Christmas trees

Sweet Christmas Trees with Beetroot and White Chocolate: An Unconventional Recipe for the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to bring creativity into the kitchen, and this recipe for sweet Christmas trees with beetroot promises to be a true delight! Inspired by a dear friend, Laura Nechita, I decided to try an unconventional combination: beetroot in desserts. Beetroot is not just a versatile vegetable but also a rich source of nutrients, and when combined with quality ingredients, the result is truly spectacular.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 17-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 trees

Ingredients:

- 4 large eggs
- 2 roasted beetroots (approximately 200 g)
- 3 tablespoons of Green Sugar (or another natural sweetener)
- A small pinch of salt
- 200 g flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- 70 g melted and cooled butter
- For decoration:
- 50 g white chocolate
- Small red candies

Ingredient Details:

- Beetroot: Besides its sweet and earthy flavor, beetroot is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When roasted, it becomes sweeter and more flavorful, bringing a moist texture and vibrant color to desserts.
- Green Sugar: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those who want to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing flavor.
- White Chocolate: Adds a creamy and sweet note that pairs perfectly with the flavor of beetroot and orange.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Beetroots: Start by roasting the beetroot. Wrap the beetroot in aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 45-60 minutes until soft. Let it cool, then peel and grate it with a large grater.

2. Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs and a pinch of salt. Mix them with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the Sweetener: While continuing to mix, gradually add the Green Sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture becomes a smooth cream.

4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter (make sure it is cooled) and the grated beetroot. Gently mix until combined.

5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and the orange zest. The latter will add a fresh citrus flavor that balances the sweetness.

6. Combine the Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a whisk and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the trees fluffy.

7. Fill the Molds: Prepare silicone molds (tree shapes and mini loaves) and fill them three-quarters full, leaving room for the dough to rise during baking.

8. Bake: Transfer the molds to the preheated oven at 165°C and bake for 17-20 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of a tree; if it comes out clean, they are ready.

9. Cooling: After baking, remove the trees from the molds and let them cool on a rack.

10. Decorate: While the trees cool, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler. Once the trees are completely cooled, decorate them with the melted chocolate and sprinkle red candies for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions: These sweet beetroot trees pair perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or flavored coffee. You can also serve them as an elegant dessert at a festive meal, adding a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.

Possible Variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the beetroot with grated carrot or roasted pumpkin for a different flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins for a crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use canned beetroot? Fresh beetroot provides better flavor and texture, but if unavailable, you can use canned beetroot, ensuring it is well-drained.
- How can I store the trees? They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or they can be frozen for later use.
- Can I replace Green Sugar with regular sugar? Of course! If you prefer regular sugar, you can use the same amount, but keep in mind the calories.

These sweet beetroot trees are not just an unconventional recipe but also a way to bring a splash of joy and color to your holidays. Take the opportunity and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen with your loved ones!