New Delhi [India], December 4: This Christmas, elevate your festive table with two indulgent creations by celebrated baker Chef Shivesh Bhatia, crafted in collaboration with American Pistachio Growers. Known for blending classic flavours with gourmet twists, Chef Shivesh presents two irresistible recipes starring premium California pistachios—perfect for gifting, hosting, or simply celebrating the season’s sweetness.
Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake
Ingredients
1 tbsp butter
1 cup kunafa dough
2 cups pistachios
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp icing sugar
For assembly
2 layers of chocolate sponge
Chocolate glaze
Instructions
Set a non-stick pan on medium heat and add butter to it.
Once the butter has melted, add the kunafa dough and roast till it becomes golden brown. Set it aside.
To make the pistachio paste, add California pistachios in a blender jar along with oil and icing sugar.
Pulse the entire mixture at regular intervals of about 1 minute until the pistachios start releasing some oil and turn into a paste.
Combine this pistachio paste with the roasted kunafa to make the filling for the cake.
To assemble the cake, place a layer of chocolate sponge on a stand or turn table.
Spread the pistachio kunafa filling generously over the cake layer and sandwich it with another chocolate sponge.
Now tightly wrap an acetate sheet around the assembled cake. Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake and pull the acetate sheet up to let the glaze drip down from all sides.
Chocolate and Pistachio Bars
Ingredients
15 dates, deseeded
Hot water, for soaking dates
1 cup oats
1 cup pistachios
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp water
1 cup (175g) dark chocolate, melted
1 tbsp oil
Instructions
In a bowl, add the dates and soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.
Take a blender jar, add oats and pistachios. Blend it together until a coarse texture is achieved. Now, add soaked dates, cocoa powder and water in this mixture and blend again until it's nicely combined.
Take small portions of the mixture and press them in sections of a rectangular silicone tray.
Ensure that you press the mixture firmly into each section, shaping it to fit the mould.
Place the silicone mould in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes or until the mixture sets and holds its shape.
Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate and oil together in the microwave.
Once set, carefully remove the bars from the silicone mould and dip them in melted dark chocolate.
Garnish with silver leaf and pistachio halves.
This Christmas, let the vibrant flavour and natural richness of American pistachios add warmth, colour, and festive flair to your celebrations. Enjoy these creations with family and friends as you make the season truly delicious.
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