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Milk Chocolate And Chestnut Mousse Verrines

Milk Chocolate & Chesnut Mousse Verrines


I hold dear and close the big things in life like love, family, friendships, and connections. I also believe they are all enhanced by the little things. The little things in life…Those little trickets or thoughts that we hang onto. They might be in a shoe box in your closet or the attic, they might be on your nightstand. Special paper and photographs in your desk drawers. A dish or an ingredient that you are cherishing to the last crumb.

When I moved to the US, I came with the two suitcases and a few little things that kept me connected to my home. Among those items were "Pipou" a stuffed rabbit that I got when I was born and a tiny porcelain box with my name on it. What was I thinking?. Imagine the first time B. stayed over: "oh and by the way, meet my favorite blankie type thingie, Pipou" Now that a sure way to get rid of your date!! Or was I so afraid to become mute that the box would become another way to give my name out?! Well I know why they came along but retrospectively it could have thrown a few people off. However I did meet a wonderful man who embraced all the crazy little things his crazy expat of a wife enjoyed and needed to stay connected with.

A lot of the little things that bring me a smile on my face are, you can guess, often related to food. I just have to open a jar of Herbes de Provence that I can hear the cicadas and all of a sudden I am home for a brief instant. Open the jar, close the jar. Open the jar, close the jar…..smile. Slicing lemons almost always makes me want to drop a couple of slices in a hot cup of tea, just like Mamie used to do. Within ten minutes, the kettle is singing away. Little things like that make me vibrate, keep me alive, keep me going. We all have our inner batteries, these are mine.

Chesnut Cream Mousse


I made a bunch of souffles earlier this month, and for one of them I opened up my last and treasured can of chestnut paste.One of my little things. I kept it waiting on the shelf for a long long time but one souffle I wanted to bake again was my family’s Chesnut Chocolate Tapioca Souffles ( you can read the full article in Desserts Magazine). When I served one to B., he exclaimed "Oh my gosh! Did you finally pop that last can open? That’s serious!" while my head was screaming "yes I did , so pay attention and eat it slowly!". I did not say it outloud though. I did however scrape that can to the last drop of cream and froze the leftover for a future dessert.

It then hit me that my favorite way to eat it is still the simplest: with a spoon. However, since it is a delicacy after all, to be savoured to the last bit, I decided to give it a more proper farewell than us, our spoons, a tin can and a comfy sofa. I made a verrine layering a simple milk chocolate mousse, a layer of bittersweet chocolate ganache, chesnut cream mousse and a little whipped cream. Delicious! It was winter comfort at its best for me. Now I must remember to ask mom to bring more when they come next month (read this mom?!).

What are your "little things" in life?

Milk Chocolate & Chestnut Mousse Verrines


Milk Chocolate And Chesnut Mousse Verrines Recipe:

Serves 4 depending on the size of your ramekins or glasses.

Kitchen Notes: you can find "creme de marrons" or chesnut cream online, here for example or make your own. The chocolate painted glasses I used were extras I had prepared for the Daring Bakers challenge last month and did not used and they worked perfectly with this.

For the Milk Chocolate Mousse:
4 oz (120gr) semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk
3 tablespoons (25gr) butter
3/4 cup (175ml) heavy cream, cold

In a bowl set over a pan of simmering water (make sure that the bowl fits snuggly over the pan and does not touch the water), melt together the chocolate, milk, and butter. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. In a mixer, whip the cream to medium peaks and fold it into the chocolate mixture. Pipe or spoon the mousse into ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate.

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 cup (125ml) heavy cream
6 oz (180gr) bittersweet chocolate

In a small heavy saucepan set over medium hight heat, bring the cream to a boil. Place the chocolate into a medium sized bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let the mixture stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Gently stir the cream and chocolate together with a spatula until the mixture comes togethr and is fully combined. Let cool completely before dividing it on top of the chocolate mousse. Refrigerate.

For the Chesnut Cream Mousse:
3/4 cup (157ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (125ml) chesnut puree

In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream to medium stiff peaks. Add one third into the chesnut puree to lighten it and then fold in the remaining whipped cream until combined. Pipe or spoon on top of the ganache layer. Refrigerate.

For the whipped cream:
1/2 cup (125ml) heavy cream

In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream to medium stiff peaks. Pipe or spoon on top of the chestnut layer and level with an offset spatula.

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Comments


Rachel@fairycakeheaven February 5, 2009 um 9:02 am

Helen you’re always so good at putting accross your stories about about and your life in France! They make me wish for Paris, in the Latin Quarter, sipping coffee………

Anyway this looks fantastic as always and my little things are fresh bread baking, the smell that my food mixer motor makes when it’s used (don’t ask) and some retro dishes I have that make me nostalgic every time I use them!


Fee ist mein Name February 5, 2009 um 9:24 am

Oh, I have to go to France and catch one of these cans. Love it, even the design of it!


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 9:36 am

tartelette, as a fellow french expaxt your story speaks to me it s realy funny how much
take care
ps can wait to read your book
anis


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 9:38 am

sorry please read: i can t wait to read your book


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 10:11 am

it’s à fantastic recept!


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 10:35 am

Mmmmmm. All this together must be a party in your mouth.

A will keep in mind this recipes, and most of all, the chestnut cream mousse.

thank you and congrats again for your fantastic photos.


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 10:45 am

I’m an American expat in Europe and I too have a few things that bring me back home for a few moments… a jar of real maple syrup that is slowly disappearing.

The plethora of chestnuts and chestnut products here in Europe are welcome though – I love chestnuts and I could eat that puree by the can!

Ah, your making me think of home – how I miss America! Thanks for the post and lovely pictures!


Cherie February 5, 2009 um 11:36 am

If my husband saw this dessert, he would leave me and go find you right away:):) He loves everything chestnut. This particular brand is available in most supermarkets here in Canada, but I never see or hear about anyone buying them. It’s a very European thing isn’t it?


Y February 5, 2009 um 11:57 am

What a lovely post! Wish I could see a photo of Pipou.. or is he not very photogenic these days? 🙂 You remind me of a friend of mine who still travels with her favourite childhood soft toy. Her husband 'tolerates' its presence in their lives.. heh heh.

Oh and that vanilla chestnut paste is my favourite too.


Cannelle Et Vanille February 5, 2009 um 11:58 am

emails from friends, some laughs, lemons of course (yellow!), sunny days in winter… and of course, delicious looking, tasting and sounding! desserts like these verrines. yay for chestnut paste!


Karynefoodaddict February 5, 2009 um 12:03 pm

Hummmmmmmmmmm! j’adore la crème de marron!!!!


The Cutting Edge of Ordinary February 5, 2009 um 12:09 pm

One of my little things is Nutella on crusty bread. Growing up in a Sicilian household we ate Nutella long before it was widely avilable in the US. Many Sunday mornings this was our breakfast, spreading Nutella on bread, chocolate faced, watching my Mother prepare the sauce early in the morning for the big meal we had on Sunday afternoons. Your post was beautiful. I hope everyone can find the little things in life that matter.


Avory February 5, 2009 um 12:42 pm

Oh, mine are even weirder! All my stuffed animals and things like that are still at my mother’s house, but I have a little table of trinkets from my bedroom at home that sit in my living room now – a New York taxi piggy bank from my aunt, a San Francisco cable car music box from my uncle, a set of Beatles matryoshkas I got in Prague, a rooster beanie baby from my Grandpa who died, and a little stuffed kangaroo from my friend in Australia. And I’m from North Carolina. Haha, I guess for me "home" is the road.


LizNoVeggieGirl February 5, 2009 um 1:13 pm

My little things in life = all of my collections and hobbies.


Sunshinemom February 5, 2009 um 1:14 pm

Beautiful post as always and lovely pictures for company!! These are little things too that make my day:). On a serious note I think my most precious little things are books I have accumulated over the years! I love to feel them, smell them and this takes me back in time – In fact most of my good memories are locked in books:)! And I love it when my children read these books and see the surprise in their faces when they see the dates (I record the date and the place) – they can’t believe the books are so old and yet so well kept!!


Ciao Chow Linda February 5, 2009 um 1:16 pm

I’ve got a can of that chestnut paste in the cupboard and you’ve given me a couple of good ideas for its use. Your ideas and photos are exquisite.


Manggy February 5, 2009 um 1:35 pm

Hmm, I dunno! My little thing is not so little! (Hey, mind outta gutter! Joke.) I meant to say it’s my laptop, even if it’s broken now 🙁 And then there is lechon sauce. Oh, wow.
I can’t believe it’s difficult to find chestnut puree? We get that same brand back in Manila!! O_o (have never seen the inside of a can though!)
Again very well done with the verrines! You never disappoint!


Joyce February 5, 2009 um 1:43 pm

Dang my sister in law (from France) and brother in law visited France a year ago. The next time they go I’m asking for a can or two.
BTW are you sure you don’t have an extra bedroom or sofa for an unwanted guest?! LOL..

xoxo


Hayley February 5, 2009 um 2:20 pm

Your stories always seem to whisk me away to better memories. These sound delicious and look beautiful. Your presentations are always so perfect. Thanks for sharing!


Netts Nook February 5, 2009 um 2:46 pm

They look great can’t wait to try. Thanks


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 3:14 pm

Oh I bet this was the most delicious thing to have last night with this cold weather! Any leftover?


Mumsy February 5, 2009 um 3:30 pm

Reading your blog is one of my little things…

That looks lovely. I heart chestnuts.


Cookie baker Lynn February 5, 2009 um 3:33 pm

Little things? A pair of pointe shoes autographed by a prima ballerina and my ballet teacher. The layers in your dessert are lovely. I admire how you make everything so beautiful.


Carina February 5, 2009 um 3:37 pm

I have just such a can of chestnut paste in my pantry that I can’t bear to open….


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 3:43 pm

I am not normally a fan of milk chocolate and have never had anything chestnut flavored, but the combination does sound good. Comments are making it seem like it would be similar to Nutella, which is definitely a combination that works! I’m sure this dessert is much better than any jarred spread, though.


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 3:50 pm

The little things in life…a great thought for today. For me it is holding my husband’s hand at night before we fall asleep. Puts me at peace with the world.

Jolene.


Helene February 5, 2009 um 3:53 pm

Lisa: yes, grew up on Nutella too. Actually, there was another chocolate paste called Cote D’Or that we used to get and loved but it is not produced anymore.

Mark: it is not that it is hard to find here if you order online, it is just that my mom pays like $2 for a can at her local supermarket compared to the amazon price tag. Add the fact that she sends it and that makes it priceless!

Thank you everyone!


baked in alaska February 5, 2009 um 4:15 pm

These look so yummy. My little things are making my little girls bed and finding an article of my clothing because she likes the smell of mommy. Listening to my son sing. Looking at pictures of old friends. Cooking from the cookbook my mother used to cook from when I was a little girl.


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 4:24 pm

They look amazing! xx


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 4:28 pm

Absolutely divine! My favorite little thing is a couple of old hankerchieves from my grandfather with his initials embroidered.


Nic February 5, 2009 um 4:35 pm

Absolutely gorgeous! Sorry to say the same thing on every post, lol!


Patricia Scarpin February 5, 2009 um 4:42 pm

What an amazing presentation, Helen – I love how the blue matches perfectly with the colors of your dessert.
Such a delicate one!

Making homemade pizza to have with Joao and a glass of wine on Saturday nights is my little thing. I can’t go without it. 😀


Rosa's Yummy Yums February 5, 2009 um 4:52 pm

What a pretty presentation! A wonderful combination of flavors! Terrific!

Cheers,

Rosa


Rita February 5, 2009 um 4:57 pm

Is it marrom glace? I think we treasure little foods that reminds us of home, or someplace special. There is a Brazilian butter that comes in a can. It tastes great, but what like most is to see that little can on top of the fridge, it gives me such a comfort feeling.


Char February 5, 2009 um 5:08 pm

as beautiful as your desserts are, what draws me back time and time again are your warm words and generous memories. I feel as if I’m sitting in your kitchen watching you, sipping tea by the warm hearth…a sort of Babbette’s Feast for my soul.


cindy* February 5, 2009 um 6:05 pm

i had a porcelain figurine from my dad that i had had since i was a baby and it fell off my desk and broke one day into a hundred tiny pieces…sean felt so bad even though he did nothing. i dissolved into a teary mess immediately and i saved all the pieces in an old jewelry box my aunt gave me. i just can’t let it go and it’s been three years!

oh, and i also have my blankie tucked away in my closet. so, i totally understand you bringing those two special (even if they seem juvenile to some) items with you.

lovely post!


Lauren February 5, 2009 um 6:19 pm

Wow these look completely fabulous!!! One of my simple little things is tea. A good cup of steaming hot tea with honey. For some reason it takes me to a little island of relaxation.


That Girl February 5, 2009 um 6:30 pm

I met my husband my freshman year at college. At the time I was going through a "baby" phase and decided it would be smarter to get a cabbage patch doll. I made everyone on my dorm floor kiss the doll goodnight each night. I told my husband about the baby-mania and my stuffed doll on our first date. Maybe not my smartest move, but then at least I was setting him up for the crazy from early on.


La Cuisine d'Helene February 5, 2009 um 6:40 pm

I love all of your photos on this post. Some day I’ll taste creme de marrons.

I still have a little box with letters, cards, journals. This is so old. I open it every 2-3 yrs and it brings memories.


Vittoria February 5, 2009 um 6:46 pm

These look so fantastic. I haven’t moved to another country (yet!)but I have taken my "Handy Puppy" (like a teddy bear) that I’ve had since I was 6 mo with me EVERYWHERE. When he makes the bed, my fiance still puts her on top of my pillow. We’re lucky girls 🙂


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 7:52 pm

Your photographs are gorgeous! Wow…to be one of your lucky neighbors!!
I love looking at my parents' wedding picture. They are both gone now but it brings me peace and comfort to look at it.


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 7:59 pm

I’m weak in the knees over this one!


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 8:56 pm

tout simplement somptueux !!!


carolina @ patagonia gifts February 5, 2009 um 10:26 pm

Oh my dearest Helen! I always love to come here and read your lovely stories, and enjoy your beautiful photos! That mousse looks so delicious!
xoxo


Cate February 5, 2009 um 10:39 pm

That looks this side of delicious …


Anonymous February 5, 2009 um 10:49 pm

Ooh yummy 🙂 !!! XOXO


May February 6, 2009 um 12:14 am

Oh my… I can look at the photos and drool for hours!
I just think of the flavors and melt.


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 12:31 am

My Christmas log is filled with chestnut mousse. 10 years ago, I was able to buy Creme de Marrons in the Washington DC area, and sporadically, I could find it. More often than not, I have to make creme from whole chestnuts. My sister’s favorite crepe always has been the one filled with creme de marrons.

As far as the little (food) things: ginger root, homemade jam, special lentils and vanilla beans that my family bring over when they visit are all part of that. Old pretty china cups for coffee in the morning; some real silverware that comes from one of my grand mother, and the quilts made by the other.
(and – ahem – I had a puppet bear called called Charles Gustave. He is till around…)

NB: love the little Moose antlers…

sYLVIE


Christy February 6, 2009 um 12:50 am

First, allow me to compliment you on your beautiful dessert, Helen. Secondly, your tin of chestnut cream is so pretty it’s making me envious!!

At the risk of sounding a little cuckoo, my thing has always been magazines. First it was fashion magazines, now, as you can well guess, it’s food magazines/books. I carry them with me 99% of the time. Seriously. Even if I rarely ever read them outside of the house, I still carry it with me if I’m going out for the entire day. They’ve been in my handbag at countless airports and countries I’ve visited. Somehow they always remind me that I’ve brought a familiar part of myself that I can stay close to wherever I go. Yeah, right, in case I get lost or something huh? Well guess what, I have them close by even when I’m at home; I even put them beside my bed! So yes, I am crazy!


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 1:50 am

Absolutely delicious!! Well, looks that way and I bet that coming from your kitchen it was!!
Those photographs are so inviting as if we were ready to sit down with you.
Little things: snowflakes. They make me jump with joy!

Flo


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 2:22 am

Hi !
I am sakura from Tokyo , Japan .
I LOVE your blog, everything is so fantastic !
As a reader of your blog, I must tell you how much I enjoy it.
Lovely!!!
You’re on my daily list!
Thanks for giving me so much inspiration!


Jen Yu February 6, 2009 um 4:21 am

I was just thinking that since your mother is coming out next month, that you could ask her to bring some for you 🙂 I love love love chestnuts and yet I’ve only ever had them roasted (which are lovely). I think your way looks pretty amazing. I want to see a picture of Pipou. Must be better than my oso pequeño which swears like a sailor 😉 My little things in life are the communications and connections I keep day to day with dear friends like you. They are little and big, you know what I mean? xxoo


CHIC Sensibility… February 6, 2009 um 5:03 am

This looks great, I can’t wait to try it. I love your blog. Thanks for the inspiration.


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 6:05 am

Very, very pretty, Tartelette.


Unknown February 6, 2009 um 8:49 am

just amazing, Helen. very well done!


Paula February 6, 2009 um 1:54 pm

Rather deceptively light looking…and doubtless very tasty!


Helene February 6, 2009 um 2:21 pm

Rita: it’s not "marron glaces" but chesnut paste which is simply boiled chesnuts that are pureed. This one is vanilla flavored though.

Thank you everyone! I am enjoying reading your answers 🙂


lynda February 6, 2009 um 2:57 pm

little things…they are really the big things in the end, aren’t they?? Let’s see, my kids' artwork, being cozy on the sofa with my Siamese cat curled up on my lap, taste memories like my grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, her wooden chopping bowl, the smell of autumn (that’s a big one for me)…. Does your mom have enough room in her suitcase to bring us all back some chestnut puree?? LOL!:) Beautiful story, lovely dessert!


paula February 6, 2009 um 3:08 pm

oh how i do wish i were brilliant or even decent in the kitchen. this looks amazing! i just wanted to stop in and say thank you.


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 3:53 pm

My little things: watching my little baby sleep, dulce de leche, reading so wonderfull blogs like this with a cup of coffee…

Thanks for the recipe, another idea for my "notesforthefreakingoutdesserttable" =)


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 5:10 pm

The chestnut cream mousse sounds luscious!

Little things for me are dance class and sitting in a cozy cafe with a yummy cup of coffee, both whisk me away! Beautiful dessert.


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 5:51 pm

What a wonderful recipe. I need to find that chesnut puree and try it

Helen, I moved to the US 10.5 years ago and brought this journal with all my friends' addresses. We all just finished high school the year I moved, and still lived with our parents. I still have that journal even though all the phone numbers have changed and my friends moved out and addresses are not valid anymore. But I still cherish their handwriting and their warm wishes that they wrote along their addresses. I’ll probably keep it forever, it keeps me connected to the home.


montague February 6, 2009 um 7:20 pm

delish!


meg February 6, 2009 um 7:59 pm

wooden spoons…moss growing on stone walls…altoids…burt’s bees lip balm…mint green tea…porcelean sake cups…hand-knitted socks…fresh flowers…


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 8:21 pm

Herbes de provence. Had the real thing just this past Dec. in Paris…cooking a meal in an apartment in the Bastille. The smell is intoxicating.


Anonymous February 6, 2009 um 9:56 pm

I savor each and every thing you deliver. Finding your blog was, or is, one of those lovely respites in life!

(That empty can is too pretty to toss!).


Bonbon Oiseau February 7, 2009 um 12:53 am

these look heavenly helen…like something i might even be able to make!
and i just i luhuuuv that chestnut creme…i always try to bring a can or two home from paris–we put it in crepes or on ice cream–now i will try this recipe for sure…
(and i love that you put daisies in your empty can–what a sweet sweet picture… i may copy you this spring!)


Anonymous February 7, 2009 um 2:43 am

ohh..you remind me when I came to the U.S. with two suitcases. And what a fitting dessert for that last can of chestnut paste…delicious.


Fifi Flowers February 7, 2009 um 6:14 am

THOSE are BEAUTIFUL! I would LOVE to eat one but hate to mess up the look in the glass. Hmmmm… I don’t believe you can have you dessert and pretty too!
BTW… I while back you asked for my address… just wondering… were you going to send me one of these cups full of heaven? LOLOLOLOL
ENJOY your weekend!
Fifi


Cakebrain February 7, 2009 um 7:08 am

mmm. gorgeous pics and lovely thoughts! I like how you inspire us to think of the beautiful things in life!


Aimée February 7, 2009 um 12:18 pm

Love desserts with chestnuts, Helen!
This was worthy of your last can.


Anonymous February 7, 2009 um 2:34 pm

this is GORGEOUS! it’s so beautiful. 😉 anyway, where can you get chestnut puree? i doubt i can find this in england. x


Abby February 7, 2009 um 5:32 pm

Gorgeous, as always.

And my little things? My grandmother’s measuring cups. The Lindy Star ring my mom passed to me when I turned 16. My little boy’s first booties – they still smell so sweet!


Anonymous February 7, 2009 um 6:17 pm

How big were the glasses you used for this?


Hilda February 7, 2009 um 9:26 pm

I’ve moved so many times in my life, my security blanket is my books. I only start to feel comfortable in a new house when I have my books out on shelves.
Moi j’aime bien la manger avec de la creme fraiche ou des fois du fromage blanc, la creme de marrons de Clement Faugier. Mais tes verrines ont l’air delicieuse.


hmstrjam February 7, 2009 um 10:35 pm

wow so yummy!

I love this Halloween ghost dish towel i have i take with me everywhere!


Anonymous February 8, 2009 um 1:35 am

wow scrumptious!! you’re amazing!


Helene February 8, 2009 um 4:26 am

Anonymous: each glass holds 175ml.


Anonymous February 8, 2009 um 5:41 am

This is so beautiful, Helen. I loved the story, and the photos are exquisite, as always.

I hope your mom brings plenty of chestnut cream for you when she visits, as I am sure you will know just what to do with it!

Cheers,

~ Paula


Peabody February 8, 2009 um 6:30 am

Ah, you should show your little stuffed bunny.
These look so sinful and delish.


Anonymous February 8, 2009 um 9:19 am

I have a whole bunch of these little cans of crème de marrons in my cupboard just because they are so cute but I have yet to bake with it. These look so delicious! Gives a girl hope. Beautiful desserts!


Garrett February 8, 2009 um 6:14 pm

My little things are much more simple – mostly coming home to the smell of a perfectly cooked stew sitting in a crock pot, just waiting to be eaten. It always brings me back to elementary school, more innocent times. As always, your mousse looks absolutely magnificent. Your art makes me jealous 😉


Kelly-Jane February 8, 2009 um 6:53 pm

Lovely little pots.

Your DB tuilles are fabulous too – all of them! I tried to comment there but blogger wasn’t keen! Great work.


MyKitchenInHalfCups February 8, 2009 um 9:18 pm

Right now the first things that come to my mind are my mom’s navy bean soup, her tapioca pudding and biscuits – good when you have a fever.
Chestnut mousse . . . that should be amazing! These little cups . . . well they are truly amazing.


raining sheep February 8, 2009 um 11:36 pm

What a beautiful post. And of course the mousse looks wonderful and probably tastes divine!


Camille February 9, 2009 um 12:23 am

It is the little things that we cherish that make life divine.

Your verrines are one of those little things with a big punch; not only beautiful but delicious and even better because they were treasured. I’m guessing they were savored to the last drop.


Manger La Ville February 9, 2009 um 3:39 am

I love chestnut paste. I love the vintage canister. Sorry it was your last. But hopefully you can get more.


Philo aux fourneaux – Blog culinaire February 9, 2009 um 12:28 pm

Elles sont très belles ces verrines et gourmandes à souhait


test it comm February 11, 2009 um 11:57 am

Chestnut mousse sounds so good. Combining it with milk chocolate sounds even better.


Adeline February 11, 2009 um 2:27 pm

As a French expat (also from the South) in Scotland, seeing your pictures of the chestnut spread brought me back to the family house in a second. I can’t even explain how happy I was when I found a tiny place in Edinburgh that sells the same brand!

Difficult to pick among all those little things that unexpectedly trigger memories, but 'creme venitienne' (my mum’s recipe is priceless) and 'varesien' are real gems. Sigh.


Anonymous February 19, 2009 um 1:32 am

This looks wonderful, and you have the most beautiful pictures!


youfei March 1, 2009 um 7:49 pm

Hi Helen,

I just tried out the dessert today and i must say it was really nice, but a little too rich in my opinion =p

One problem, the ganache was a little too hard, i couldnt spoon through all the layers at once. Is it supposed to be as such? Or is it supposed to have a softer texture? It was like refrigerated hard chocolate texture.

p/s: you didn’t know how elated i was when i managed to find the same brand of chestnut puree here in singapore! i love the look and design of the can =p if shipping were not so expensive, i wouldnt mind shipping you some!

regards,
youfei


Helene March 1, 2009 um 8:04 pm

Youfei: we ate ours at room temperature so the ganache was a bit softer. You can increase the cream to 3/4 cup or decrease the chocolate to 4 oz if necessary.


youfei March 2, 2009 um 2:24 am

Hi Helen,

thanks for the speedy reply! Well, ive got one more question, is it supposed to be eaten at room temp? or rather, how is best eaten?

regards,
youfei


Helene March 2, 2009 um 6:07 am

Youfei: unless it is ice cream, most desserts are at their best 10- 15 minutes out of the fridge. It gives a chance to the flavor to un-chill and really come together.


youfei March 2, 2009 um 9:06 am

Hi Helen,

thanks for the tips! I’ve just tried it again leaving it for a while to come to room temperature and it was really much better. I guess i’ll make omore of the chesnut in future =p

thanks!!

regards,
youfei


youfei March 2, 2009 um 9:06 am

This comment has been removed by the author.


youfei March 2, 2009 um 9:06 am

This comment has been removed by the author.


Anonymous March 22, 2010 um 5:42 pm

Hi Helen,
THat looks so beautiful and delicious.
I want to prepare them afew days in advance.
Do I keep them in the freezer or in the fridge?


Helene March 22, 2010 um 8:36 pm

Anon: fridge.


Anonymous March 25, 2010 um 5:25 am

Hi,
in the Chesnut Cream Mousse
is it 157 ml heavy cream or 175 ml?


Anonymous March 25, 2010 um 12:43 pm

Hi again
one more question
if i use puree de marrons and not creme de marrons do i need to add Sugar? if so how much?


Helene March 25, 2010 um 9:28 pm

Anonymous: yes, 175ml, thanks for catching that.
Regarding the sugar, that really is up to your taste and how sweet you like your desserts. With the milk chocolate mousse, I would not add too much sugar, maybe 2 tablespoons. Try with a small amount how you like it and increase as much or as little as you wish.


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