Today aboard VIAGGIO we had a special treat…bears! We have seen a fair amount of bears through out the season but today was different. Today we took the tender up a little river in Our anchorage and actually got to hang out in the river while the bears fished for salmon! It was pretty amazing to watch the bears frolic in the water, chasing fish and playing with each other. Our best guess was that it was a pair of juveniles that were on their own for the first time. They were not the best fishermen, but they seemed to be having a good time. We ended up watching the bears for a good hour or so and only called it quits due to the outgoing tide that was threatening to beach us! I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to watch the bears but the hour lost meant I needed a quick, impromptu dessert. Fortunately enough I almost always have puff pastry in the freezer so I decided to whip up some chocolate-hazelnut pastries!
These can be prepped, ready to go into the oven in less than 10 minutes, and only take about 15 minutes to bake so they are perfect for last minute company or for those days you don’t want to miss out on the pre-dinner activities! I served these tonight with vanilla poached pears and vanilla ice cream to please the kids but have geared it more towards adults in the past by serving it with espresso milkshakes. Use your imagination, I’m thinking next time might be with bruleed bananas!
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups toasted hazelnuts (skins removed- I remove the bulk of the skins a small amount won’t hurt anything)
1 cup chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate (I prefer a semi sweet or a darker chocolate rather than milk chocolate)
1/2 cup your favorite nut butter (or Nutella) I used almond butter
1 sheet of puff pastry thawed
Small amount of flour for the work surface
METHOD:
1. In a food processor pulse the hazelnuts and chocolate until well chopped
2. Add the nut butter and mix until well combined into a paste.
3. place the puff pastry onto a lightly floured work space
4. Spread the nut-chocolate mixture on top of the pastry
5. Roll up pastry length wise to create a log.
6. Cut into the desired size ( I cut them about 2″ wide)
7. Place on parchment paper cut side down.
8. Bake in an oven preheated to 400 until golden brown. Approx 15 minutes
This is a quick and easy dessert that is sure to impress!
About Chef Alisa:
Viaggio Charter is excited to introduce Chef Alisa Jestel, the newest member of the Viaggio team! Chef Tristin was offered an exciting land based opportunity in Seattle that was too good to pass up. With Tristin moving ashore, Captain Trig found himself in need of a new chef so he turned to his long time friend and prior co-worker Alisa.
Alisa has been cooking professionally around the Seattle area for the past fifteen years, the last six of which have been spent aboard a variety of luxury yachts cruising the Pacific Northwest! Alisa thrives on the abundance of local products available in the area and enjoys creating memorable dining experiences at every opportunity! She customizes each and every meal to the individual needs of VIAGGIO’s guests, and loves taking time to share her passion and knowledge for food with anyone that is interested. Alisa has been known for giving impromptu cooking classes on cooking what you catch, fresh pasta making, and seasonal cooking.
Alisa spends her free time during the off season traveling and exploring her love for food in other countries. She finds her self often revisiting Italy for more extensive training on pasta making and other old world culinary arts! Viaggio Charters is excited to welcome Alisa aboard and looks forward to sharing her culinary delights with you!
Viaggio Yacht Charter SE Alaska – Summer Charter Season
For more information visit: www.viaggiocharter.com
Seasoned Crew – Custom Designed Itinerary – Relaxation – Majestic Alaska Beauty
