Éclat d'Ivoire Recipe

Introduction to Éclat d'Ivoire

Éclat d'Ivoire, meaning Ivory Sparkle in French, is a sophisticated dessert known for its delicate flavors and exquisite presentation. Originating from France, this dessert is a celebration of ivory chocolate paired with a blend of exotic fruits and nuts to create an explosion of taste and texture. It marries the richness of white chocolate with the tartness of passion fruit purée, complemented by the crunch of toasted hazelnuts.

Ingredients

• 200g White Chocolate
• 100ml Heavy Cream
• 2 Gelatine Sheets
• 100ml Passion Fruit Purée
• 80g Caster Sugar
• 2 Egg Whites
• 50g Toasted Hazelnuts
• 1 Vanilla Bean
• 50g Unsalted Butter
• 60g All-Purpose Flour

Preparation Steps

Ensure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. It's important to have everything prepared ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

1. Making the White Chocolate Mousse

   1. Melt the white chocolate gently over a double boiler until smooth.
   2. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream to soft peaks.
   3. Soak the gelatine sheets in cold water for 5 minutes, then dissolve them in the warm melted chocolate.
   4. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture carefully to maintain the air in the mousse. Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the other elements.

2. Passion Fruit Reduction

   1. In a saucepan, combine passion fruit purée and caster sugar over medium heat.
   2. Reduce the mixture to half its volume, stirring frequently, until thickened. This should take about 15 minutes. For accuracy, consider using a cooking timer.

3. Hazelnut Crisp

   1. Chop the toasted hazelnuts finely.
   2. In a bowl, mix together butter, flour, and hazelnuts to form a crumbly mixture.
   3. Spread evenly on a baking tray and bake at 170°C (338°F) until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Again, using a cooking timer can be helpful.

4. Assembling the Dessert

   1. Begin by placing a layer of hazelnut crisp at the base of your serving dish.
   2. Spoon the white chocolate mousse on top of the crisp.
   3. Gently pour the cooled passion fruit reduction over the mousse.
   4. Garnish with additional toasted hazelnuts for an extra crunch.

How to Enjoy Éclat d'Ivoire

The best way to experience Éclat d'Ivoire is to savor every bite thoughtfully. The combination of textures and flavors is best appreciated by taking small servings. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Enjoy this dessert with a glass of sparkling wine, which enhances the fruity notes of the passion fruit, and truly indulge in the ivory sparkles.

Making Éclat d'Ivoire requires some patience, but the result is a luxurious treat worthy of special occasions or a statement piece for a dinner gathering. Whether you're an avid pastry chef or new to the craft, this dessert's elegance and flavor will leave a lasting impression.