Warm Chocolate Orange

Once again, a challenge presented itself when I first viewed this dessert as a pressure test for current contestants on the popular "reality" cooking show Masterchef Australia. 

"Celebrity" Chef Shannon Bennett's Bistro Vue's Warm Chocolate Orange became part of a menu this weekend. The return of my son Joel and his girlfriend Amanda from their two and bit year life experience of living and travelling the UK and Europe gave me due reason to attempt this multi element dessert.







It was a big day in the kitchen getting everything prepared. Along with the dessert, a Braii had also been planned to welcome the well travelled back home. So I could dedicate most of the kitchen time to the Warm Chocolate Orange, I prepared the marinade and relish for the BBQ last week.
As with most recipes, especially desserts, that have several components to them, I start off with plenty of enthusiasm. Several elements, and hours later, I question my sanity in taking on such tasks. Then all I need to do is remind myself of, with fingers crossed, the end result, thinking of the enjoyment and culinary experience our guest may have.

Then there is that one element that is fun and enjoyable to prepare. In this case, the orange jelly pearls were that element.













Using a syringe, single drops of warm orange jelly, made from freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar and agar agar are slowly added to grapeseed oil that has been chilled in the freezer.

The first (bottom) layer - 

Orange segments in orange jelly

Assembly time.

As for the end result, I was very pleased and relieved that it all came together.

 A special dessert for a special occasion.