R2-P4
It would take a strength too great to put into words, for me to resist the offer of a petit four. A little bite of something sweet is the perfect way to end a meal. Like a miniature dessert to be popped into the mouth and washed down with tea, especially if you don’t have the room to eat a whole dessert. This lack of room is a malady unheard of, by those of us who have a separate stomach compartment for desserts. But sometimes all you want is a wahffer-theen something-or-other, and that’s where the petit fours come in.
Chocolate is usually my favourite petit fours flavour. At Vue de Monde in Melbourne, one of the petit fours they serve are cute mini chocolate bars. I have also seen in various restaurants, chocolate truffles served up in all sizes, flavours and forms, and balls of ice-cream impaled on cocktail sticks and dipped in chocolate.
This month’s SHF event (#24) theme is petit fours, which I couldn’t resist having an attempt at. It’s my first time participating, so I hope you’ll forgive any transgressions as I veer off into the wilderness and present :
R2D2 chocolate caramel petit fours (or R2P4’s) : I had so much fun making and eating Stormtrooper cookies recently that I wanted to do more on a similar theme. And who more perfect than R2D2 with his little round body to sandwich a caramel flavoured chocolate filling? These R2D2s are small enough to be consumed in 2-3 bites and satisfyingly chocolatey enough to conclude any meal with.
Basic tuille mix :
125g unsalted butter, melted
125g caster sugar
125g egg whites
125g plain flour, sifted
Stir the butter and sugar together in a bowl. Gradually add the whites, stirring to combine. Fold in the flour. Place a third of this mix into a separate bowl. Add about 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into this bowl. Mix well. This is your cocoa tuille mix for adding detail to your cookies. The depth of colour will depend on the type and quantity of cocoa you use. Cover and chill both mixes for at least 20 minutes before using.
When ready to be used, spread the mixture over your prepared template with a small palette knife. I used cardboard from a cereal box to make the R2D2 template. Add detail using a piping bag filled with cocoa tuille mix. Bake at 160’C until lightly golden brown (this only takes a few minutes). When cool, sandwich with a filling of your choice. Here, I have used a chocolate caramel truffle filling.
(I also submitted my little R2D2’s to October’s DMBLGIT, which is being hosted by Andrew at SpittoonExtra. Check out the other photos here).
Tags: cookies, N. Ireland 2006, petit fours
Brilynn said,
October 17, 2006 @ 7:33 am
Those are so cute! How clever!
jeanne said,
October 19, 2006 @ 12:38 pm
Oh my word – those are just adorable! And I’m a *huge* Star Wars fan so bonus points there 😉 I’ll bet they taste great too… Thanks for takign part in SHF 🙂
Calamari said,
October 27, 2006 @ 11:21 am
R2D2: beep beep beep
C3PO: really R2, if you encourage them to eat you, I might be next… I do wish you would keep quiet sometimes.
They look awesome!! Do you think 3D marzipan versions would be feasible too? 🙂
Y said,
October 27, 2006 @ 5:52 pm
Calamari: Sure! But mind you, unlike chocolate and caramel, there’s only so much marzipan that one can bear to eat in a sitting!
Bron said,
October 31, 2006 @ 4:51 am
hehe very cute!
Helen said,
October 31, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Every kid in my family knows hoe to hum the Star Wars melody before they even pronounce “mom”, I wish I were kidding! I have to make these for my brother and niece next time I see them!
Great entry!
ilingc said,
October 31, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
they’re so cute!! R2 is my favourite SW character!