Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that's part culinary art, part gourmet magic! These delicate brandy-infused baskets are not just a treat, but a stunning conversation piece that will elevate any dining experience. Imagine crisp, golden baskets delicately filled with vibrant, tangy cranberry sorbet - a perfect balance of sophisticated flavors that will transport your guests to a world of refined indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (for sorbet)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms.
- Gradually add brandy to the dough, kneading gently to incorporate the liquid evenly. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a clean, flat surface by lightly dusting with flour.
- Roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into small circles about 3 inches in diameter.
- Drape the dough circles over an inverted muffin tin or specialized basket molds, creating delicate basket shapes. Ensure the dough is stretched thin and evenly.
- Bake the baskets for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the cranberry sorbet, combine cranberry juice, water, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves completely.
- Cool the cranberry mixture, then transfer to an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer's instructions until smooth and frozen.
- If no ice cream maker is available, pour mixture into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- Once baskets are cooled and sorbet is prepared, carefully fill each basket with a scoop of cranberry sorbet.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh cranberries or mint leaves if desired.
Tips
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes ensures easier handling and helps create perfectly crisp baskets.
- Thin is In: Roll the dough very thin (about 1/8 inch) for the most delicate and crispy basket texture.
- Mold Matters: Use an inverted muffin tin or specialized basket molds to create uniform shapes.
- Sorbet Secrets: If you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry! Freezing and stirring the mixture every 30 minutes will still give you a smooth sorbet.
- Serve Immediately: These baskets are best served fresh and cold, so time your preparation to coincide with serving time.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cranberries or mint leaves can add a beautiful finishing touch to your dessert.
- Temperature Control: Let the baskets cool completely before adding sorbet to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
