loella Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 I really would like to try and make some home made sweets to give as small pressies for our French friends and neighbours this year. I was inspired last Christmas by a Swiss lady who lives nearby who had made the most wonderful seasonal biscuits with such love and care that it made you feel special. I would like to perhaps try and return the compliment by trying to make some sweets or such like....nothing too complicated though...any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassis Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 More choc and nut bar than sweet but delicious!Chunky Chocolate Nut BarsOrChocolate Tia Maria TrufflesThe latter nicer with cointreau, I think.Otherwise, what about vanilla fudge, chocolate fudge, chocolate truffles, peppermint and chocolate creams? Jude's got recettes for these and I could type one up if you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pads Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 HelloSomething I have made over the years is a truffle. Made from marzipan, dark choc, (Alcohol of choice) double cream , melt and mix altogether , roll the paste around a nut and roll in cococ powder, or dip in chocolate, or if you dont want to use a nut then soak sultanas in rum, or soak a cherry in kirsh and roll the paste around them. but you can chop and change it to your own taste. They are very easy to make and people always seem impressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassis Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 Spot on, Tom. Can't go wrong with a truffle of any sort! [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Here are a few that were big hits with my French neighbors. Measurements are in the American style.Frost Bite Cookies3/4 cup Raisins3 Tablespoons orange juice or orange flavored liqueur1/2 cup butter or margarine, room temp3/4 cup sugar1 large egg2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel1 cup all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 - 1/2 cups rolled oats8 oz. white chocolate baking chips (I used a white chocolate bar broken up)1 tsp vegetable oil Preheat oven to 350 F. Ina a small bowl, combine orange juice and raisins. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute. Let cool, covered.In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and orange peel.In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Stir into butter mixture. Add raisins, any soaking liquid and oats ; mix well.Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets (or use parchment paper), spacing 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly. Bake 10 - 12 minutes at 350 F. Transfer to racks and cool completely.Dip one third of cookie in white chocolate an set on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until chocolate is firm.I chilled the dough for about an hour before spooning them onto the baking tray and baking them. Helped to keep dough solid. My French neighbors loved them. Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie3 eggs1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted3/4 cup light corn syrup1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar2 tablespoons bourbon1 tablespoon all purpose flour1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup chopped pecans (I use a little more)1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels1 unbaked pastry shell Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl until frothy. Add butter, beating well. Add syrup, sugar, bourbon, flour and vanilla; beat well. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle chocolate morsels in pastry shell. Pour pecan mixture over chocolate morsels. Bake at 350 F for one hour or until set. Cool before slicing. Pumpkin Orange Cookies2-1/2 cups all purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup butter softened1 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup packed brown sugar1 egg1-3/4 cups pumpkin pure (if you can't find canned pumpkin, just use fresh/mashed, but try to drain as much liquid out as possible)2 tablespoons orange juice1 teaspoon grated orange peel1/2 cup chopped nuts (I use a little more)Orange glaze (recipe follows)Combine flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Combine butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl; beat until creamy. Add egg, pumpkin, orange juice and orange peel; beat until combined. Gradually add flour mixture; beat until combined. Stir in nuts. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in preheated 375 F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are set. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Spread each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon orange glaze.FOR ORANGE GLAZE: Combine 1-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar (sucre glace), 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel in medium bowl until smooth. Pumpkin Cranberry Bread2-1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt2 eggs2 cups granulated sugar1-3/4 cups (15 oz can) pure pumpkin (use well drained fresh/mashed if you can't find canned)1/2 cup vegetable oil1 cup fresh, frozen or sweetened dried cranberriesCombine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Combine eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil in small mixer bowl; beat just until blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just until well moistened. Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 to 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.I add lots of chopped nuts to this bread.I have wrapped these goodies up for my neighbors and they have really enjoyed them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossumGirl Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 These sound great, Lori. Especially the frost bite cookies!PG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 They are SO good PG and really easy. The white chocolate half dipped cookies really look festive. They were gobbled up in no time here. I was very happy my French friends wanted the recipes too.I'll post a few more when I have time to type them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossumGirl Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Mr. Possum is giving a slide talk on California at the local library on Friday night. The librarian and I both provide snacks, so maybe I'll make those.PG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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