December 1, 2013

Chocolate Crème de Menthe Wreath Cupcakes

Posted by HI Cookery under 12 December | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

Chocolate Crème de Menthe

Wreath Cupcakes

Wreath Cupcakes

December: Advent

December may be the last month in the Western calendar year, but it is the first month in the Christian liturgical year. During this time, the faithful observe Advent traditions in preparation for the coming of Christ on His birthday, December 25. The word Advent is derived from Latin, meaning “the coming”.

The most popular symbol of Advent is a wreath. So we decorated chocolate crème de menthe cupcakes as wreaths. Prepare these desserts during Advent and prepare to welcome into your heart Baby Jesus on Christmas day!

Recipe

(Adapted from Busy Cooks via About.com)

For the chocolate crème de menthe cupcakes

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (we used Duncan Hines brand devil’s food flavor)
  • 1 ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons crème de menthe liqueur
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon mint extract
  • 1 cup crème de menthe chips (we used Andes mint candies)

 Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, crème de menthe liqueur and melted butter.

Wreath Cupcakes

Beat in the eggs. Stir in the mint extract. Chop up the crème de menthe chips (if not using the baking chips) and fold into the batter.

Wreath Cupcakes

Scoop into a muffin tin lined with cupcake papers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Yield: Approximately 2 ½ dozen cupcakes.

Wreath Cupcakes

For the chocolate crème de menthe ganache frosting

  • 8 ounces (2 bars) semi-sweet chocolate (we used Baker’s brand)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon crème de menthe liqueur
  • ½ – 1 teaspoon mint extract

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate with the hot cream. Stir until smooth. Add the crème de menthe liqueur and mint extract. Let stand for at least 30 minutes to thicken slightly. Frost the top of the cupcakes and let set.

Wreath Cupcakes

For the mint green buttercream frosting and wreath decorations

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons crème de menthe
  • green food coloring
  • red round candies (Cinnamon Red Hots, M&Ms, etc.)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well blended. Thin with crème de menthe liqueur to a piping consistency. Tint the frosting with green food coloring.

Wreath Cupcakes

Fill a decorator’s bag outfitted with a star or leaf tip (we used Wilton tip 2D) with green frosting. Pipe around the edges of the cupcake to form a circle of “leaves”. Press red candies onto the green frosting to complete the wreath cupcakes.

Wreath Cupcakes

Notes

  • The original recipe calls for mint chocolate chips instead of the crème de menthe Andes mint candies (the latter tends to sink toward the bottom of the cupcake). But we wanted to use them to reinforce the crème de menthe flavor. The candies may be chopped but they can also be purchased ready-made as baking chips to save preparation time in the kitchen.
  • Optional: Use red frosting from a tube with a small round tip to pipe a bow on the wreath cupcakes
  • Replace the red candies with three purple candles and one pink candle for an Advent-looking wreath.
  • Learn more about Advent from the About Christianity website.
  • For an easier edible wreath, make one with corn flakes. See the recipe on our blog here.
 

February 19, 2012

Chocolate Mint Pie

Posted by HI Cookery under 02 February | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

Chocolate Mint Pie

Chocolate Mint Pie

February  19: National Chocolate Mint Day

At the wedding reception of Islander’s cousin, Roxanne, to Billy T., Andes brand after-dinner mints were wrapped in fluffy tulle and given away as favors. The marriage of chocolate and mint were a cool combination—and just like Roxanne and Billy, who were married since 1979—the two were just “mint” to be!

We usually make mint-flavored foods around St. Patrick’s Day because of the green hue.  We substitute chopped Peppermint Patties or crushed Oreo cool mint crème cookies and use Andes brand crème de menthe chips instead in the creamy filling of a chocolate pudding pie recipe. The candies inside and on top of the pie add a cool crunch and sweet decoration to this dessert.

Chocolate mint pie is perfect for bridal showers, wedding rehearsal dinners, special occasions, St. Patrick’s Day and National Chocolate Mint Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

  • 1 chocolate pie crust
  • 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups cold milk
  • 2 ½ cups whipped topping (we used Cool Whip), divided use
  • 1 ½ cups Andes brand crème de menthe chips, divided use
  • ¼ teaspoon mint extract
  • green food coloring
  • fresh mint leaves to garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix with the milk. Let stand for about two minutes until thickened. Fold in one cup whipped topping.

Chocolate Mint Pie

Fold in ½ cup of the crème de menthe chips. Smooth the mixture into the pie crust. In another bowl, stir in the mint extract with remaining whipped topping. Tint with a few drops of green food coloring to reach the desired shade of “mint green.”

Chocolate Mint Pie

Fill a pastry bag with the mint-flavored whipped cream and pipe decorative swirls on top of the pie. Sprinkle the remaining crème de menthe chips over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or until set. Garnish with fresh mint leaves (optional). Slice and serve chilled.

Chocolate Mint Pie

Notes

  • Chocolate mint pie recipes are often called “grasshopper pie” because of its grasshopper-green color.  But a real grasshopper pie is made with crème de menthe and crème de cacao and is inspired by the cocktail drink called “The Grasshopper.”
  • If chocolate and mint are a favorite flavor combination, try the recipe for peppermint patty brownies with white chocolate mint drizzles.
  • Andes brand crème de menthe chips add a tasty texture to the chocolate mint pie but are not bright green. For a more vibrant mint color, use chopped Andes brand thin mint candies.