Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Chocolate with Francois - Chocolate Cannelé

This month's Chocolate with Francois recipe is chocolate cannelé, chosen by Sarah of Teapots and Cake Stands. I had never had a cannelé, so I didn't know what to expect. The instructions were unlike anything I've ever made, but the preparation was easy. Heated milk and butter are used to melt a few ounces of chocolate, then added with eggs to flour, sugar and cocoa. The recipe called for rum, but I replaced it with apple juice.

The mixture is strained and refrigerated overnight, then poured into special molds (or in my case,  silicone muffin molds), rested for 30 minutes and then baked. While baking, the cannelés bubble up around the edges, almost like they are boiling. They are done when the outsides are crisp and the top springs back when pressed lightly. Easy, huh?

Like I said, I had no idea what to expect from these. I waited until they cooled a little to sample one. The outside was crunchy and the inside was custardy. I think they could have baked a couple of minutes less, which I will do the next time I make these. And there will be a next time...they were fantastic! My co-workers LOVED them, and they were really very easy to make.

If you'd like the recipe, Sarah will have it here. And if you'd like to join us in baking our way through Chocolate Epiphany by Francois Payard, you can find out how here.

10 comments:

Julie said...

Mine were a FAIL but I think that's because they were overbaked. How long did you bake yours?

Unknown said...

so glad they turned out great for you! thanks for baking along with me this month :)

spike. said...

They look great. I've never made canneles before- looks like a must try!

Linda said...

Yes! I will make these again too! Maybe with some berries and cream!

Mags @ the Other Side of 50 said...

Great job.... they look delicious!

Katrina said...

Those look really good!

Diana's Cocina said...

I've never made canneles before. I will have to give it a try. They look wonderful!

Mimi said...

I have never made cannele. thy sound delicious and are must try.
Mimi

Amanda said...

How cool! Never heard of those either :) Happy Easter!

Liz said...

YUM! I need another baking group like I need a hole in the head, but I am seriously tempted to join you guys. Chocolate + Payard = amazing.