Picture this: a rich, brownie-like chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse, whipped topping and garnished with even more chocolate. Sound divine? It is! Italian meringue gives the mousse a light, fluffy texture without the addition of gelatin. If you can include dairy in your dessert, substitute whipped cream for the nondairy whipped topping.
Wow your guests with this winner of a pumpkin pie made all the more special by its decorative border. Use three-quarters of the pastry to make the checkerboard border and use the rest to make jam-filled tarts with the kids. Or use the extra pastry to make the braided or leaf border variation. Top slices with the maple-spiked whipped cream topping.
This show-stopping classic is less intimidating to make than it appears. Top it with whatever fresh berries are local or in season. For a pretty presentation, tie a ribbon around it.
This elegant European-style torte layers walnut cake with coffee buttercream then envelops it all in mocha. For the buttercream, soften the butter until creamy before adding it to the cooled egg mixture.
You'll need a blowtorch to create the caramelized brûlée top; look for one in kitchen supply stores or certain hardware stores. The flame goes farther than is visible, so use the blowtorch with caution, work slowly and always point the flame away from any flammables or people. Refrigerate the tart for at least four hours to ensure the filling is firm enough to slice neatly.
This pie may have a lot of ingredients, but you'll likely find most of them in your pantry. Bonus: You can make the pie the night before and then keep it in your fridge until you're ready to beat the whipped cream topping and serve. Roll out the extra dough this recipe yields and cut it into shapes to add to your cookie tray.
This cake will be a hole in one with any golf enthusiast. The Wilton golfer and flag are available at many craft and cake decorating stores.
I chose this dish because it is so rich and satisfying, that even the biggest meat-eaters wouldn't miss the meat. It's hard to find a good vegetarian Chili Recipe, and I believe this is the best out there. It focuses on complex flavors and it screams "Canadian". A big bowl of chili is the ultimate comfort food. I serve this will a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top, and a sprig of fresh cilantro. And of course with one of my Honey Buttermilk Beer Buns (recipe follows) on the side. This is hands-down the best vegetarian chili out there!
