Holiday Chocolate Dipped Delights Food

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE-DIPPED DELIGHTS

Steps:

• Microwave chocolate in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
• Dip assorted dippers into chocolate; let excess chocolate drip off.
• Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate on wax paper-lined baking sheet, 30 min. or until chocolate is firm.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED DELIGHTS

Steps:

• Microwave chocolate in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
• Dip assorted dippers into chocolate; let excess chocolate drip off.
• Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate on waxed paper-lined baking sheet, 30 min. or until chocolate is firm.

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE DELIGHT

Steps:

• Filling: In a heavy saucepan combine 1 cup of the chocolate and whipping cream. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts. Transfer mixture to a small bowl. Cover and chill for 45 to 60 minutes or until nearly set. Lightly grease and cocoa powder 6 (3/4-cup) souffle dishes. Divide chilled chocolate filling evenly between dishes. Place dishes in baking pan, set aside.
• In a double boiler over low heat, stir butter and remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside.
• Batter: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and Armagnac on high speed for 5 minutes or until thickened and lemon-colored. With mixer on medium speed, beat in melted butter-chocolate mixture until combined. Sprinkle flour and cocoa powder over the chocolate mixture, beat on low speed until combined. Divide batter evenly among the dishes. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the cakes feel firm at the edge. Cool in dishes for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a knife, loosen cakes from side of dishes. Invert onto dessert plates. Sift cocoa powder onto plates, dust cakes with powdered sugar and serve with Spun Sugar Halos.
• Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture caramelizes, about 15 minutes. Drop syrupy mixture onto waxed paper in a circular "halo" and cool before peeling off waxed paper backing. Place halos on top of cakes as garnish.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED DELIGHTS

Steps:

• Place the chocolates and heavy cream in a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chips are completely melted.
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Dip each strawberry halfway in the chocolate mixture and place on the sheet pan. Repeat with the pretzels, donuts, apricots and crackers.
• Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

DIPPED CHOCOLATE LOGS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix cocoa and hot water until smooth; cool slightly., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg yolks, vanilla and cocoa mixture. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture (dough will be stiff)., Cut a large hole in the tip of a pastry bag; insert #829 or other open star pastry tip. Working in batches, pipe dough to form 2-1/2-in.-long logs, 2 in. apart, onto ungreased baking sheets., Bake until firm, 18-22 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For glaze, in a small bowl, mix cocoa and hot water until smooth; stir in butter, milk and vanilla. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth., Dip each cookie halfway into warm glaze, holding cookie at a slight angle; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper. Immediately sprinkle with pecans and nonpareils. Let stand until set.