Thursday, December 16, 2010

Fried Orange Creams with Nutella Gananche


I’m sharing with you today a special recipe I enjoyed eating growing up. My grandfather created this recipe, but my fondest memories of it were from my great grandmother, she would bring a pink pastry box to our house every time she came to visit; it was filled with fried creams. The only time I make these is Christmas time, so I figured this was the perfect time and place to share these with you. My mom is very old school and won’t let me give out the original recipe, so I have to respect her wishes; but she never said I couldn’t create a new one for you!

Fried Orange Creams with Nutella Ganache
1 qt. milk, whole
1 qt. ½ & ½
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split in half and seeds scraped out
1 cinnamon stick
Rind of one small orange
1 ½ cups semolina flour
1 ½ tbsp. cornstarch
Breadcrumbs, plain
2 large eggs, beaten
Canola or vegetable oil for frying

1) Remove rind from orange, I like a vegetable peeler, you just want the very outside, none of the white.

2) In a medium saucepan combine milk, 1/2 and 1/2, vanilla bean seeds and pod, cinnamon stick, and rind from the orange. Heat on medium heat until boiling; turn off heat, cover and let sit for 20 minutes or so.

3) Strain milk mixture through a strainer and into a large stockpot; add the sugar and bring milk mixture up to a boil on medium high heat. Add semolina flour and cornstarch, whisk until well combined and no lumps. Bring to a boil and whisk constantly for 5 minutes. Make sure and turn down your heat a bit, milk scorches easily.

4) Pour into a greased 13” x 9” baking pan. Let cool on counter for 20 minutes or so, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5) Pat off any condensation with a paper towel, then cut into 2” squares or diamonds and roll in beaten egg and breadcrumbs.

6) Heat canola oil in a deep skillet on medium high heat, drop in fried creams carefully, don’t overcrowd pan and cook for 2-3 minutes till browned, flipping once. Let cool for a few minutes prior to serving or I promise you will burn your tongue. The outside is crispy and the inside is warm and creamy.

Nutella Ganache:
1/2 cup nutella
¼ cup heavy cream

Combine two in a small saucepan, heat on low, till melted, whisking to combine the two. If not smooth enough, add a little more cream.

If you really want some drama in your life, pour a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or other alcohol on top of the fried creams and light them on fire! That was the way they were served in the restaurant.


Time to get the Christmas going around here.  Checking one thing off the list stockings are hung with great care.


Gifts are being wrapped, cards are being written.  Starting to feel a whole lot like Christmas around here.  



Best way to spread holiday cheer is baking lots of cookies to share!  Here is a recipe you may want to try Cranberry Pecan Cookies with Orange Glaze.  I'm starting full swing cookie production today so I hope to give you some cookie updates soon. 


Take a break when you need one; no one will take care of you except you.  I received an early Christmas present and I couldn't be more overjoyed!  I was sure I was on the Naughty List, but maybe I'm on the Nice list after all.

I'm hoping to be back soon, but I plan to fully enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. 

Happy Holidays Everyone,

Gina

32 comments:

  1. nice to meet you and well said the reason for the season came from Chef Dennis's blog

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can't wait to visit Chef Dennis' blog...and I loved what you listed here (especially #1...we all need to push the drive to consume, consume, consume aside!) Thank you for sharing with me, week after week. Sending love and good thoughts your way!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so insanely intrigued by your fried orange creams. They look so decadent!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats on the guest blog for Chef Dennis--love his guest posts and those orange creams look incredibly unique. I may have to give those pecan-cranberry cookies a whirl this weekend because I already have all the ingredients on hand (gotta love that!). Love your list. Especially #4. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely post....and what a wonderful treat. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Everything look beautiful! And as soon as I saw 'nutella' I am there! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy Holidays to you, Gina! I left a comment on your insanely delicious fried orange creams with nutella on Chef Dennis' site! Your list is right on, take the time you need and I'm looking forward to seeing your "cheesey" videos :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Heading over to the Chef's site now to see your post. I'm thrilled he's spotlighting you! Love the trees (we have two).

    ReplyDelete
  9. Aw, I love your list, and I can not wait to read your post on Chef Dennis's site! He really has chosen a special person to guest post on his blog during such a special time of year. I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are a wise, wise woman. Thanks for organizing your thoughts and sharing. At least that's one thing done for me. I hope you and your family have a happy and meaningful Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love chef dennis and that post was perfect. i really want to make those.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Heading on over to check out your guest post!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great guest post on Chef Dennis's blog!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I loved your guest post, Gina! Your tree looks gorgeous :) I need you to help me decorate mine already! It's up, but we haven't found time yet to put on the ornaments. I need to get on that already! Hope you have a great weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Woohoo cant wait to read the post!! Enjoy the holidays!! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gina
    thank you so much for such a wonderful guest post!! You orange creams are amazing! And congratulations on your video's for kraft, those cooking creams look like they are going to be so much fun to work with!
    Your going to have to let us know when your creations are up, can we vote for them?
    Have a great weekend my friend!
    Dennis

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a great post!! Chef Dennis has a great blog. The cranberry pecan cookies really caught my eye and a must make. Have a great weekend and stay dry!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Gina, you certainly have mastered the art of cooking. I love these fried creamy curds!
    Have a warm and lovely weekend!
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gina, I love your holiday post! It feels like you captured Christmas perfectly with your pictures. And I don't know what an orange cream is but it looks delicious and I'm going to CD's blog to find out right now! Happy holidays! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful holiday post Gina, it looks like you're getting it all together:-) I noticed those iced cranberry pecan cookies right away, they do look wonderful;-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Gina-I just popped in to see what you have, and I am so thrilled to see all your goodies, your beautiful Christmas tree...now, I will check out your guest post on Chef Dennis' blog.
    Great job, and congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Gina, I'm a little behind and will be heading over to Dennis blog to read your guest post. You give such good advice on staying sane. Those Orange Creams look to die for!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Gina, glad meet you, your blog is full of wonderful recipes to try! Love your very unique fried orange cream...cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Philadelphia cooking creme?! I cannot wait to see what that is and how you use it. What fun.

    Have a very Merry Christmas if I don't make it over here again before Saturday!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lovely post Gina to get us all in the spirit of Christmas.
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great guest post Gina...and love these treats!
    Wishing you and your family a most beautiful Holiday :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gina, I LOVED your guest post on Chef Dennis' blog. It was so refreshing to see such a unique dessert. My mama would LOVE this dessert. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Gina, great post! Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and only the very best in the new year!!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm heading over to Chef Dennis' site right now...I'm sorry I missed your guest post earlier this month.

    Those cream cheese cooking cremes look fun and interesting...can't wait to see what you do with them. I haven't seen those in the store.

    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. great guest post sweetie:)
    happy holidays and i really love those cream cheese..looks so good.

    ReplyDelete