Hot Cross Bun Choc Truffles
Preparation 25 Minutes
Cook 5 hours Minutes
Serves 30
Method
Combine hot cross buns, sultanas, mixed peel and mixed spice in a food processor and blend until a fine crumb.
Combine dark and milk chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 2 mins (stopping every 30 seconds and stirring) until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add melted chocolate mixture to the food processor and blend until combined. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until firm enough to spoon.
Spoon mixture into 2 tablespoon sized portions then roll into balls. Roll in cocoa powder, dusting off excess powder. Line a baking tray with baking paper, place balls onto the tray and refrigerate for 30 mins to harden.
Place white chocolate into a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 min, stopping every 20 seconds to stir, or until completely melted. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a piping bag fitted with a small, round nozzle.
Pipe a cross (to resemble a hot cross bun) onto the tops of each ball then return to fridge for a further 30 mins to set.
Ingredients
3 hot cross buns (a few days old is best)
150g Sunbeam Australian Sultanas
2 tbsp Angas Park mixed peel
2 tsp mixed spice
90ml thickened cream
300g milk chocolate, roughly chopped
150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
20g Dutch cocoa powder
100g white chocolate
Recipe Collection
Macadamia and Cacao Balls
- Blend or process dates until smooth
- Combine macadamia meal, cacao and dates in a bowl.
- Use wet hands to roll tablespoons of mixture in balls. Roll in coconut.
Chocolate & Prune Pudding
- Grease the base and sides of a 1.5L pudding basin. Combine prunes, raisins, sultanas and brandy in a microwave proof bowl and cook for 2 minutes. Stir well and set aside.
- Place butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and pale. Add eggs one at a time until well incorporated. Fold in the flour, breadcrumbs, cocoa, chocolate and mixed spice, followed by the fruit mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pudding basin and cover (if no lid, use a couple of layers of baking paper and secure with string or a large elastic band. Then cover with a layer of foil, securing with a large elastic band. Place into a large pot with a small saucepan in the base. Pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a lid and simmer for 3 hours. Top up water as required.
- Remove from pot and either serve immediately, or leave in the basin and refrigerate until required.
- For butterscotch sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, and gently bring to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- For mascarpone cream, fold mixed spice into mascarpone and set aside until required.
- For serving, place upturned pudding onto a serving plate and dollop with mascarpone and drizzle with butterscotch sauce. Decorate with seasonal fruits and toasted nuts.
Nutty Barramundi with Coconut Greens
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F. Line an oven tray with baking paper.
- Place macadamia nuts, almonds, ginger and rind in a food processor; pulse until mixture forms a chunky paste.
- Place fillets on an oven tray; season with salt and pepper.
- Press nut mixture evenly on each fillet.
- Bake fish for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Meanwhile, place sugar snap peas and beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain well; refresh under cold running water.
- Combine all coconut ingredients in a small jar. Shake.
- Serve fillets topped with micro herbs and dressing, sugar snap peas and beans.
Orange & Olive Oil Almond Cakes (Gluten Free)
- Pre-heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line 12 x ⅓ cup capacity muffin moulds with paper cases.
- Combine flour, almond meal, sugar and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, eggs and orange rind until well combined. Add to flour mixture and mix until smooth. Pour between paper cases and sprinkle with flaked almonds. Bake for 20 minutes.Tip:
For those avoiding dairy, simply substitute the cows milk with your milk of choice.
Christmas Mud Cakes with Chocolate Ganache
- Preheat oven to 150ºC (130ºC fan-forced). Line 12 x ⅓ cup capacity muffin pans with paper cases.
- Place mixed fruit into a food processor with boiling water and blend to a fine paste. Transfer to a large saucepan with butter, chocolate, milk and brown sugar. Place over a medium heat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until the butter and chocolate has melted.
- Transfer mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer (or you can transfer to a clean bowl and use a hand mixer) and whisk in the eggs. Add flour mixture, cocoa, mixed spice and a generous pinch of salt. Mix until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared cases and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool.
- Heat cream until hot and pour over chocolate. Mix until smooth and desired consistency achieved. Spread over mud cakes.
Carrot & Sultana Tray Bake
1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line an 17 x 26cm baking tray.
2. Combine flours, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and oil. Add to the dry ingredients with the carrot and sultanas. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan and cook for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.
4. For the icing, whisk together the cream cheese and honey. Spread over cooled cake and sprinkle with walnuts.