Caramelito Cookies With Vanilla Whipped Cream And Candied Nuts Recipes

VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Put the cream in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip until foamy and then add the sugar and vanilla bean paste or extract. Beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat or the cream will become grainy.

TANGERINE SORBET WITH VANILLA CREAM AND CANDIED PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• For the sorbet: Combine the tangerine juice, sugar and Campari if using in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes then process the sorbet in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
• For the pistachios: Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Stir the sugar, 1 tablespoon water and the salt together in a medium bowl. Add the pistachios and stir to coat. Spread the pistachios on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the nuts are golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Allow the nuts to cool, then coarsely chop and set aside.
• For the vanilla cream: Place the cream in a small bowl. Use a paring knife to scrape the beans from the pod into the cream. Add the empty pod and refrigerate until ready to use.
• To serve, pour 2 tablespoons of the vanilla cream into a martini glass. Add a scoop of sorbet and garnish with pistachios.

HAZELNUT AND CHOCOLATE PIE WITH VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Put 1/2 of the chocolate chips, hazelnuts, and flour in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the hazelnuts are coarsely chopped. Pour the hazelnut mixture into a small bowl and set aside. Combine remaining chocolate chips and sugar in the food processor. Blend until the mixture is finely ground. With the machine running, gradually add the hot water until the chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Add the eggs, butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Pulse until mixture is blended. Return the hazelnut mixture to the food processor and pulse to incorporate. Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 35 minutes. Place the pie on a cooling rack and cool for 1 hour. (Top may crack during cooling.) Refrigerate for 2 hours. (Pie can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator). Allow the pie to return to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Continue to beat until cream holds stiff peaks.
• To serve: Cut the pie into slices and dollop with the Vanilla Cream.