Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it forms a smooth ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
8. Place the dough in the cake pan and press it into the bottom and sides.
9. Brush the melted butter over the dough.
10. Sprinkle the cocoa mixture over the butter.
11. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl and pour the heavy cream over them. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
12. Pour the melted chocolate over the cocoa mixture.
13. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
14. Let cool for 10 minutes, then pour the salted caramel sauce over the top.
15. Slice and serve.
Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 431
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Unsalted butter: You can substitute vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Dark chocolate chips: You can substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- Heavy cream: You can substitute coconut cream or almond milk.
- Salted caramel sauce: You can substitute dulce de leche or honey.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the cocoa mixture for extra crunch.
- Replace the salted caramel sauce with raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
- Replace the dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you add it to the flour mixture. This will help create a flaky crust.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is the right consistency.
Storage Instructions:
Store the pithivier in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pithivier in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pithivier on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Cut the pithivier into small slices and serve as an appetizer.
- Place a scoop of ice cream on top of each slice for a decadent dessert.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Vanilla ice cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.
- If the crust is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is the right consistency.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always wash your hands before handling food.
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Refrigerate any leftovers immediately.
Food History:
The pithivier is a traditional French pastry that dates back to the 18th century. It is usually filled with frangipane, a sweet almond cream, but can also be filled with chocolate and salted caramel.
Flavor Profiles:
This pithivier has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The salted caramel adds a sweet and salty contrast that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Cut into small slices and serve as an appetizer.
- Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
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Region: French
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Salty, Caramelized