Kitchen Masterpieces: Fudges & Brownies

It has been a tradition for me to create baked and refrigerated goodies for Christmas. I can’t think of any other gift to give out to my friends and colleagues other than these goodies. I’d like to believe that a present personally made is much better than a store bought one. Also, I feel that most people love to eat sweets; children love sweets and chocolates and so are we.

Here’s what I baked for 2011; Recipe included (for those who are interested to try)

                Choco-Cherry Fudge

Preparation time: 15 minutes + cooling

Total Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

125g dark chocolate

125g butter

2 eggs

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 cup plain flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ cup cherry syrup

Macchiato cherries

Procedure:

1.    Preheat the oven to modern 180 degrees Celsius (350 F)

2.    Brush an 8 x 12 baking pan with melted butter. Line the base with baking paper extending over the two long sides.

3.    Chop and melt the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4.    Add the sugar until it is completely dissolved. Stir in the cherry syrup and remove from the heat. Beat in the eggs, chopped cherries and a pinch of salt, add the vanilla and fold in the sifted flour and baking powder.

5.    Bake for 20-25 minutes and allow to cool in the tin before cutting into squares. (can be decorated with chocolate bits and cherries)

      Fruits and Oatmeal Fudge Brownies

    Preparation time: 20 mins + refrigeration

    Total Cooking time: 50 – 55 minutes

    Ingredients:

    150g dark chocolate

    200g butter

    4 eggs

    1 cup powdered sugar

    1 teaspoon vanilla essence

    1 ½ cup plain flour

    ¼ cup cocoa powder

    ½ cup oatmeal

    ¼ cup fruits (may consist of but not limited to: cherries, peaches, apricots)

      (for my recipe I used Quaker Oats Fruits and nuts)

Procedure:

1.       Preheat the oven to modern 180 degrees Celsius (350 F)

2.       Brush an 8 x 12 baking pan with melted butter. Line the base with baking paper extending over the two long sides.

3.       Chop and melt the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4.       Beat the eggs, powdered sugar and vanilla essence together with a wire whisk until combined.

5.       Sift the flour and cocoa powder together then combine it with the oatmeal.

6.       Add the chocolate mixture on the egg mixture then pour over to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined. (do not over mix)

7.       Pour into the tin and bake for 40-50 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the tin, refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm. Cut into Small squares. (can be decorated with icing or oats on top)

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Christmas Promo Fare

For those planning to take a vacation early next year, here's a good airfare deal from Philippine Airlines via Mango Tours.

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Gastronomic Cravings* Zong: Dining Redefined

Last night, Ria and I spent almost half an hour thinking where to eat; surprisingly our gastronomic cravings brought us to Zong, a chinesse restaurant located at The Fort Strip in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  At first we were hesitant to dine but when we saw that they had a relaxing place, (not to mention that we were the only customers dining at that time) we decided to give it a try.

Here’s what we ordered:

Deep Fried Prawn and Peach Roll (P188). Deep Fried prawns with sliced peaches wrapped in rice paper; served with a piquant sweet vanilla flavored mayonnaise.

 Yang Chow Fried Rice (P288). A whole meal in one plate, fried rice topped with vegetables, meat and seafood.

Roasted Chicken (P300). A roasted chicken brushed with a red bean sauce that gave an extra flavor kick not only to the skin but seeped throughout the whole chicken.

Zong is a Chinese restaurant infused with a modern, wide, relaxed and spacious interior.  Offering wide array of savory Chinese recipes, Zong is dedicated to serve MSG free dishes that guests can appreciate and enjoy time and time again.

MY RATING:

FOOD: 8/10

AMBIANCE: 6/10

SERVICE: 6/10

PRICE: 7/10

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