The Classic Bomb Food

BROWNIE BOMBE

Steps:

• For the brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-by-17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
• Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs in a large bowl and mix until well combined; set aside.
• Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler, then whisk together until fully combined. Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Fold in the flour and cocoa.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
• For the bombe: Using a 4-inch ring cutter, cut a round from the baking sheet of brownies. Slice the remaining brownies into approximately 3-by-4-inch rectangles. You should have 10 rectangles. Keep 5 rectangles as they are and cut the other 5 in half to make triangles.
• Line a 2 1/2-quart (about 9 inches across) freezer-safe bowl with plastic wrap. Place the brownie round in the bottom of the bowl and, alternating between the rectangles and triangles, fill the sides of the bowl. Press the brownie pieces into the bowl so that the interior of the bowl is lined with brownies. Break off any excess that extends above the edge of the bowl. Make sure to press the seams together so there are no cracks. Break the remaining brownie pieces into small crumbles and reserve.
• Wrap a 5-inch freezer-safe bowl in plastic wrap from the bottom, combining the loose ends of the plastic wrap at the top.
• Spread the softened ice cream inside the large bowl over the brownie layer. You should have about a 2-inch-thick layer of ice cream. Place the 5-inch bowl inside the ice cream layer, pushing it into the ice cream slightly to create a well. Cover the top with plastic wrap and freeze until the ice cream is firm, about 2 hours.
• In a large chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar and cocoa. Whip the cream with a whisk or electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
• Remove the bombe from the freezer and remove the small bowl. Pour the hot fudge into the well, then fill with the whipped cream. Combine the reserved brownie crumbles and walnuts and sprinkle over the top of the bombe. Cover with plastic wrap and push down to press the brownie crumbles into the bombe. Freeze until the whipped cream is frozen, about 2 hours.
• Remove the bombe from the freezer and place the bowl side into a large bowl of hot water for 1 minute. Remove the plastic wrap. Invert the bombe onto a large platter or plate. Remove the glass bowl and plastic wrap. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Slice and serve.

BACON-CHEESE PIZZA BOMBS

Steps:

• Place a pizza stone on the center rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it on top of the pizza stone.
• In a small skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until very warm to the touch. Add the rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes and garlic. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt.
• In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon until crispy, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble.
• Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Flatten and shape each piece of dough into a 3 1/2-inch round.
• Spread 1/4 teaspoon tomato paste in the center of a round, leaving a small border around the edge. Tear a basil leaf into pieces and add to the center, along with about 1 teaspoon of bacon. Top with 3/4-ounce (about 1 heaping tablespoon) mozzarella. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and some red pepper flakes. Very lightly brush the circumference of the dough with water. Bring the edges of the round towards the center, lightly pleating to form a tight enclosure, and pinch to seal. Using a metal skewer dipped in flour, make a hole in the center of the dough to create a steam vent. Place on a sheet of parchment and repeat with the remaining dough and fillings. Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, then transfer all the dough balls to the hot baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Brush them liberally with the herb oil.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the pizza stone and bake, 5 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Brush with herb oil and serve immediately with marina sauce and the remaining herb oil for dipping.