Author Archives: Ilze Tolpeznikova

Rhubarb mousse

A way to make rhubarb tasty

In Latvia we eat a lot of this wonderful plant, which has a lot of fibre and an acid taste. Most commonly, the plant’s leaf stalks are cooked with sugar and used in pies, drinks, and many other desserts. My husband is not particularly fond of this plant, so I’m trying different ways to convince him how tasty it really is. Believe me or not, but this mousse has convinced him ;) It has light, airy consistance and a very fresh taste – a perfect way to start the summer!

Rhubarb mousse with raspberries

Rhubarb mousse with raspberries

Yield: 4-6 portions

Ingredients:

These measures are very approximate, as I prepared my mousse without measuring anything – just tasting and making sure that the result is as wished :) The only important point is making sure that it doesn’t end up too acid – taste it often as you cook, and add enough sugar so that it’s sweet to your taste! If you want it to feel creamier, you can also reduce the amount of gelatin.

  • 4 rhubarb stalks
  • 80g sugar
  • 150g-200g water
  • 5 gelatin sheets
  • 1 vanille bean
  • 150g-200g whipped cream

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Macarons (the Italian way)

What are macarons?

Macarons are all the rage now, and you’re sure to find them from Beijing to Rio. But, in case you haven’t come across them yet, here’s a nice picture:

chocolate macarons

two kinds of chocolate filling macarons

A perfect macaron has two almond-meringue pastries that have been cooked to be smooth and crisp, and the middle is filled with a cream, jam, or some other tasty ingredient (sometimes even something unexpected, like foie gras!)

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Biscuits à la cuillère or lady fingers

What is it used for?

Lady fingers are light and soft biscuits, roughly shaped like a large finger. They are usually used as the base for different desserts, for example, charlotte and tiramisu.

lady fingers - the base for tiramisu or charlotte

lady fingers – the base for tiramisu or charlotte

Yield: 30 lady fingers, 10-12cm long

Ingredients:

  • 120g egg whites or 4 egg whites
  • 70g powder suger
  • 65g egg yolks – 3 egg yolks
  • 40g starch
  • 40g flour
  • some icing sugar for the top

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“Crème pâtissière” or Pastry Cream

What it is used for?

Pastry cream is often used as a filling for cakes, tarts, éclaires, Napoleons and other pastries.

Pastry cream preparation

Pastry cream preparation

Yield: 300g of pastry cream, should be enough to fill around 25 medium sized éclaires.

Ingredients:

  • 200g milk
  • 60g sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 20g cornstarch (maizena)
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • optional: 1/2 tablespoon liquor or rhum
  • optional: 20g butter

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“Pâte a choux” or Choux Pastry

What do you use it for?

It is a light pastry dough used to make éclairs, profiteroles, paris brest, and many other sweet or salty snacks.

choux pastry - éclairs cooling down

choux pastry – éclairs cooling down

Yield: 400g pastry gives around 30 medium size éclairs.

Ingredients

  • 100g milk
  • 100g water
  • 4g salt
  • 4g sugar
  • 90g butter
  • 110g flour
  • 4 eggs

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“Pâte brisée” or Shortcrust Pastry

 What do you use it for?

Shortcrust pastry is mainly used for the base of tart, quiche or pie. It is mainly cooked directly with the filling when you bake quiche, for example.

Shortcrust pastry ready to be baked

Shortcrust pastry ready to be baked

Yield: around 850g pastry – enough as a base for at least two-three cakes.

Ingredients

  • 375g flour
  • 125g starch
  • 220g butter – room T
  • 10g salt
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 80g water
  • 15g white vinegar

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