Neely Tini Recipes

CHOCOLATE PUDDING-TINI

Steps:

• Add a few tablespoons of water to a small rimmed plate. Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa to another small plate and break up the lumps. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses into the water then into the cocoa. Set aside.
• Fill a saucepan halfway up with water and bring to a simmer over low heat.
• In a large glass bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, the cornstarch, sugar, chili powder and salt. Put the glass bowl over the simmering water (making sure the bottom doesn't touch the simmering water) and slowly add the half-and-half while whisking. Stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks and thickens, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and to whisk out the lumps when they form.
• Continue to cook the mixture until it becomes very thick and coats the back of the spoon, about 25 minutes. Stir in the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
• Using kitchen towels, carefully pour the chocolate mixture (it will be hot) into a large liquid measuring cup. Pour the chocolate into the rimmed martini glasses. Let the pudding cool slightly and put a small piece of plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, being careful of the cocoa rim. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top with a dollop of the chocolate whipped cream.
• Add the cream to a medium bowl and whip with an electric hand mixer until thickened. Whip in the confectioners' sugar and chocolate liqueur and continue to beat until you get medium peaks.

SPICED GINGERBREAD PIGGIES

Steps:

• Combine butter, sugar, and molasses in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in increments, and continue to beat until thoroughly mixed together.
• Pour the dough out onto the countertop and divide into 3 pieces. Press each piece into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 3 days.
• Adjust the racks to the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper.
• Spread 2 large pieces of parchment paper out and very lightly flour them. Place a disk of dough between the parchment sheets and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining disks of dough. Rework all the scraps into balls and re-chill before reusing. Repeat with all the dough.
• Cut out cookies and place on the parchment-lined sheet trays with an offset spatula, leaving 1 inch between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the sheet trays for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack to continue cooling to room temperature before decorating the cookies with Royal Icing.
• Add the egg whites, sugar and lemon juice to a large bowl. Beat, using a hand mixer, until glossy and stiff, 5 to 6 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and mix well. Place in icing bags with fine tips to decorate cookies.;

NEELYS BAKED ZITI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, saute turkey sausage. Add onion and garlic and saute until the sausage is cooked through. Use your spoon to break up the sausage while it cooks. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan and mozzarella to a large bowl, and stir to combine.
• Butter a 4-quart baking dish, add the cooked pasta, then sausage mixture and cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes.