Dreamy Orange Charlotte Recipes

ORANGE CHARLOTTE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; let stand for 10 minutes.
• Add boiling water; stir until gelatin dissolves.
• Add juices, orange peel and 3/4 cup sugar.
• Set bowl in ice water until mixture is syrupy, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, whip cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• When gelatin mixture begins to thicken, fold in whipped cream.
• Lightly coat a 9-in. springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour mixture into pan; chill overnight.
• Just before serving, run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with oranges and cherries.

DREAMY ORANGE MOUSSE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring the orange juice to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile in a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar, the salt and yolks until smooth. Whisking constantly, add half of the reduced orange juice to the yolk mixture to temper. When it is all incorporated, return the tempered yolk mixture to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula to prevent the eggs from scrambling, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean bowl and whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, and the zest. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture and refrigerate until chilled through, at least 5 hours.
• Pour the heavy cream into a medium bowl, and add the vanilla and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed just until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes, being careful avoid over-beating. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled orange mixture. Pour that mixture into the remaining whipped cream and continue to fold until completely incorporated. Divide the mixture among six 3-ounce serving bowls or espresso cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, put the gingersnaps in a resealable plastic bag and smash gently with a rolling pin. Sprinkle on top of the mousse, and serve.

ORANGE CHARLOTTE RUSSE

Steps:

• 1. Line the inside edge of a 9-inch springform pan with split ladyfingers standing on end, like making a round fence. Sprinkle them with liqueur.
• 2. In the top of a double boiler, blend the gelatin and sugar.
• 3. To the contents of the double boiler, add the milk and egg yolks. Using a rotary beater, blend the mixture thoroughly. Over simmering water, cook the custard, stirring constantly, until it coats a metal spoon. Transfer it at once to a large mixture bowl.
• 4. Stir in the orange rind, juice, and orange juice concentrate (thawed). Chill mixture until it just begins to set, perhaps an hour. If you wait too long, it won't mix properly.
• 5. Fold in the whipped cream. Pour the mixture into the springform pan, taking care that the ladyfingers remain upright. Chill the Charlotte Russe for at least 6 hours, or until thoroughly set. Umold the dessert onto a chilled serving plate and offer it in wedges (as you would cut a cake). The Charlotte Russe may be embellished with candied orange zest, if desired.