Chocolate Chipotle Butter Bites

I was looking for a simple & chocolaty treat to take to my friend Cristi's house yesterday for The Big Game and I came up with these. Chocolate Chipotle Butter Bites.
Similar to a brownie, these are rich, chocolaty & have just a hint of savory spice, they are just gooey-er than a brownie.



Here are the ingredients for this dish:



Start by pre-heating your oven to 325ºF. Combine 10 TBSP of butter, 1 1/4 C sugar, 3/4 C + 2 TBSP cocoa, 1/4 tsp salt & 3/4 tsp chipotle powder in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water.





Stir frequently until the butter has melted & the mixture becomes the consistency of wet sand. You want to heat it until its hot to the touch.



Remove from heat and cool slightly until it just feels warm. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time stirring vigorously after each one.



Now the batter should look thick & shiny.



Add 1/2 C flour and mix gently until all of the flour is incorporated.



Place the batter into an 8" x 8" square pan that has been lined with parchment paper.



I cut the edges of the parchment down once the batter is in the pan so it doesn't burn.



Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until a wooden pick is inserted into the center & comes out slightly moist. You want to make sure they are gooey. :)

Cool slightly then lift from pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into about 1 1/2" square pieces.




Dust lightly with powdered sugar & enjoy!




cheers!
xo diane

Sinful Dulce de Leche Chocolates

I was talking to my friend Caroline the other night and she was telling me about these turtles she was making with walnuts, home made caramel & chocolate. Well, they sounded so good that I thought I'd take that idea and run with it.

So here's my take on a classic turtle. I used semi-sweet chocolate, home made dulce de leche and toasted hazelnuts.

Here are the ingredients for this dish:



Now, what looks like peanut butter is actually a delicious caramel made from sweetened milk called dulce de leche. Here is the recipe I used to make this amazingly delicious, milky, rich, soft caramel tasting goodness that will become the gooey center of this confection.

This recipe is so simple. In a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water melt 8 oz. of chocolate. This could really be any type of chocolate that you like, but my preference is dark chocolate.



Melt the chocolate slowly and stir it until its nice and smooth.



While your chocolate is melting, you want to line mini muffin tins with lining papers.



Once the chocolate is melted you want to spread a thin layer inside the papers on the bottom and then bring it up the sides a bit.



Next, take a small spoonful of dulce de leche and place it inside the center of the chocolate. (You could also use any type of caramel that you like, but the dulce de leche is so good.)



Now add 2 to 3 whole toasted hazelnuts on top of the dulce and press them down into the caramel. You may use any nut you prefer here; peanuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts etc.



Now top the cups with the remaining chocolate and smooth out.



You can place them in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes. Making them in the papers makes it easier to serve or give as gifts. I think my neighbors are in love with me now...



Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy!


cheers!
xo diane
thepantrychallenge@gmail.com