◊
Pastry work is a perfect combination of art and science. It can be intimidating, especially when we spend our nights watching the masters on shows like Top Chef. However, it’s not as difficult as you think to create a plated dessert at home. You don’t need a fancy degree or need to spend hours making complex sauces. Here is a dish that is easy to create at home using ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. You can do it exactly as written or have a little creative fun. Remember, food is art. Do something that inspires you and you will always create something delicious.
◊
If you have any questions about the dish mentioned, please feel free to e-mail me at askdiana@dianasproveri.com.
◊
ROASTED ALMOND SHORTBREAD with GRILLED PEACHES
As we enjoy the last days of summer and welcome fall at the end of the week, here is a final dessert using the last of summer’s fresh fruit paired with a cookie that we see throughout the holiday season. Whether you use this dish to entertain friends, surprise a guest or a treat for yourself, this plated dessert uses ingredients you can find at your local supermarket. Degree in pastry definitely not required.
◊
Diana Sproveri’s ROASTED ALMOND SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Make these cookies ahead of time and store in an airtight container or freeze. If you freeze the cookies, thaw on the counter with wax or parchment paper covering the cookies.
◊
Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup roasted almonds (finely chopped)
◊
• Combine room temperature unsalted butter and sugar in mixer. Do not beat. Add in vanilla. (You don’t want to beat the butter and sugar as it will create pockets of air in your cookies. Gently combine them on level 1 or 2 speed. If you don’t have time to let the butter come to room temperature, simply microwave the butter in 5-7 second increments until you can make an indentation with your finger tip.)
• Gently stir in flour until dough comes together. (If the dough sticks to your bowl, add in a tablespoon of flour at a time until the sides of the bowl do not have any dough left on them.)
• Mix in nuts on low speed or incorporate with hands.
• Form dough into 2-3 discs, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Roll dough with rolling pin until 1/8″ thick. Cut into desired shapes and put on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Refrigerated cut outs for at least 30 minutes.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes until the edges become slightly golden.
• Store in air-tight container or freeze until ready to assemble dessert.
◊
GRILLED PEACHES
Use peaches that are slightly firm as they will hold together better under the high heat of the grill. You can use an outdoor grill or indoor grill on your stove top.
◊
Ingredients
2 peaches
Frangelico liquer
◊
• Cut into halves or quarters.
• Grill 10-12 minutes on each side.
• Drizzle Frangelico on peaches while still hot.
◊
ASSEMBLE PLATE
Ingredients
Almond Shortbread Cookies
Grilled Peaches with Frangelico
Honey
Nutella
Chopped roasted almonds (optional)
◊
• Spoon one (1) tablespoon of Nutella onto the plate and smear in one stroke from left to right.
• Place cookies on top of Nutella and dust with powdered sugar.
• Drizzle honey on plate and place grilled peaches on top. Top with roasted almonds if desired.
◊
This is a great dish to serve when entertaining guests, but is just as satisfying as a treat for yourself. Find your balance, enjoy your life and make sweets part of it!
