Almond Pinecone Food

CHOCOLATE ALMOND PINECONES

Steps:

• Divide almond paste into six equal portions. Form each into a cone shape, about 1-1/2 in. tall and 1 in. in diameter. Beginning at the base, insert pointed end of almonds into paste to resemble a pinecone., In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Insert a toothpick into bottom of each cone. Holding over bowl, spoon melted chocolate over almonds (if needed, use another toothpick to spread the chocolate to completely cover almonds). Place on a wire rack over waxed paper; let stand until firm.

PINECONE CRITTERS

Steps:

• Toast almonds and salt in 400 degrees fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes.
• Heat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. In a medium saucepan melt butter, add sugars and cocoa powder. Mix on medium heat until deep brown then turn off heat. Add vanilla and eggs. Then add flour and toasted almonds. Pour into a 10X10 parchment and butter lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Remove and chill until hard.
• Once chilled, cut into 2 X 2.5 inch squares and stack two until you have 8. Using a little melted chocolate glue the two pieces together and trim edges with a knife until you have an egg like shape. Using the same knife cut little slices into the top all going the same direction (These will make inserting your almond slivers easier.
• Dip almond slivers pointed end into melted chocolate chips then insert into your brownies until they look like pinecones. Using a bit of royal icing, pipe along top edges of pine cones to give it a realistic look. Once this is done spray with a little brown food coloring. Paint with edible gold along the ridges and adhere modeling chocolate eyes. Paint on pupils and highlights using edible paints and a fine brush.

CREAM CHEESE AND ALMOND PINECONE

Steps:

• In a 350 degree oven toast the almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Meanwhile, combine the room temperature cheeses. Mound the cheese mixture onto the serving platter and shape into a pinecone shape with a spreading knife. Beginning at the bottom, pointed end of the pinecone begin placing the toasted almonds in rows, overlapping them slightly as you build the rows. The almonds should have the tapered end pointing downward. When it is done it will look like a huge pinecone. Decorate with silk leaves or a bow. Serve with an assortment of crackers and festive spreading knives.

THE HEAVYSET CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
• Place and spread all the almonds on a cookie sheet or in a shallow pan, pushing the almonds around until they turn color, about 20 minutes.
• Mix together the cream cheese and the mayonnaise. Add the bacon, salt and pepper, dill, and onion. Chill overnight.
• On a serving platter, make 2 pine cone shapes with the cheese. Begin to press the almonds at a slight angle into the cheese, starting at the narrow end of the pine cone shape.
• Do this in rows, continuing to overlap rows until all the cheese is covered. Garnish with fake sprigs, or real ones, or with rosemary.
• Serve at room temperature and spread on crackers.