Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag
- Pastry tips
- Cake stand or platter
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour to the mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a pastry tip.
5. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small circles, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
8. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
9. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
10. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
11. Pipe a small amount of chocolate onto the bottom of each cookie and stack them on top of each other to form a tower.
12. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the tower and sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Serves 6-8 people
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
Variations:
- Add a layer of whipped cream between each cookie for a lighter version.
- Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar and salt.
- Pipe the dough onto the baking sheet in small circles to ensure they bake evenly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before stacking them to prevent them from breaking.
- Use a small round tip for the chocolate and caramel drizzle to create a decorative effect.
Storage instructions:
Store the assembled tower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Serve the tower at room temperature. If it has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Place the tower on a cake stand or platter and garnish with additional caramel sauce and chopped nuts.
Garnishes:
Chopped nuts, additional caramel sauce
Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too soft, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the tower is unstable, use a toothpick to secure the cookies in place.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store the assembled tower in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Pièce Montée is a traditional French dessert made of stacked cream puffs or profiteroles. It is often served at weddings and other special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a rich and decadent flavor profile, while the buttery cookies add a delicate crunch.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Chocolate and Caramel Pièce Montée as a dessert or as a centerpiece for a special occasion.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: French
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Decadent, Chocolatey, Caramelized