Dessert as Easy as 1, 2, 3

Chocolate Puff right out of the oven

Have you ever been in a twist over what to make for dessert when you have unexpected company? Ever have to bring dessert to dinner at a friend's house?  How about just needing something quick and simple, yet elegant and satisfying? I have the answer for you.

3 Simple Ingredients

It's a Chocolate Puff.  Yes, I know it sounds more complicated than it really is, but believe me, it's quick and simple.  The only thing simpler would be ice cream sundaes. Really- trust me on this.  This has become my new go to dessert, and everyone LOVES it! All you need is three simple ingredients.  Keep them on hand and you will never be at a loss for a quick and elegant dessert again.

Chocolate Puff

1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed

Step 1

1 large chocolate bar of your choice (I prefer Special Dark)
Slivered almonds, large handful



Unfold pastry on a cutting board. 
Place chocolate bar in the center of the center panel.

Step 2

Make vertical cuts at each of the four corners of the candy bar to the edge of the pastry.


Make about 5 (45 degree angle) cuts on either side of the bar.
Fold ends over the chocolate bar.  Fold angled strips alternately across front of the candy bar as if you were making a braid.

Step 3

Carefully place pastry on parchment lined baking sheet. 
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with slivered almonds. Bake at 425 degrees for approx. 15 - 20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Are You Waffling?

Stove top Waffle Iron

Like most people do from time to time, I've been vacillating about making a career move recently.  I guess you could say that I'm waffling about some of my options. But since this blog is about food and not my career in design and construction, let's talk about another type of waffling.  

I have a stove top Belgium waffle iron that has been under utilized for years.  I take it out rarely to make waffles for an occasional Sunday brunch.  So I decided to use it for some favorite foods.  Mostly because it seemed like a much more healthy alternative than frying.  And the geometric shape of a waffle is unexpected and fun.  There's something about waffle geometry and the transformative power of the waffle iron that turns (almost) any recipe into an adventure.  

The stove top waffle iron was patented by Dutch American inventor Cornelius Swathout on August 24, 1869 and its anniversary is celebrated as National Waffle Day.   The Belgium Waffle was brought to the US at the New York World's Fair in 1964 by Brussels restauranteur Maurice Vermersch based on the recipe that his wife developed during World War II.  I remember the first time I had a Belgium waffle with ice cream and stawberries- it was at the Big E in the mid 70's.  I thought it was AMAZING.  You will find that the following Belgium waffle recipe is just as amazing because it is light and airy on the inside and has a slight crunch on the outside.  Mother's Day is tomorrow, and if you are planning on making breakfast or brunch, you might want to consider this classic favorite.

Waffled hash browns with poached egg

So, I've fallen in love with my waffle iron all over again recently and discovered that it can be used for any number of foods.  One of my favorites is hash browns! If you don't have time to make them from scratch, you can use tater tots- they work just as well.  Serve with a poached egg on top and you have a real breakfast winner.  I've also discovered that you can waffle the following:

Waffled Dumplings

Crab Cakes
Banana Bread
Dumplings / Pierogies / Ravioli
Chicken Fingers
Rice
Mac & Cheese
Portobello Mushrooms
Hamburgers
French Toast
Grilled Cheese 
BLT's
Quesadillas

What are you waffling about? Get creative, be adventurous, and surprise your family with something unexpected and fun!


Classic Belgium Waffles

Belgium Waffles with Strawberries and Syrup

4 eggs, separated
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. salt
6 T. butter, melted
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 1/3 c. milk

Beat egg whites until stiff; set aside.  In mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl, beat milk, egg yolks and butter and add to dry ingredients.  Beat until batter is smooth. Fold in egg whites. Bake in waffle iron until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes.