Decadent Chocolate Cream Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients and Preparation

Cake Base

• Butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
• Powdered Sugar: 1 1/4 cups
• Eggs: 2 (well-beaten)
• Wine: 2 tablespoons
• Milk: 1/2 cup
• Sifted Flour: 1 1/2 cups
• Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons

Cream Filling

• Milk: 1/2 pint
• Egg Yolks: 2
• Powdered Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Flour: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1/6 teaspoon
• Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Topping

• Egg Whites: 2
• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Chocolate: 1 ounce (Walter Baker & Co.'s Premium No. 1 Chocolate recommended)
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Boiling Water: 1 tablespoon
• Cream or Milk: 3 tablespoons

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Wine: Incorporate two well-beaten eggs and two tablespoons of wine into the mixture.
3. Mix in Milk and Flour: Gradually add 1/2 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of sifted flour mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Stir until well combined.
4. Bake: Divide the batter into four well-buttered, deep tin plates. Bake in a moderate oven (350°F or 175°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 2: Making the Cream Filling

1. Heat the Milk: Pour 1/2 pint of milk into a double boiler and place it over medium heat.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the yolks of two eggs, three tablespoons of powdered sugar, and one tablespoon of flour.
3. Combine and Cook: Stir the egg mixture into the boiling milk, beating well. Add 1/6 teaspoon of salt and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3: Assembling the Pies

1. Layer the Cakes and Cream: Place two of the baked cakes on large plates. Spread the prepared cream filling evenly over them. Top with the remaining two cakes.

Step 4: Preparing the Topping

1. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the whites of two eggs until stiff peaks form. Gradually add one cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Shave one ounce of chocolate and place it in a small pan with two tablespoons of sugar and one tablespoon of boiling water. Stir over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
3. Combine and Spread: Add three tablespoons of cream or milk to the melted chocolate mixture. Fold this into the beaten egg whites and sugar. Spread the chocolate topping over the assembled pies.

Step 5: Final Touch

1. Set and Serve: Allow the pies to set for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Chocolate Consumption: The average American consumes approximately 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year (source: Statista).
• Baking Powder History: Baking powder was first introduced in the 1840s and revolutionized baking by providing a reliable leavening agent (source: Smithsonian Magazine).
• Vanilla Extract: Madagascar produces about 80% of the world's vanilla, making it the largest producer globally (source: Vanilla Queen).

Conclusion

Creating a decadent chocolate cream pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that combines rich flavors and delightful textures. By following this detailed recipe, you can craft a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also showcases your baking skills. Enjoy this treat with loved ones and savor every bite!

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