Desserts

Desserts are a guilty pleasure for me, but family and friends always appreciate sweet treats. Desserts can also be a nostalgic act of love: my kids love all of my late mother’s recipes and it is a way to keep family traditions alive.

Chili Almond Brittle

chili almond brittle
| ellenfobrien
chili almond brittle

Chili almond brittle, broken into small pieces, is a great garnish on cakes!

Chili almond brittle is perfect for that “once in a while treat” and is easy to make. It’s also a fun gift, or a welcome addition to an office party. I do recommend using a candy thermometer; over- or under-cooking the brittle affects texture and can be iffy.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: ~20 minutes

Ingredients
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbs softened butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 3/4 cup almonds
  • 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder
cooking instructions
  • Mix sugar, water and corn syrup until dissolved (use a heavy bottomed sauce pan)
  • Place the candy thermometer so that it is in contact with the sugar mixture, but not touching the bottom of the pan
  • Mix the almonds to coat with the oil; add the chili powder and mix until the almonds are coated
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. On a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spread the almonds into a single layer
  • Toast the almonds for 3-4 minutes, until they darken slightly; be careful not to let them burn!
  • Start cooking the sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the thermometer reads 300 degrees
  • Remove from heat and place the pan in the sink to avoid splatter; drop in the butter and vanilla, mix just until incorporated
  • Quickly add in the cream of tartar and mix with a wooden spoon; the mixture will seize up very quickly, so spread the mixture on the cookie sheet used to toast the almonds
  • Spread out the brittle so that the nuts are not lumped together; let the brittle cool for about 30-40 minutes until set
  • Break apart the brittle and store in an airtight container (if it lasts that long!)

Yum, Yum Bread Pudding

| ellenfobrien
Bread pudding variations include dried fruit and toasted nuts.

This bread pudding recipe is a wonderful, tasty, simple and economical dessert that is a great choice gatherings and potlucks! The key: make sure that you choose the right kind of bread and let it soak up the custard before cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 – 3 cups cubed Challah bread, or brioche (if you have stale french bread, or sourdough on hand use that)
  • 2-3 cups half & half (with evaporated milk, should be enough to cover bread)
  • 1 can (8oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 TSP cinnamon
  • 1 TSP nutmeg
  • 1/2 TSP salt
  • 1 TSP allspice
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional, you can use dried cranberries as an alternative, if you prefer)

Cooking Instructions:

  • Combine all wet/dry ingredients in glass baking dish; cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours
  • Preheat over to 350 degrees
  • Place uncovered dish in the preheated over for 40-45 minutes until the custard is moist, but not wet
  • Let stand for 15-20 minutes before slicing to let dish set
  • Optional toppings: hot caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, toasted nuts