Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with a small round tip
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the orange juice and zest and mix until combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
7. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each circle.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
10. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate until smooth.
11. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
12. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
13. To assemble the pièce montée, pipe a small amount of whipped cream onto the bottom of one of the baked circles. Place another circle on top and repeat until all the circles are used.
14. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the pièce montée.
15. Let the chocolate set for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Orange juice and zest can be substituted with lemon juice and zest.
- Dark chocolate can be substituted with milk chocolate or white chocolate.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with whipped topping or coconut cream.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Use different shapes for the baked circles, such as hearts or stars.
- Add a layer of fruit preserves or caramel sauce between the baked circles.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use a pastry brush to brush off any excess flour from the baked circles before assembling the pièce montée.
- Chill the whipped cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before piping it onto the baked circles for easier handling.
Storage instructions:
Store the assembled pièce montée in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
The pièce montée is best served at room temperature. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pièce montée on a cake stand or platter. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
- If the baked circles are too thin, pipe a thicker layer of batter onto the parchment paper.
- If the whipped cream is too runny, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before piping it onto the baked circles.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before preparing the recipe.
Food history:
Pièce montée is a French dessert that translates to "mounted piece." It traditionally consists of cream puffs or profiteroles stacked into a pyramid shape and drizzled with caramel or chocolate.
Flavor profiles:
The orange and chocolate flavors in this dessert create a sweet and tangy combination.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pièce montée as a dessert for a dinner party or special occasion.
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Region: French