Freeze Ahead Chocolate Chestnut Parfait Recipes

CHESTNUT PARFAIT

Steps:

• Make a simple syrup by combining the raw sugar and water in a saucepan and cooking over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Next, drain the water from the canned chestnuts. Place in a food processor and puree. Add the simple syrup and Grand Marnier, to taste, while blending (chef's tip: make it a bit sweeter then you like). Lay the torn chunks of pound cake in the bottom of 4 serving glasses. Add 2 tablespoons of Marsala to each and then some chestnut puree on top of the poundcake. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• After removing it from the refrigerator, add layers of the whipped cream and caramel sauce. Top with blackberries and walnuts before serving.

FESTIVE FROZEN CHOCOLATE PARFAIT

Steps:

• Put all the dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the brandy. Leave to soak while you line a 900g loaf tin with cling film.
• Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, then set aside to cool a little. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and honey in a separate bowl until light, then fold into the melted chocolate. Place the mixture back over the pan of hot water and whisk for a couple of minutes until thickened.
• Melt the butter with the cocoa in a pan, leave to cool to room temperature, then whisk into the chocolate mixture. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then fold that into the chocolate too. Finally, fold in the fruit and the ginger nuts. Scrape everything into the prepared loaf tin, then freeze overnight, or for up to one month. To serve, turn out of the tin and cut into slices using a hot knife. The parfait is delicious on its own but also works well with a spoonful of crème fraîche.