many cultures have tried to capture this mysterious number in mathematics. Ancient mathematical cultures could only decode it to the seventh decimal; whereas, revered Indian mathematicians at the time could only interpret Pi up to five.

The Exploratorium Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception in San Francisco launched the first celebration of National Pi Day in 1988. After that, the US Congress declared the day a holiday in 2009. Currently, the day is recognized worldwide by teachers, students, mathematicians, and pie lovers. 

How to Celebrate National Pi Day

The greatest way to celebrate National Pi Day is to eat a lot of pie - given that Pi is a number that describes a circle and pretty much everything in the universe.

It's the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your baking prowess.  Make pie recipes ahead of time and share them with your friends, family, and coworkers. You can also host a pie baking contest with your friends and award the winner. Take a look at these four pie recipes for some inspiration, and be sure to bag the reward. 

Leek & Mushroom Pie Recipe2

You can make this leek and mushroom pie from scratch or from leftover roast chicken. This pie recipe yields six pies and may take extra effort, but it is worth it when you have guests.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups dried leeks
  • 1 thyme sprig
  • 1 cup freeze dried mushrooms
  • 2 cups skinless chicken thighs chunks
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • white wine (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup double cream
  • Juice of one lemon

Direction

  1. Fry the leeks and the thyme with butter on a saucepan for 8 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 more minutes.
  2. Increase the heat. Add the chicken and stir until it browns.
  3. Sprinkle the flour and stir to form a paste. Let it cook for additional 2 minutes.
  4. Add the wine and simmer for a minute. Then, add the stock, cream, and lemon juice, season, and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is well cooked.
  5. Set it aside to cool, then put it in the refrigerator to chill if you're not eating the pie the same day.
  6. To make the pie, pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust.
  7. Bake at 325°F for about 45 minutes.

Sweet Potato Pie3

This sweet potato pie recipe is nothing like you've had before.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups freeze dried sweet potatoes
  • 1 unbaked pie crust
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Rehydrate the sweet potato by adding to two parts of water.
  2. Mash the sweet potato in a mixing bowl. Add butter and mix until well combined.
  3. Add in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk and combine all the ingredients with a mixer until smooth. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg and stir.
  4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
  5. Bake at 325°F for about an hour. To check if it's ready, insert a knife and ensure it comes out clean. Enjoy.

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie4

Apart from making this pie recipe during National Pi Day, make it for a birthday celebration instead of a cake. Brush the pie crust with egg white glaze to prevent the crust from getting soggy.

Ingredients

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust
  • 4 cups sliced freeze dried strawberries
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 ounces strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup water
  • Whipped cream, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Place the pie crust into a pie plate and trim the edges. Cover with foil and bake for about 5 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes. Let it cool on a wire rack.
  3. Meanwhile, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water to make a paste. Boil the mixture until it thickens for about 2 minutes.
  4. Turn off the heat. Add the gelatin and stir until it dissolves. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to cool.
  5. Arrange the sliced strawberries on the crust. Pour the gelatin and cornstarch mixture over the berries. Refrigerate for a few minutes to set before serving.
  6. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Chocolate Raspberry Pie5

This recipe will make you a winner in a pie contest. The cheesy filling combined with the raspberry is magical and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup sugar

Topping:

  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Directions

  • Roll the dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a pie plate. Trim the edges, then refrigerate for 25 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake the pie crust until golden brown. Set it aside on a wire rack to cool.
  • Combine the sugar and cornstarch, and raspberries. Heat over medium heat. Let it boil for two minutes. Turn off the heat. Pour the filling on the crust
  • Combine cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a mixer until fluffy. Fold in the whipped cream. Then pour over the raspberry mixture on the crust. Refrigerate for an hour.
  • Melt the butter and chocolate and combine until smooth. Once it cools, pour over the filling. Cover and refrigerate again for about two hours.

Tell ten people to choose a dessert in the absence of ice cream, and more than half of them will go for a cake or pie. And all of them would eat their pie with ice cream.

It's time to get those baking tins out and try these fantastic pie recipes on National Pi Day. Did you try these recipes? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Don't forget to buy our freeze dried sweet potatoes, raspberries, mushrooms, and strawberries. The pie recipes will be incomplete without them.

References

  1. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pi-day/
  2. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chicken-leek-mushroom-pies
  3. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/12142/sweet-potato-pie-i/
  4. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easy-fresh-strawberry-pie/
  5. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-raspberry-pie/
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