Author: gem

Brazo de Mercedes Pie

Brazo de Mercedes Pie

Cupcake, cake, roll…hmmm, let’s make some PIE + Skyflakes. Yes, Skyflakes buttery crust! You’re going to love it! Brazo de Mercedes is a traditional Filipino dessert made by rolling the meringue with rich custard filling. Today, I’ll share my Brazo de Mercedes Pie recipe using 

Chicken Spinach Meatballs with Creamy Sauce

Chicken Spinach Meatballs with Creamy Sauce

Get your warm rice or crispy sweet potato fries ready because your new favorite chicken dish is here! These chicken meatballs with creamy sauce recipe are so flavorful! I used beef broth instead of chicken and the result is amazing! So, keep in mind, when 

Black Forest Puff Pastry

Black Forest Puff Pastry

I’ve been wanting to make this black forest puff pastry recipe for quite some time now. I have envisioned it in my head in multiple occasions. So, last week I made attempts, 2 actually, I’ve tweaked and swapped ingredients to please my unsatisfied vexed palate. At long last, I figured it out on my third and final attempt. Truly, third time is a charm. 

Look at that cake! This is the legendary black forest cake. A lavish dessert composed of multiple layers of soft sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries on top. Some may say, it originated in Germany in the early 1900s, but some historians claimed that it all started in the land of cows, Switzerland. Wherever it is,  it’s undeniably one of the most popular and beloved cake around the globe. 

Okay, blogging this recipe has triggered childhood memories, so let me do some reminiscing here…a skinny, “kayumanggi”, black long hair with bangs girl from the Philippines would drool all over this in an instant. At a young age, she recognized that not every girl would be fortunate to have it.  As this is more for people with opulent lifestyle. This little Filipina girl would continue to stare eagerly and wait for someone to say it’s time to devour it. She was shy then but she wouldn’t hesitate to just even have one bite. After all, the excitement builds up intensely, sky-high, as she only got a glimpse of this lovely cake on special occasions (i.e. New Years Eve). She is actually me, just in case I lost you there. 

The ultimate secret for a delicious black forest dessert that can be made spontaneously is by using puff pastry. And yes, I cheated. I used a ready made one from the grocery store, but this is not unusual. It’s very well acceptable. Trust me, even pro-chefs would recommend it. 

Just trying to convince you once more that this recipe is a keeper! 

Black Forest Puff Pastry

Easy and gratifying black forest dessert made with puff pastry recipe. Such a delicious spontaneous dessert that I'm sure will make everyone feel happy in an instant.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, German, Swiss
Keyword: black forest, black forest cake, black forest pastry, pastry dessert, Puff pastry
Servings: 6 people
Author: Dhin

Ingredients

  • 100 g dark chocolate 64%
  • 1/2 tsp coffee powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp hot water for coffee
  • 1 tbsp hot water or rhum
  • 3 tbsp black cherry jam
  • 1 25 x 42 cm puff pastry sheet
  • 1 egg yolk

Whipped Cream

  • 250 ml cream full fat
  • 125 g mascarpone
  • 2-3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp bourbon vanilla optional

Toppings

  • dark chocolate shavings
  • Lindt extra thin chocolate squares
  • cherries

Instructions

  • Read helpful tips below.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F / 175°C
  • Melt chocolate over a ban-marie.
  • Dissolve coffee powder in hot water.
  • Add coffee. Mix.
  • Add 1 tbsp hot water or rhum.
  • Stir until chocolate thickens.
  • Set aside.
  • Flour surface.
  • Roll out puff pastry.
  • Fold in half. Mark top and bottom. Unfold.
  • Spread chocolate on half of the pastry sheet.
  • Spread cherry jam on top of chocolate.
  • Cover with the other half of pastry.
  • Seal edges with your thumb.
  • Brush top with beaten egg yolk.
  • Using a pizza cutter, slice in 6 portions.
  • Grab both ends, twist pastry 3-5 times.
  • Roll towards right until it forms like a flower.
  • Tuck the pastry end.
  • Place pastry on parchment paper.
  • Repeat x 5. ( Roll as fast as you can so the chocolate filling doesn't get too hard)
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  • Cool down.
  • Remove excess cherry jam on the sides.

Homemade whipped cream

  • Whisk cream with sugar until soft peak.
  • Add soften mascarpone.
  • Add vanilla.
  • Transfer in a piping bag with piping tip of choice. ( I used a large star tip)

Toppings

  • Pipe some fresh whipped cream on top of pastry.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, make chocolate shavings.
  • Add cherries.
  • Serve and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Tips:
  • For better tasting chocolate spread, add coffee. 
  • For more intense flavor, add rhum instead of hot water. 
  • Feel free to use Nutella or any choco spread as a substitute.
  • Work with cold puff pastry. It's easier to handle. 
  • Roll into flower shapes as fast as you can. Chocolate hardens when it's been sitting room temperature for a while. 
  • Use a high quality cherry jam. I prefer ones with whole cherries in it. 
  • You can use other fruit jam if you wish. 
  • Be generous with toppings! More is merrier! Whipped cream! Chocolate shavings! Cherries on top! 
  • Serve fresh and immediately. 
  • Finally, if you're a visual person like me, watch the step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube. 

WATCH The How to Make Black Forest with Puff Pastry Recipe Step-By-Step Video Tutorial:

Thank You For Stopping By 💗
Hi and welcome to Gem Framboise!
My name is Dhin. I'm delighted that you are here to join me in cooking delicious food and baking adorable pastries. Working in the kitchen became my therapy when the pandemic struck all of us. Join me on my journey, one bite at a time.

Follow and Tag Me Here: I’m curious how well yours turned out.

How to Dye Easter Eggs with Vegetables

How to Dye Easter Eggs with Vegetables

Easter 2022: Look how pretty these Easter eggs turn out. I’m really amazed how vegetables magically transform simple white egg shells into delicate light-toned Easter eggs embellished with flower and herb designs.  Easter 2021: I remember spending the holiday in Hotel Bären in Wengen with 

Flawless Flourless Chocolate Soufflé

Flawless Flourless Chocolate Soufflé

What is a perfect chocolate soufflé for you? For me, I like mine flourless pretty tall crackless top delicious with custardy center, served warm with melty Movenpick meringue ice cream, top with Fribourgeoise meringue bits.  Sounds like a dream. But, no, no, no…it’s really happening. This. 

Soft and Chewy 2-Ingredient Gluten Free Cookie Dough

Soft and Chewy 2-Ingredient Gluten Free Cookie Dough

No Flour, No Butter, No Corn, No Oil, No Gluten….just making the best cookie dessert bites that you can eat without guilt. This super easy gluten free cookie dough recipe just need 2 ingredients: Nut Flour of Choice + Maple Syrup! Yup! That’s it!! and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!

Why no wheat? A wheat-free diet has a lot of health benefits. It changes gut microbiome that makes your body less bloated. High intake of wheat also leads to sugar spikes and light migraines. There are also studies show that wheat can cause and exacerbate inflammation. Convince enough? Well, based on my own personal experience, eliminating wheat from time to time has helped me feel good about myself a.k.a less cranky mood!! I bet you want that. 

Why Go Nuts?! Part 1 and yeah, I mean it literally! Okay, but first, for full disclosure, I’m not saying don’t eat wheat at all. I’m not a full pledged anti-wheat person. I just can’t. (I love my monay (Philippine milk bread), challah (Jewish bread), and my pastries way too much!! Eliminating all of them completely from my existence will crush me into pieces!-dead serious -lol ) Anyhow, I believe everything in moderation is accept–able. We have to live life and eating delightful flaky butter croissants occasionally in the morning is not gonna hurt. I promise you. It won’t. Unless, you have a condition that strictly prohibits you from having wheat, it is perfectly fine. 

Why Go Nuts?! Part 2 so here’s the straight to the point and my top 4 reasons why we have to consider eating more nuts and eat less wheat. First, it’s loaded with antioxidants which reduces body’s inflammation. Second, they’re full of essential vitamins and minerals. Third, it’s high in beneficial fiber for gut health. Fourth, it may lower bad cholesterol that keeps your heart happy. Just look at the picture of the hamster above, his eyes say let’s go nuts and make some delicious gluten free cookies!! 

Soft and Chewy 2-Ingredient Gluten Free Cookie Dough

Let's go nuts and eat these soft and chewy cookies without guilt. Easy to make and just need 2 ingredients: nut flour + maple syrup! Healthy cookies for you and your family.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Almond Flour, cashew, hazelnut, maple syrup, nut flour, nuts, peanuts, walnuts
Servings: 4 people
Author: Dhin

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nut flour of choice organic
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup organic + grade A
  • 1 egg
  • water a little bit

Special Toppings Ideas

  • praline Rose
  • chocolate covered hazelnuts
  • coffee beans + salted caramel
  • raw cashews
  • raspberry jam + powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F / 175 °C.
  • In a food processor, add raw whole nuts. (Skip if you have store bought nut flour available at home)
  • Press pulse one at a time until smooth floury texture is achieved. Do not over pulse.
  • Transfer into a bowl.
  • Add maple syrup.
  • Mix well.
  • Form into a large ball. Set aside.
  • Scoop 1/2 tbsp of the cookie dough.
  • Form into small balls in a circular motion with your fingers.
  • Flatten top and bottom. It should be at least 1 cm thick.
  • Place in a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Poke top with fork twice.
  • Make egg wash (beat egg + a little bit of water).
  • Brush each cookie with egg wash.
  • Place raw nuts on top.
  • Brush again with egg wash.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  • Decorate the rest of cookies with your favorite toppings.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

TIPS:
  • buy organic raw nuts/flour
  • use organic maple syrup that is grade A -it's a little sweeter and lighter in color than B.
  • depending on your nut flour texture, use 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup
  • be patient and keep mixing the 2 ingredients until you can form it into a large ball
  • if using food processor, pulse nuts one at a time. If you over pulse, it will turn liquidy like butter texture. 
  • don't forget to add your favorite toppings
  • it will stay soft and chewy for only a few days so eat it ASAP.
  • finally, if you're a visual person like me, watch the step-by-step youtube video tutorial below. 

WATCH The Gluten Free Cookie Dough Recipe Step-By-Step Video Tutorial:

Thank You For Stopping By 💗
Hi and welcome to Gem Framboise!
My name is Dhin. I'm delighted that you are here to join me in cooking delicious food and baking adorable pastries. Working in the kitchen became my therapy when the pandemic struck all of us. Join me on my journey, one bite at a time.

Follow and Tag Me Here: I’m curious how well yours turned out.

Dark Chocolate Covered Oranges + French Orangettes 🍊

Dark Chocolate Covered Oranges + French Orangettes 🍊

Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Oui, je suis là! Oooh, la la! Just channeling the “petit côte français en moi”. Please excuse my French. It’s still a working progress. You’re probably scratching your head with my uncanny introduction, but this is the most suitable for our recipe 

Sticky Crunchy Glutinous Rice Flour Cake (Mochi + Matcha + Almond Crunch)

Sticky Crunchy Glutinous Rice Flour Cake (Mochi + Matcha + Almond Crunch)

There are so many varieties of rice cakes in the world. Growing up in the Philippines where the sight of rice is inescapable, I’ve always maintain my love for rice desserts. I witnessed the meticulous process of making it and I would say it took forever! 

Healthy Salmon Poke Bowl with Quinoa + Papaya Balls

Healthy Salmon Poke Bowl with Quinoa + Papaya Balls

What is that one dish that you will eat everyday without getting tired or bored with it? Hmm, so many delicious options! But, let me help you make up your mind (where’s my magic wand?…oh, here it is…*waving, waving, waving…third time’s is a charm*) Voila! Exceptionally healthy and packed with wondrous flavor: The Salmon Poke Bowl with Quinoa and Papaya Balls. (what a drooly title?!) 

Aloha in Switzerland. Poke (“cut into pieces”) bowls were born in Hawaii and now one of the most desirable dish around the world due to its impeccable health benefits.  Just the raw fish alone, it gives you a whopping dose of omega 3 fatty acids that lowers your body’s response to inflammation and improves your heart health. So, making this highly customizable bowl in a landlocked country where fresh seafood is limited is simply not an exception. Who’s on board? 

So, you decided to make one hella poke bowl in Switzerland, I recommend you buy salmon sushi grade, the Froya brand available in Coop supermarket. Raw tuna is also good but this is the safest raw fish you can buy here, in my opinion. I’ve enjoyed and never got sick making poke bowls with Froya. So, pay attention to the raw fish you are using. It’s very important. Finally, don’t skip fresh ginger and wasabi. It helps kill bacteria in raw fish. 

Topping ideas are endless! Go ahead and google search poke bowls to be inspired. Must try papaya balls! Just worth mentioning though, the traditional poke bowl I had in Hawaii, four years ago, had no toppings. It was just a mound of brown rice plus the freshly marinade ahi tuna. I found the photo of my first poke bowl offering it to the famous beach of Waikiki. Clearly an unforgettable hawaiian dish pour moi.

Healthy Salmon Poke Bowl with Quinoa and Papaya Balls

Refreshingly easy healthy hawaiian inspired dish with quinoa and tasty toppings.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time45 mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Keyword: hawaiian dish, papaya, poke, poke bowl, salmon, salmon bowl
Servings: 4 people
Author: Dhin of gemframboise.com

Ingredients

  • 180 g salmon sushi grade Froya from coop supermarket
  • 1/2 thumbsize fresh ginger
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 tbsp tamari adjust if using regular soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (italian) adjust if using sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp organic honey
  • 1/4 tsp wasabi paste
  • ~8 dashes mirin seasoning
  • fresh green onions
  • himalayan pink salt

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp kewpie japanese mayo
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 1/2 tbsp organic honey
  • black pepper

Toppings

  • papaya balls
  • surimi or crab sticks
  • bonito flakes
  • edamame
  • wakame salad
  • black and white sesame seeds

Quinoa

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • himalayan pink salt

Instructions

  • Read helpful tips below before cooking.
  • Sharpen your knife.
  • Slice or cube raw fish and place it in a medium bowl.
  • Peel and finely chop ginger. Sprinkle on top of raw fish.
  • Peel and finely chop onion. Add it in the bowl.
  • Add tamari, extra virgin olive oil, honey, wasabi, mirin, salt, and green onions.
  • Mix gently together with a spoon.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa twice with water.
  • Combine water, extra virgin olive oil and pink salt. Mix.
  • Add water mixture to quinoa.
  • Cook uncovered in high heat until water boils.
  • Once water is boiling, cover and lower heat to low setting.
  • Cook for 15 minutes. *Cover with lid.
  • Fluff with spoon and set aside.

Toppings

  • Slice papaya in half. Remove seeds.
  • Using a melon scooper, scoop papaya and turn the scooper 360° to form a ball.
  • Using fingers or a knife, finely shred surimi sticks.
  • Add the rest of the toppings on top of quinoa.
  • Serve the same day!

Notes

TIPS:
  • sharpen your knife before slicing raw fish.
  • make sure you're buying the best quality raw fish in your area.
  • don't skip fresh ginger and wasabi. It helps kill bacteria in your raw fish. 
  • refrigerate raw fish + sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes. 
  • feel free to use any toppings you like
  • you can use lemon for the sauce, but it'll cook your salmon, i mean it'll have brownish/greyish like a ceviche color after (I'm going for a fresher look)
  • you can easily swap quinoa for rice. 
  • serve sauce on the side
  • papaya balls are highly recommended as one of the toppings. It taste refreshingly good!
  • consume the same day. No exception. Better be safe than sorry. 
  • make sure you're using honey that you like. I prefer honey that came from bees that consumed flowers or herbs. 
  • yes, you can use sesame oil and regular soy sauce
  • yes, you can make this with raw tuna fish or cooked tofu
  • yes, you can use sugar instead of honey
  • Finally, if you're a visual person like me, watch the step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube. 

WATCH The Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe Step-By-Step Video Tutorial:

Thank You For Stopping By 💗
Hi and welcome to Gem Framboise!
My name is Dhin. I'm delighted that you are here to join me in cooking delicious food and baking adorable pastries. Working in the kitchen became my therapy when the pandemic struck all of us. Join me on my journey, one bite at a time.

Follow and Tag Me Here: I’m curious how well yours turned out.

2 Ingredient Pie Crust: The Apple Biscoff Pie

2 Ingredient Pie Crust: The Apple Biscoff Pie

Is it just me? I see apples all year round, but when the leaves start changing its colors and end up dancing all over the streets like nobody is watching, I get this craving more than usual for apples. I guess, it must be Autumn.  We’re