Chocolate Almond Pinecones 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.

CHOCOLATE-ALMOND PINE CONES

Steps:

• Divide almond paste into 12 equal portions. Form each into a cone shape, about 1 1/2 inches tall and 1 inch in diameter.
• Beginning at the base, insert the pointed end of the sliced almonds into the paste to resemble a pine cone.
• Melt chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe mixing bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, 1 to 3 minutes. Add more shortening if needed to achieve a somewhat runny consistency that will easily coat a surface.
• Insert a toothpick into the bottom of each cone. Holding the pine cone over the bowl, spoon melted chocolate over each pine cone. Use another toothpick to spread the chocolate so that the pine cone is completely covered.
• Place on a wire rack over wax paper; let stand until firm, about 2 hours. Using a sifter, dust each pine cone with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.

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.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PINECONE CAKES

Steps:

• For the Cake:.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the sour cream, and vanilla. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder, and hot water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from the heat. Cool slightly, and incorporate the cocoa mixture with the dry ingredients, mixing just until blended.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
• For the Frosting:.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth. Remove from the heat. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, and powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla, and slowly incorporate the peanut butter mixture, blending well after each addition.
• This frosting is best to spread when warm, so you may need to reheat it when constructing your pinecones.
• Assembly:.
• With an oval cookie cutter, cut ten ovals from the cake (you can also cut ovals freehand with a paring knife). Once you have your ovals, trim each one to resemble a pinecone: create a pointed tip on one end and a rounded base on the other. Then, shave off corners and top with the knife so that each cake further takes on a pinecone shape.
• Frost one cake at a time, arranging sliced almonds in the frosting to look like the scales of a pinecone. Start at the base and set the almond slices, pointy end out, in a spiral pattern. Continue adding almond slivers until the entire surface is covered. Repeat until all cakes are frosted and decorated.
• To create "snow-covered" pinecones, dust the cakes with powdered sugar and serve.