Saturday, May 24, 2008

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

Before I tell you about this luscious dessert, I want to thank you all for your support regarding my last post. I don’t even know how you are able to walk around with your hearts, since they are the size of a house.

I haven’t taken part in Sugar High Friday for quite a while now – which is a total shame, since I love participating in food events. Just need to get organized and watch the deadlines closely; will try hard to do that.

SHF was created by Jennifer and this time is being hosted by the lovely Helen, a.k.a. Tartelette. I was in heaven when she announced that the theme would be citrus. You all know I am a complete sucker for lemons, limes and oranges. And after the super talented host nominated me “Queen of Madeleines”, the stakes were high – I would have to choose wisely to take part in the event!

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

Even though this recipe needed a couple of adjustments, I was glad with my choice. Orange and chocolate are wonderful together and the looks of this dessert is worth all the four letter words I said in my kitchen while making it. :)

shf_logo

I’m posting my version of the dessert – click here to see the original recipe.

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

Discs:
200g (7oz) bittersweet chocolate – I used 50% cocoa solids

Orange cream:
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
¼ cup (60ml) orange juice
2 large eggs, well beaten
1 ½ cups (360ml) whipping cream

Marinated oranges:
2 navel oranges, peeled and pith removed
¼ cup (60ml) orange juice
1 tablespoon caster sugar – I used vanilla caster sugar
icing sugar, for dusting
zest strips, for decorating

Melt chocolate over low heat in a double-boiler, stirring occasionally. Draw 8cm (3in) circles on baking paper; flip paper over, so you’ll use the side without pencil/ink marks. Spoon one teaspoon of chocolate onto centre of circle and spread quickly with a spatula – I got better results with the back of a spoon. If the discs are not quite perfect, don't worry. Refrigerate until chocolate discs are cold and, using a spatula, remove from paper. Refrigerate until needed.

Make the cream: mix sugar, butter, orange zest, orange juice and eggs in a heavy pot. Stir gently over low heat until mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or it will curdle. Pour mixture into a glass bowl and immediately place plastic wrap over mixture to prevent a skin forming. Set aside to cool completely before using. Whip cream until it holds its shape (very firm peaks) and fold gently into orange cream. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Now, the marinated oranges: place juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until juice is reduced; place the orange pieces inside this syrup and leave to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours, in the refrigerator.

Assembling the dessert: using a spatula, place one chocolate disc on serving plate. Top with 1 generous tablespoon of orange cream. Place another disc on top and another tablespoon of cream. Top with a third disc. Place the orange wedges and some of the syrup alongside the chocolate discs. Dust with icing sugar and decorate with orange strips; serve at once.

Serves 6

Chocolate discs with orange cream and marinated oranges

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh.my.god. So pretty. So perfect. I love orange and chocolate -- great combo. This is such a treat, Patricia!

LyB said...

That is an incredible looking dessert Patricia, what a beautiful presentation! Chocolate and orange together is a gorgeous, classic combination. Great entry for Sugar High Friday! :)

Susan @ SGCC said...

What a pretty dessert! They look very elegant. I also love chocolate and orange together. Well done!

zlamushka said...

Hi there, came here from Cynthia´s blog. I see you re on a baking spree. I am hosting Tried & Tasted event dedicated to cooking from other blogs. This month, we re cooking from Cynthia. Up for the challenge?

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

The dessert looks fabulous, as always, but I also love the plate photographed against the polka-dotted tablecloth. There is something so cheerful about it! Well done, Patricia.

Anonymous said...

oooo. i really like the sound of orange cream1

Liliana said...

What a beautiful dessert! Chocolate and orange are a great combination.

Great pictures!

jasmine said...

These look so wonderful. Love the colours--chocolate, white, green and orange.


j

Brilynn said...

Gorgeous photos Patricia, you've been doing a great job at making my mouth water lately!

My Sweet & Saucy said...

What a great entry! Chocolate and orange are one of my favorite combos too!

Anonymous said...

Delicious and luscious! Chocolate and orange are one of my favourite combo's....yum!!

Peter M said...

What a pretty dessert, a pity to have to break it up to eat it.

Anonymous said...

Indeed you are the queen of madelines but now you've outdone yourself. These are simply stunning.

Peabody said...

Oh my yes, don't those look delish!

Sara said...

The dessert sounds really great and your presentation is beautiful with all the colors. I love the orange slices.

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

This dessert is fantastic! And I really should give it a try:-D
Thanks for the recipe and I keep telling you ..you are the queen of dessert dear!
Have a great Monday!
Silvia

Emily said...

How creative! I think it's a beautiful dessert.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful presentation, sweetie! You're right, orange and chocolate is a great combination. Now you've got my mouth watering *drools* :P

Marianna said...

wow, this looks so wonderful. Perfect for a summer day! Love it Patricia!

Anonymous said...

They look so delicate and perfect Patricia!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Joy, thank you, darling!

LyB, I'm glad you like it, sweetie!

Susan, thank you!

Zlamushka, I love baking, I'll be checking that event, tks!

Lydia, the cloth reminds me of the blog template. :)

Diva, it was really light and subtle.

Liliana, thank you for stopping by!

Jasmine, thank you, darling!

Bri, I'm glad to hear that, my friend!

Melody, thank you!

Linda, I agree they are great together.

Pete, you are right. :)

Syrie, thank you very much, dear.

Pea, tks!

Sara, I'm a sucker for oranges. :)

Silvia, you are so generous and kind, thank you, darling!

Emiline, thank you!

Hi, darling! I'm glad you like it!

Marianna, I agree - it looks like summer!

Lorraine, thank you, sweetie!

Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul said...

ok Patricia...I'm officially in "Jaffa" heaven..my favourite flavours ever are chocolate and orange and this is an absolute winner. I want to try this for my next dinner party.

Nic said...

I would never have the patience to make the chocolate discs - but you've done a fabulous job and the dessert looks amazing!

Anonymous said...

That looks truly incredible.

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Oh, Patricia, you've outdone yourself! These look perfect in every way.

Anonymous said...

they look so nice and yummy!

Elle said...

Oh my gosh, I'll do almost anything for chocolate and orange! These would definitely be dangerous in the house. Yum!

Anonymous said...

wonderful entry for sugar high friday patricia! you did an amazing job with the plating and the photography.

Suzana said...

Awesome! Patricia, I love that flavour combo - sounds perfect for me. :)

Patricia Scarpin said...

Pete, I hope you try this.

Nic, I was in a good mood. :)

Sally, thank you!

Lynn, thank you, darling!

Eliza, thank you!

Elle, they are really good together. :)

Gigi, I'm so glad to hear that from you. Tks!

Suzana, thank you very much!

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

What a deceptively simple - and fantastic - dessert!

Helene said...

Thank you so much for your entry! It looks perfect and oh so mouth watering!

Jaime said...

wow!! those look so fancy and impressive! perfect for a dinner party :)

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