Spirited Halo Halo
Tagalog for “mix-mix,” halo-halo is a traditional Filipino dessert that’s a party in a glass. The icy treat gets its name from a concoction of sweet ingredients in interesting flavours and textures topped with shaved ice and evaporated or condensed milk. If you don’t have a shaved ice maker, you can simply crush ice into a fine powder in your blender. Look for halo-halo ingredients in your local Asian market or online. Pair this recipe with Captain Morgan Mango Mai Tai.Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) small sago pearls
4 cups (1 L) water
1½ cups (375 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup (60 ml) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
2 mangoes, peeled, pitted and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 cup (250 ml) quartered or diced strawberries
⅓ cup (80 ml) drained palm seeds
4 tbsp (60 ml) Don Papa Rum, plus more if desired
4 to 6 cups (1 to 1.5 L) shaved ice
ube ice cream or pandan ice cream
leche flan (purchased), cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cook sago pearls in water according to package directions. Drain, then place warm in a medium bowl with coconut milk, stirring well to separate pearls. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. Coconut sago can be made up to this point and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, warm gently over low heat to bring to room temperature.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring jug, stir condensed milk and evaporated milk. Set aside.
- In 4 tall glasses, layer sago pearls, mango pieces, dragon fruit pieces, strawberries and palm seeds. Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient. Pour at least 1 tbsp (15 ml) Don Papa Rum into each glass. Add shaved ice to fill each glass, taking care to leave some room for toppings. Top ice with 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk mixture before topping everything off with a scoop or two of ice cream and some leche flan. Halo halo is best enjoyed right away.
Drink Pairings
Ube-Glazed Mochi Doughnuts
A delicious cultural mash-up, these fluffy Ube-Glazed Doughnuts have a pleasant chew and are dipped in a vibrant ube glaze. If you are looking for doughnuts in a hurry, skip the shaping and simply fry bite-sized balls before glazing. Pair this recipe with Ruffino Moscato D’asti or Baileys Almande Almond Beverage.Ingredients
Serves 8
2 cups (500 ml) sweet rice flour, divided
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, divided
½ cup (125 ml) tapioca starch
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
vegetable oil, for frying, plus more for shaping doughnuts
1½ cups (375 ml) icing sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) 2% milk
¼ to ½ tsp (1 to 2.5 ml) ube extract (available at Filipino grocery stores and online)
2 oz (60 g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Start by making mochi doughnuts. In a microwave-safe bowl, use a fork to stir ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet rice flour and ¼ cup (60 ml) milk. Microwave on high for 15-second intervals, stirring between cooking times, until a sticky dough forms, 30 to 45 seconds in total. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk remaining 1¾ cups (430 ml) rice flour, remaining ½ cup (125 ml) milk, tapioca starch, sugar, salt and baking powder. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg and melted butter. Set aside.
- To dry ingredient bowl, add cooled mochi dough and egg mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough comes together. Continue to knead dough in bowl until smooth and only slightly sticky. Dough should be able to hold its shape. Add a little more rice flour as needed.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan to come 2-in (5 cm) up sides. Fit saucepan with a deep-frying thermometer and heat oil over medium until thermometer registers 350 F (175 C).
- Cut a large piece of parchment into eight 4-in (10 cm) squares and set aside.
- To shape doughnuts, lightly oil your hands and divide dough into 8 equal portions. Working with 1 portion of dough at a time, divide portion into 8 pieces and roll into balls. Arrange 8 balls in a circle on a parchment square, making sure balls are touching. Transfer parchment with doughnut ring to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat rolling and shaping process to make 7 more doughnut rings.
- Working with 1 doughnut ring at a time, carefully pick up a parchment square and lower it, paper-side down, into oil. Fry for about 45 seconds, then carefully remove parchment with tongs and discard. Continue to fry doughnut until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Take care not to flip too early or doughnut may break apart. Carefully transfer to a rack and let cool. Repeat cooking process with remaining doughnuts.
- While doughnuts cool, make glaze. In a medium bowl wide enough to dip doughnuts into, whisk icing sugar, milk and desired amount of ube extract. Adjust consistency as desired with milk, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time.
- Dip tops of doughnuts in glaze, letting excess drip back into bowl, and return to rack. Let sit until glaze is set, about 15 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Drizzle over doughnuts and let white chocolate set for 15 minutes. Doughnuts are best eaten the same day they are made.
Drink Pairings
Matcha Coconut Crêpe Cake
This striking Matcha Coconut Crêpes Cake will be a welcome finale to any springtime meal. A captivating fusion of delicate crêpes and luscious coconut mascarpone cream, this delightful dessert offers layers of thin, green-tea-infused crêpes. Please take note to use coconut cream and not coconut milk in this recipe. Consider pairing this recipe with Choya Uji Green Tea Umeshu or Amarula Plant-Based Cream Like Liqueur.Ingredients
Serves 12
2⅔ cups (660 ml) whole milk
6 tbsp (90 ml) water
6 eggs
6 tbsp (90 ml) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
5 tsp (25 ml) vanilla extract, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) good-quality matcha powder, plus more for garnish coconut oil, for cooking crêpes
2 cups (500 ml) canned coconut cream (thick, creamy part only, no coconut water)
2 cups (500 ml) mascarpone
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar, plus more for whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
toasted coconut ribbons, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine milk, water, eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, sugar, 4 tsp (20 ml) vanilla and matcha powder and blend until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Transfer to a jug or mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- When ready to cook crêpes, remove batter from refrigerator and give it a light whisk. It should have consistency of whipping cream. If too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water to thin it out.
- Heat a 7-in (18 cm) non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. When warm, lightly grease with coconut oil, wiping off any excess with paper towel. Pour in enough batter to thinly coat bottom of pan, about 3 tbsp (45 ml). Tilt pan so entire bottom surface is coated with a thin layer of batter. Let cook for about 2 minutes. Crêpe is ready to flip when bubbles appear on surface and edges look dry. Flip with a spatula and cook for a further 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and cover with a tea towel. Repeat with remaining crêpe batter. You should end up with about 20 crêpes. Crêpes can be made ahead; just stack cooked crêpes between sheets of waxed paper and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- While crêpes cool, in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk coconut cream and mascarpone at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add icing sugar and remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla. Whisk until well combined, thick and creamy, another 1 to 2 minutes. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.
- To assemble cake, place first crêpe on a serving plate and spread about 1½ to 2 tbsp (22.5 to 30 ml) cream mixture into a thin layer before placing a second crêpe on top. Repeat, layering crêpes and cream and ending with a final crêpe on top, until all crêpes have been used up. Lightly cover with plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- When ready to serve, whip cream and 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) icing sugar until stiff peaks form. Dollop on top of cake, sprinkle with toasted coconut ribbons and finish with a dusting of matcha powder. Slice with a serrated knife and serve.
Drink Pairings
Beet & Currant Canapé
Beet and Currant Canapés make perfect for a delightful nosh. With guests assembling their bites from ingredients arranged on a serving platter, this recipe makes for an easy appetizer. Be sure to start this recipe at least one day ahead as the yogurt will need time to thicken into a creamy spread. Try pairing this recipe with Dirty Laundry Hush Rosé or Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois.Ingredients
Serves 15 canapés
1 cup (250 ml) full-fat plain yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared horseradish
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 large red beets
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
1 orange
6 tbsp (90 ml) dried currants
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
kosher salt, to taste
15 seeded crackers or rye crackers
fresh dill fronds, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with 3 layers of cheesecloth. Place strainer over a bowl, ensuring it does not touch bottom of bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt, horseradish and mustard. Pour mixture into lined strainer. Cover with plastic wrap and let strain in refrigerator for at least 5 hours and up to 12 hours.
- With oven rack in middle position, preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
- Place each beet on a piece of foil. Pour 1 tbsp (15 ml) water over each beet before sealing foil tightly and placing each parcel on a baking sheet. Bake until beets can be easily pierced with a knife, 40 to 55 minutes. Open packets and let beets cool at room temperature until they can be easily handled.
- Peel orange with a vegetable peeler to get thick strips of orange peel, taking care not to get too much white pith. Julienne peel strips and set aside. Juice peeled orange into a small saucepan.
- Bring orange juice to a boil over high heat. Stir in currants, then remove from heat and set aside to allow currants to cool to room temperature.
- Peel beets and dice small. Place in a medium bowl and add soaked currants (along with any extra orange juice in pan), julienned orange peel and nuts, if desired. Season with salt.
- When ready to serve, place strained yogurt in a serving bowl, beet and currant mixture in a second bowl, crackers in a third and dill fronds in a fourth. Let guests assemble their own canapé by spreading a little yogurt on a cracker, topping with beet and currant mixture and garnishing with a sprig or two of dill. Enjoy immediately.
Drink Pairings
Buttered Radish Tartine with Vanilla Sea Salt
Presenting a delightful twist on the classic, these Buttered Radish Tartines highlight the quality of each ingredient, given the simplicity of the small list. Opting for a higher-fat, European-style butter works particularly well as the sweetness harmonizes with the sharpness of the radishes. Pro tip: create homemade vanilla sugar, burying the leftover vanilla bean pod in a cup of granulated sugar and leave to infuse for a week. Try pairing this recipe with Bartier Bros. Rosé or Les Fleurs Du Mal Côtes De Gascogne.Ingredients
Serves 16 tartines
1 vanilla bean
½ cup (125 ml) fleur de sel or coarse grey sea salt
12 to 15 small round, red radishes
1¼ cups (310 ml) unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature
16 slices baguette, toasted
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean pod, scrape out and reserve seeds using tip of a paring knife. Reserve empty vanilla pod for another use.
- Pour salt into a medium bowl and add vanilla seeds. Using your fingertips, blend salt and vanilla seeds until seeds are well dispersed. Place in an airtight container and set aside at room temperature. Salt will keep indefinitely.
- Using a sharp paring knife, cut away roots and leafy tops from radishes, forming perfectly round spheres. Wash and thoroughly dry radishes.
- Place softened butter in a large bowl and use a rubber spatula to fold in radishes.
- Lightly oil a 3¼ × 5¾-in (2-cup/500 ml) mini loaf pan with vegetable oil and line with plastic wrap, allowing for at least 2-in (5 cm) overhang on all sides. Press and pull wrap as needed to eliminate air bubbles. Transfer radish butter to pan and spread it evenly to edges while packing it down firmly.
- Smooth top and tap pan on counter to remove any air bubbles. Wrap overhanging plastic wrap overtop butter and refrigerate until very firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
- When ready to serve, use plastic wrap to lift butter out of loaf pan and transfer to a work surface. Remove plastic wrap. Using a very sharp knife, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Any leftover butter can be wrapped in parchment and stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Place each slice of butter on a piece of toasted baguette and garnish with a sprinkling of vanilla sea salt. Serve and enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Nettle Soup with Leek Top Oil
If green were a flavour, it would taste like this soup– earthy and sweet with an herbaceous bite. Stinging nettles are the hero here, but any young and tender spring greens will be happy to take their place. To perfectly complement this soup, try pairing this recipe with Calliope Figure 8 White or Gray Monk Riesling.Ingredients
Serves 4 as a starter
LEEK OIL
7 oz (200 g) green leek tops, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
1 cup (250 ml) mild-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
NETTLE SOUP
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) tightly packed sliced leek whites
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium Russet potato (about 10½ oz/300 g), peeled and cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) dice
leek pulp reserved from Leek Oil recipe
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 bay leaves
½ tsp (2.5 ml) each salt and freshly ground black pepper
10½ oz (300 g) trimmed nettles or any combination of young spring greens (such as kale, mizuna, spinach or arugula) if nettles are out of season or unavailable
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To make Leek Oil, blanch leek tops in a saucepan of boiling, salted water for 60 seconds. Strain and pat dry, then transfer to a blender or food processor along with oil and salt. Pulse until mixture is almost smooth and turns a deeper green. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and allow to drain, undisturbed, for a few hours. For deepest leek flavour, refrigerate unstrained mixture overnight and strain the following day. Reserve pulp.
- To make Nettle Soup, place a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté leek whites, celery and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in potatoes and leek pulp and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in stock, cream, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Stir in nettles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until greens are wilted and vibrant.
- Remove from heat and blend with an immersion or high-speed blender. If using a high-speed blender, only fill bowl halfway and gently pulse a couple of times to release steam and avoid splashing hot liquid. Purée until smooth.
- Transfer to bowls and garnish with a drizzle of leek oil and sour cream, if desired.
- * Important: When handling raw nettles, always wear rubber or latex gloves and long sleeves. Nettles are safe to handle once they’ve been cooked or dried. When preparing nettles, discard lower portion and only use leaves from top 3-in (7.5 cm) of plant. When purchased online or at a farmer’s market, nettles are typically already prepared. It’s not recommended to forage for nettles yourself, as it’s easy to misidentify plants growing in the wild.
Drink Pairings
Honey Panna Cotta with Sakura Cherry Blossom Jelly
This Honey Panna Cotta Sakura Cherry Blossom recipe is an elegant ending to any meal. Panna cotta is as easy to make as it is delicious. While divine on its own with a tumble of fruit, the cherry blossom jelly topper adds a fun, whimsical touch. Try pairing this recipe with Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake or Bottega Il Vino Dell’amore Petalo Moscato.Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
¾ oz (22 g) unflavoured gelatin powder, divided
2¼ cups (560 ml) water, divided
3 cups (750 ml) whipping cream, divided
½ cup (125 ml) liquid honey
1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
18 to 24 pickled sakura cherry blossoms (available at specialty grocery stores or online)
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
4 fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- To make panna cotta, in a small bowl, sprinkle just under ½ oz (15 g) gelatin over ¼ cup (60 ml) water and let sit for 3 minutes to soften and hydrate.
- Transfer hydrated gelatin to a small saucepan along with ½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring often, until gelatin has dissolved completely. Take care with heat, as mixture should not come to a simmer.
- In a large bowl, whisk remaining 2½ cups (625 ml) whipping cream, buttermilk, sour cream and vanilla seeds. Using a rubber spatula, slowly stir warm gelatin mixture into buttermilk mixture until well incorporated.
- Divide mixture among 6 to 8 glasses of your choice, making sure to leave about 1-in (2.5 cm) of room at top of glasses. Place glasses on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, until panna cotta is set, 1 to 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, pick out 3 times as many pickled cherry blossoms as there are panna cottas. Place blossoms into a strainer and gently rinse under cold running water to remove excess salt. Place blossoms in a medium bowl and cover with fresh cold water. Set aside for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup (250 ml) water and the sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until just at a simmer and sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and add raspberries, crushing with back of a spoon to release their juice and turn mixture a light pink. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into bowl with bloomed gelatin mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until gelatin is dissolved.
- Remove panna cotta glasses from refrigerator and add 3 cherry blossoms to each glass. Gently pour pink gelatin liquid over back of a spoon onto each panna cotta to cover cherry blossoms. Return to refrigerator, uncovered, to let cherry blossom jelly set, 1 to 2 hours.
- To serve, garnish with a couple of fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Serve chilled.
Drink Pairings
Spiced Tiramisu
During the Holidays, you are likely to have some Baileys or Kahlua liqueur on hand. Here we take a classic dessert “Tiramisu” and insert some winter inspired flavours like cinnamon and nutmeg to make a super cozy and very easy dessert. Make a day or two ahead of time to lighten the load on those nights when you are entertaining the masses.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
6 egg yolks
1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 × 9.7 oz (275 g) tub mascarpone, room temperature
1¾ cups (430 ml) whipping cream
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
1 cup (250 ml) black coffee, cold
½ cup (125 ml) Kahlúa or Baileys (optional)
30 to 40 ladyfingers (Gioia brand works best)
¼ cup (60 ml) cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 2-in (5 cm) water to a boil. In a large metal bowl that fits on top of saucepan, combine egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. Whisk ingredients and place bowl directly over saucepan. Continuously mix egg mixture for 5 to 8 minutes, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add mascarpone to egg yolk mixture and stir to combine. Do not overmix, as it could curdle.
- In a separate large mixing bowl and using a handheld mixer, whip cream to form stiff peaks. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to cream and gently fold in egg yolk mixture to combine. Set aside in refrigerator and allow to cool completely.
- In a shallow bowl, mix coffee and Kahlúa. Briefly dip ladyfingers, 1 at a time, into coffee mixture and lay out evenly in a 9 × 12‑in (23 × 30 cm) casserole dish to cover base. Spoon half of the cold cream mixture evenly onto base layer of ladyfingers. Repeat another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of cream mixture, then place remaining cream layer on top. Using a spatula, flatten top of cream mixture so it is even. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Using a sieve, dust cocoa powder on top of tiramisu before serving.
Drink Pairings
Pear Streusel Pie
Indulge in the perfect twist on a classic holiday pie. Familiar flavours like graham crackers, cinnamon and pears come together to make a crunchy slightly sweet dessert to end a holiday meal. Best served warm alongside some ice-cream and or whipping cream. Try pairing this recipe with Saintly The Good Sparkling Rose or Bottega Moscato Petalo il Vino.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
1½ cups (375 ml) pecans
1½ cups (375 ml) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
½ cup (125 ml) butter, melted
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
6 medium pears (Red Anjou or Bosc), halved and cored
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
½ lemon, juice only
vanilla ice cream, to serve
CRUMB TOPPING:
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) butter, room temperature
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Spray with cooking spray a 9-in (23 cm) tart pan with removable base.
- In a food processor, blend pecans into small crumbs. Add graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, butter and salt and pulse to combine. Using your hands, press mixture into base and sides of tart pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and just set. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
- Thinly slice pears and place in a large mixing bowl. Add flour, granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Layer pears evenly on base of tart shell in a circular design.
- To make Crumb Topping, in a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt and cinnamon. Using a fork or your hands, mix to incorporate dry ingredients into butter. It should look a bit dry and crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly onto pears.
- Increase oven temperature to 375 F (190 C) and bake pie for 25 to 30 minutes, until pears are tender and topping is golden brown. Allow pie to cool before slicing and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drink Pairings
Chocolate Hazelnut Mille Feuille
Fererro Rocher chocolates have long been associated with the holidays. A mix of hazelnut and milk chocolate make them insanely irresistible. For this dessert, we have paired them with a similar flavour profile – Nutella buttercream! Add some beautiful puff pastry for a light but decadent showstopper of a dessert. Try pairing this recipe with Spicebox Chocolate Whisky and Carolans Irish Cream.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (1 L) icing sugar
¾ cup (180 ml) Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
⅓ cup + ¾ cup (260 ml) whipping cream, divided
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
1 sheet puff pastry (about 12 × 15‑in/30 × 38 cm), thawed
6 Ferrero Rocher chocolates
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) chopped roasted, unsalted hazelnuts
Instructions
- In a large metal bowl and using a handheld mixer, mix butter until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add icing sugar 1 cup (250 ml) at a time until entirely incorporated. Mixture may be a bit dry, but that’s okay. Add Nutella, vanilla, salt and ⅓ cup (80 ml) whipping cream. Continue to mix until buttercream is a light colour and has no lumps. Place into a large piping bag and set aside until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a small mixing bowl, beat egg and milk.
- Lay puff pastry onto a cutting board and cut into 3 equal rectangles about 5-in/12.5 cm wide. Using a pastry brush, brush top of pastry with a light layer of egg mixture.
- Place pastry onto a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool. (If pastries have puffed up unevenly, gently press down on them while still warm so they are more even.)
- Place 1 rectangle of pastry onto a flat serving plate. Pipe little dollops of Nutella buttercream around outside of pastry. Place 2 dollops in centre as well (this will help pastry from caving in with weight). Place a second layer of pastry on top and repeat previous step. Place final layer of pastry on top and decorate top with remaining buttercream. Place a chocolate on all four corners of cake as well as 2 in centre.
- Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat remaining ¾ cup (180 ml) cream until just about to simmer. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir to combine; it should be a smooth chocolate ganache. Drizzle desired amount of chocolate overtop cake and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
- To serve, use a serrated bread knife to cut into 1- to 2-in (2.5 to 5 cm) slices. Serve at room temperature (do not refrigerate).