Enjoy a festive gathering with the Chocolate Peppermint Log, paired with the enchanting novel 'The Night Circus' and a Peppermint Martini. This pairing envelops you in a world of magic, much like the intricate and dreamlike narrative of 'The Night Circus'. The refreshing taste of peppermint links the dessert and martini, creating a cohesive and tantalizing flavor journey. Delight in the whimsical settings while savoring a luxurious slice of dessert and a curated cocktail to enhance your reading experience.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Peppermint Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Extra crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate batter until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Peppermint Filling:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
Fill and Roll the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the peppermint filling evenly over the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Coat the Log and Garnish:
- Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, spreading it evenly to cover the entire log. Garnish with extra crushed peppermint candies and fresh mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate the log for at least 30 minutes to set.
Serve:
- Slice the Chocolate Peppermint Log and serve chilled or at room temperature.
The Night Circus
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a spellbinding work that transports readers into a magical realm of wonder and mystery. Set in an enchanting traveling carnival, the story weaves a delicate tapestry of romance, rivalry, and enchantment that keeps readers captivated till the last page. The circus arrives without warning and opens only at night, revealing its dark and whimsical secrets.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable … defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use sensory descriptions to create the atmosphere of the circus?
- In what ways does the competition affect the participants and their relationships?
- Discuss how the dual perspectives of Celia and Marco enhance the narrative.
- What role does time play in the novel, and how does it affect the characters' destinies?
- Examine the significance of the circus being open only at night.
- How does the theme of sacrifice manifest throughout the novel?
- Who do you think is the true antagonist of the story?
- Describe how the secondary characters contribute to the overall plot.
- How does the author balance elements of fantasy and reality?
- What lessons about love and ambition can be drawn from the story?
Authors:
Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 0385534639
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2011-09-13
Peppermint Martini
A Peppermint Martini is a refreshing cocktail that melds the crisp flavors of peppermint with a touch of chocolate. Perfect for holiday celebration or a cozy winter night, this cocktail mirrors the flavors of the Chocolate Peppermint Log beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz white crème de cacao
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- Crushed peppermint candies for rim
- Ice
Instructions
- Crush peppermint candies and place on a flat plate. Rim the glass with water and dip in crushed candies to coat.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, white crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a peppermint stick if desired.