Peanut Butter Braids Food

PEANUT BUTTER CUP BITES

Steps:

• Prepare a baking sheet with parchment and a baking rack.
• For the bites: Add the oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, coconut oil and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This can also be done in a bowl with a spoon and a bit of elbow grease. Mix until completely combined.
• Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, scoop the dough and roll it in your hands until it forms a ball. Repeat with the remainder of the mixture. As you work, place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
• For the chocolate shell: Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a bowl set over a pot of simmering water and allow it to melt and become smooth, about 3 minutes. Mix until smooth and set aside.
• Remove the bites from the freezer. One at a time, drop one bite in the chocolate shell, remove it with a fork (or two) and return it to the same baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bites. Return the baking sheet to the freezer to set the chocolate shell, about 10 minutes.
• Sneak one now and transfer the remaining bites to a resealable plastic bag. Store in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw for 10 minutes or more at room temperature.

PUFF PASTRY BRAID

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.
• Lay out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Imagine the pastry has 3 equal sections. Add the hazelnut spread to the center section and, using a knife, cover the center section with the spread, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top and bottom. Sprinkle the peanuts over the chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the 2 outside sections into six 1-inch horizontal strips just to the center section.
• Fold the 1/2-inch borders at the top and bottom inwards, over the edges of the chocolate filling. Next, starting at one end, begin folding the pastry strips over the filling, alternating the sides to create a braid appearance. Put the braid on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
• Brush the pastry braid with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the sea salt. Bake until golden and cooked through, 28 to 30 minutes.
• While the pastry bakes, make the icing by whisking the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
• Allow the pastry to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle over the icing, slice and serve.