Monday, November 1, 2010

The Bostini [I had posted this out-of- turn so here it is again]


Since I first came across The Bostini in "Rose's Heavenly Cakes", I have been captivated by the thought of the patisserie cream, fluffy orange chiffon muffins, and splendiferous chocolate glaze cascading down the cappuccino cup. How Italian, insouciant, and romantic, at a tiny marble table in the candlelit garden after dinner - I waxed enthusiastic. I thought Rose's rendition of the Boston Cream Pie would be even more decadent. And so I chose it to create for our Heavenly 'free week'. I thought of the history of the recipe so protected by it's creator that he required a contract from his restaurant, guarding his inception of it. All that being said - I had no doubt that anything named "The Bostini" would be great!
So, today, we approached the baking as usual, setting up four mis en places: One for the orange chiffon cupcakes; one for the patisserie cream; one for the chocolate butter glaze [chocolate and butter adornment. All the trays looked very neat and colorful on the table.
I went into the kitchen for a moment, leaving my camera on the tea cart since I planned to take a few pictures during activities. And when I passed back through the door into my workstation [which is more aptly the dining room table covered with a thick plastic cloth], I was met by sous chef, "Mercurious Sublimatus," the Baking Cat.


He was hard at work weighing and measuring.
The following work involved tasting and his
decision that whatever it was did not appeal
to him. Mostly, however, what didn't appeal to him was the realization that the Chef
was not only in the
house, but watching him!

Setting up!
Measuring!

Filtering!

I should taste it!



Ack!

Oops! Chef in the house ~~~~~~~

The Bostini is not actually difficult at all. One must put together the orange-zested batter by folding stiffly
beaten egg whites into it.


I use the large balloon whisk from J. Prince. The Lekue muffin pan works well with foil liners with the paper left in and sprayed with Baker's Joy.

You may see them rising nicely in the oven.
I had enough batter to make some Madeleines, that were exquisite. Light bites of faerie delicacies. The muffins, themselves, were light and airy with their fragrance of orange. They were beyond compare. It was hard to believe.

.
The patisserie cream was lovely with its vanilla pod and seeds.
Clearly, the Bostini is becoming more than the sum of it's parts. The little cappuccino cups are filled over half with the custard, covered with plastic, and placed into the fridge to chill.

Next the glaze - The chocolate Valrhona and butter are set to melt. Chocolate in a Lekue bowl over hot water and butter in a small pan, whisked together and cooled. I was pressed for time so I cooled the glaze in the fridge for a short time.
And last, but not least, the cups of patisserie cream emerge from the fridge to receive their muffin. Rose suggests they be placed upside-down for a cork-like effect to keep the cream from over flowing when the cake is eaten. Now to pour the chocolate over the tops, hoping they resemble the photograph of the gorgeous one in "Rose's Heavenly Cakes".

Of course, it didn't really matter because they were so marvelous and unique. The flavor and consistency beyond belief - How could one adequately describe how airy, filled with fragrance of orange,
this melt-in-the-mouth confection truly is? Is it possible?
Come and experience the essence of chiffon!




25 comments:

  1. Wow!! Looks really good Joan! I wasn't really sure if i like this when i saw it on the book cos it looks to me like milkshake but after reading your reviews, i think i might have changed my mind! I didn't expect it to be light but since you said it taste light and chiffony, i'm sold! I have to try this soon! Sounds really heavenly! And your cat is soo adorable!! LOL! Baking along with you.

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  2. Thanks, Faithy. Yes, It is outstanding, unique - a showstopper. And then when you bite into that super light orange chiffon muffin and the cream - wow! Thanks for coming by. see you soon. Curi sends his best.

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  3. I did not know we had this on the list of already made choices, because I really wanted to do this one too... but, nevertheless, love your write up and I'm totally in love with Curi! Smart cat that one.

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  4. I'm definitely looking forward to the group bake of this one--it looks wonderful!

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  5. Wow! This looks amazing. I wondered how difficult it might be to make. You've blazed the way.

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  6. Thanks for the kudos Monica, Nancy and Vicki. I didnt realize that our 'free week' meant we had to bake one that was already done. I just thought we were meant to choose any recipe from the RHC that we would like to bake. Sorry for the misunderstanding. At any rate, you will love it. Monica - easy peasy to make, nothing more than the pics I posted. Curi says prr.

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  7. ב''ה

    Great post! Where did you get those cups?

    Like your new profile pic. :)

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  8. My gosh, your bostinis look just like the ones in the book! I'll surely be referencing this post when we get around to baking these. Almost sad we aren't making them right now...

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  9. Thanks Mendy. I always love your posts. Amazon has the cappuccino cups, set of 4 for 13.95 + ship. However, eBay is selling four sets of the same thing: Set of 4 "Bermioli Rocco" 8 oz. for $9.95; $8.25; $19.00 and $7.99. You would be bidding, but since the cups are 4 sets offered you could probably get one set inexpensively. I got two sets for $4.99 ea. but that was a while back. I love mine.

    thx for liking avatar 'crowning glory' - ; )

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  10. Mendy - oops I misspelled "Bormioli" Rocco" - Verdi.

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  11. Evil Cake Lady - thanks a lot. They are really wonderful. I'm sure they will be scheduled for us sometime. They are not only delicious, but they are fun and showy - nice for a party.

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  12. Beautiful Bostini Joan! Looks just like the book.
    Curi is so cute, he looks like he's born to cook.

    My cats are very naughty too - I can't leave anything on the countertop. Though they're more sneaky - they know countertop is off limits so as soon as I enter the room, they jumped off.

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  13. Jenn - Thanks for the Bostini compliment. Aren't the cats just adorable. Each with his own presence. Our Echo was named after his forebear, Philemon, and our Spirit after him also. And then a year later, this scamp Mercurious - aptly named even before we got him. Wow - talk about intuition. Between them and trying to learn to bake, I am happy occupied. >'.'<

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  14. I'm afraid my cat would be up for adoption if she ever pulled such a stunt, but I enjoyed reading about it happening in your kitchen ;).

    Great job with your bostinis - they look absolutely perfect!

    :)
    ButterYum

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  15. Patricia - LOL- definitely he is a scamp.
    Thanks for the kudo from my mentor.

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  16. Oh my! Just found your blog and I love it!!! Tonight I just made Chocolate Torte from Rose's first book-Cake Bible! I'm gonna try it tomorrow ;)

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  17. Hi Kathleen - Welcome and thanks for the compliment, and for stopping by. I haven't made the chocolate torte, but I've never tasted a Rose cake that wasn't heavenly! You may want to acquire her newest book, 'Rose's Heavenly Cakes', for some more fabulous ones. Have fun.

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  18. I'm glad you reposted. I forgot about making Madelines.

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  19. They were heavenly. I froze some of the muffins and made it again. I think it really is a show stopper and not something normally served.

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  20. I'm glad you reposted..cos i've forgotten you've made it before and even commented on it before.. but when i saw the photos of your cat helping you out, i remembered! LOL! I've got a terrible memory..except when it comes to cute stuff..hahaha..such as your little cat. :)

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  21. Oh patient you. Look at your kitty ...precious little thing! These bostinies are far too indulgent...wow! I love the way you contructed them! Mmmm

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  22. Thanks Vicki, Faithy, Lois, and Deeba for stopping by and being so supportive. curi says prr.
    I am going to SD tomorrow for daughter's 50th surprise party where I will be making the WLLLC. Wish me luck! Fortunately, or not, I will have no sous chef.

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  23. Wow - divine!!!!!! I love your little helper. So cute! Oh, thanks for the most thoughtful and kind compliment. You made me blush.

    :)
    ButterYum
    PS - Your Bostini could be the photo in the book!!!!

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  24. Wow, it looks just like the picture in the book. Beautiful. I have to put this on my "todo" list.

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