Christmas Dessert Recipes

Chocolate Pecan Pie uses a very easy, make ahead recipe we think you’ll do from now on.

White Chocolate Cookie Cake - kinda says it all, don’t you think? Another embarrassingly easy triumph.

Eclair Casserole Dessert with or without chocolate is so fun, make ahead and attack with spoon in hand!

This new classic offers an easy way to get a consistent, perfect pecan pie every time. Now add the chocolate, and both taste and presentation get to a new level.

TIP: Go outside the box and use walnuts instead of pecans. Yummm!

Portions/Servings

This recipe will feed 8 people, and will easily double or more. Read about Party Food Quantities and how to plan for the right amounts.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Shopping List
for 8 People:

___2 cups white sugar

___1/4 cup dark corn syrup

___1/4 cup butter

___1 tablespoon water

___3 eggs

___1 teaspoon vanilla

___1/4 teaspoon salt

___1 - 6 ounce package of chopped pecan (cheap is fine)

___1 handful of whole pecans, for decoration (optional)

___1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - good quality

___1 - pre-made or home made pie shell

Procedure:

The Day Before the Party:

Combine the first five ingredients in a saucepan and heat on the stove. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Set aside for a bit.

TIP: Not long ago, we did 125 of these pies. Because of time constraints and other gigs, we needed to do the prep ahead. So we made the syrup described above and froze it, then thawed it later and carried on with the recipe.

For large quantity tips and ideas, use Ask a Caterer. It’s free!

Allow it to cool down for 30 minutes or so, giving it a good stir from time to time.

In another bowl, combine the eggs, salt, vanilla and pecans. Beat the eggs very well. After the syrup has cooled for 30 minutes or so, slowly pour the syrup into the egg mix, stirring as you go.

Give that a good mixing, and then pour into an unbaked pie shell.

Lay some whole pecans on the top, if you got them.

Spread the chocolate chips on top.

Bake in a preheated 350°f oven for 50 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. When baked, the chocolate will bake in-between the nuts, making a nice looking, delicious pie. No need to sit and arrange pecans to form a pattern, or worry about presentation.

Presentation: Your Eyes Eat First

We like to let this pie rest overnight, then carefully cut and proudly serve.

Leftovers:

You can refrigerate this pie, and it freezes well too.

But we’re not thinking you’ll have too many leftovers...!

Cookie or cake? - we’re not sure. Chocolate? - we’re very sure! These are totally easy to do, best to make ahead, and the nicest cookie taste you’ll find at any expensive bakery.

Portions/Servings

This recipe will feed 12 people, and will easily double or more. Read about Party Food Quantities and how to plan for the right amounts.

White Chocolate Cookie Cake
Shopping List for 12 People:(figure 2 cookies per person)

___1 - Dunkin Heinz White Cake Mix, 18.25 ounce size.

___2 eggs

___1/4 cup veggie or peanut oil

___1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Procedure:

The Day Before the Party:

Beat the eggs first, and add the mix and oil. Mix well. Then the chip - stir around a few times. All done.

Make 1” dough balls. Put 12 on a baking sheet you sprayed with veggie oil.

Into your pre-heated 350°f oven for not more than ten minutes. Use the upper shelf of your oven.

That’s it! Way too simple to be this good.

This started out as a comfort food for our kids, and one thing let to another. Now we serve it at functions like you wouldn’t believe. But it’s still a family favorite our Holidays can do without.

Portions/Servings

This recipe will feed 12 people, or more. Read about Party Food Quantities and how to plan for the right amounts.

Chocolate Eclair Casserole
Shopping List for 12 People:

___1 box of graham crackers

___2 packs of instant vanilla pudding

___1 quart heavy whipping cream

___1 teaspoon white sugar

___1 teaspoon vanilla

___1 pack pre-made or home made chocolate frosting

Procedure:

The Day Before the Party:

Make up the vanilla pudding according to box directions.

Spray the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13” pan and start with a layer of graham crackers.

Snap as many as you need to make sure the bottom is covered.

Start with a layer of vanilla pudding.

With your electric mixer, whip up the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla. Cover the pudding with cream, then add a layer of crackers.

Chocolate goes on the crackers.

More pudding...

More cream - and then repeat the process.

We finish with a layer of cream. The eclair should be 2 inches thick or so.
Refrigerate overnight.

Presentation: Your Eyes Eat First

We used glass so you can see some of the layers.

Take some time when serving. Wipe your knife and utensils after each cut. Or, serve it in the dish with a bunch of spoons (like we do)! OMG... - what till you taste this!

Leftovers:

Back to the fridge for a good midnight raid!

How about some Desserts?

Check out some Appetizers!

Ready for some Dinner and Entrée ideas?