June 7, 2015

No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

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No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate Ice Cream

June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Earlier this spring, we took a road trip to Brenham, Texas (about an hour-and-a-half’s drive northwest from where we currently live), with our Hawaii ex-patriate friends Pat and Phyllis S. from San Antonio. We wanted to see blue bonnets and the Blue Bell Creameries. We did see a few of the wildflower fields but, unfortunately, the ice cream factory tour was cancelled due to listeria. News crews were in front of the creamery ready to report about the recalls. 

Lately we have been experimenting with making ice cream at home. At least we know what ingredients are going into our recipe—no listeria hysteria! We do not have an ice cream maker and do not want to buy one. But the no-churn method of making ice cream seems to work just fine!

For a no-churn chocolate ice cream, we tried mixing cocoa powder and melted chocolate in the basic recipe. The colors varied from pale cocoa to muddy brown, depending on what was added. The tastes ranged from milk chocolate to intensely dark. The textures went from icy-chunky to smooth and creamy. All versions were delicious!

As the hot summer season approaches, stay cool and safe from listeria by trying a homemade no-churn chocolate ice cream recipe for National Chocolate Ice Cream Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Nigella.com)

 Ingredients

  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3-4 tablespoons cocoa powder OR 3-4 ounces melted semi-sweet/bittersweet/unsweetened chocolate (we used Baker’s brand)
  • pinch of salt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR ½ tablespoon of crème de cacao liqueur (optional)
  • chocolate syrup to drizzle on top (optional)

Directions

Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the condensed milk with the cocoa powder OR melted chocolate. Stir well. Add a pinch of salt (optional). Mix in the vanilla extract or liqueur (optional).

Chocolate Ice Cream

Fold the whipped cream into this mixture until smooth, being careful not to whip more air into it. Place in a loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least six hours or overnight. Remove from the freezer. Let stand for a few minutes and scoop into cones or dessert dishes. Drizzle with chocolate syrup (optional).

Chocolate Ice Cream

Notes

  • If using melted chocolate, let cool slighty before mixing with the condensed milk and whipped cream.
  • National Ice Cream Day is also celebrated on the third Sunday of July.
  • Search our blog for other no-churn ice cream and chocolate recipes.
 

May 2, 2015

Brigadeiros

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Brigadeiros

(Brazilian Chocolate Truffles)

Brigadeiros

May 2: National Truffle Day

We had a Brazilian classmate, Thaís C., in our Teaching English as a Second Language certification program. On “graduation day”, she brought in brigadeiros, her country’s version of chocolate truffles. The tray of treats was finished so quickly—and there were only four of us taking the intensive training course!

Brigadeiros were named after the rank of Brazilian Brigadier Eduardo Gomes (1896-1981), an air marshal and politician. These chewy chocolate truffles are very easy to make and consist of only four ingredients—sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter and sprinkles.

Thanks to Thaís for introducing us to brigadeiros and for sharing her recipe. Enjoy these Brazilian chocolate truffles on National Truffle Day.

Recipe

From Thaís C.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3-4 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted
  • chocolate sprinkles/jimmies

Directions

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter slowly. Add the condensed milk and cocoa powder, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes or until thickened. Be careful that the bottom of the pot does not burn. Transfer the mixture to a buttered bowl. Cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

Brigadeiros

Butter or grease hands and roll mixture into one-inch balls (or use a buttered or greased scoop). Place on wax paper. Roll each ball into a bowl of chocolate sprinkles. Place into miniature cupcake or candy papers. Chill until ready to serve. Yield: Approximately 15 brigadeiros.

Brigadeiros

Notes

  • Brigadeiros may be coated in coconut flakes, chopped nuts or colorful nonpareils as well.
  • These Brazilian chocolate truffles look like the black mushroom truffles!
  • Search our blog for other Brazilian recipes. Bom apetite.
 

October 26, 2014

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

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Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

October 26: National Pumpkin Day

Remember the story of Cinderella where her fairy godmother transformed a plain pumpkin into a pretty carriage? Well, we also made some magic on a basic bundt and dressed it up in the glorious colors of autumn. Although it isn’t as simple as waving a wand, decorating the cake is actually do-able, even for beginners.

For this particular post, we baked a chocolate pumpkin spice cake, glazed it in decadent chocolate, drizzled it with a pumpkin-colored/pumpkin flavored confectioner’s coating (candy melts) and sprinkled it with seasonal nonpareils (fall leaves). Like Cinderella entering the grand ball, this cake is sure to be a showstopper at seasonal social gatherings as well!

Add your personal and magic touch to a plain chocolate pumpkin spice cake and get creative in decorating it. What a way to celebrate National Pumpkin Day!

Recipe

(Adapted from Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn)

For the chocolate pumpkin spice cake

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix (we used Duncan Hines brand)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup cinnamon chips

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, pumpkin and eggs.

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

Add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend well. Fold the cinnamon chips into the cake batter. Spread evenly into a greased bundt pan.

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes, testing the cake for doneness. Remove from the oven. Cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack over a foil-lined lipped pan.

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

For the chocolate glaze and decorations

  • ½ cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate (baking squares or chips)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup orange candy melts (we used Wilton’s seasonal pumpkin flavor)
  • colorful seasonal candy sprinkles (optional)

Directions

In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate, butter and corn syrup. Heat until melted. Mix until smooth. Drizzle on the top of the cake and let the glaze run down the sides.

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

In a microwave-safe cup, melt the orange candy melts. Spoon in a decorator’s bag outfitted with a small round tip. Being careful not to burn your hand, drizzle on top of the glazed cake in a back and forth motion all around. Finish by sprinkling some colorful seasonal candies on top. Let the topping set. Serve at room temperature.

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

Notes

  • Add a teaspoon or two of vegetable shortening to the candy melts for a thinner consistency.
  • Sprinkles can be black and orange jimmies, Halloween nonpareils or autumn leaves (like we used for this recipe) to reflect the fall flavors and season.
  • Search our blog for other pumpkin recipes.
 

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