Biscotti and Brownies

This week started new production projects. One of my duties Brownies with Ganache icing
These brownies are very cake like {not what I want out of a brownie} good in it own right. It's always interesting the first run with a recipe. I made the mistake on using the wrong kind of shortening. We have two types in the class and of course I pick the wrong one {go figure, don't get me started on how much I HATE shortening any way!} Hi ratio vs regular frying. Chef explained that Hi ratio works better do to the Hi ratio of sugar...hence the name. All in all lesson learned that's why I'm there right?
Next on my list Biscotti. We do have an ability to pick a flavor on these...I chose Almond orange.I must say these looked, tasted and were texturally the best that I have seen in the program.As we were discussing the flavor scheme chef lectured about getting away from extracts....he's preaching to the choir I have always hated extracts and when all possible I use the real flavor like vanilla beans, purees or flavor oils. I wasn't looking for almond flavor more than just having sliced almonds in it so that was simple. For the orange aspect I used orange zest and orange compound which is best for flavoring but is not readily available to the public.

I also made Focaccia Bread but didn't have time to take pictures so next week will have this fabulous bread!!!
On my own order list was Strawberry cake with Chantilly cream.
Strawberry cake can be frustrating because most people who ask for it are use to the box cake.The one that tastes like overpowered strawberry but probably has nothing that even resembles a strawberry in it. Here's real Strawberry cake I pureed strawberries and mixed it with my egg whites and milk. Crumbed soften butter with cake flour and leaven added the liquid and voila! My strawberry cake. I made a strawberry simple syrup brushed my layers and put strawberry jam and Chantilly cream in between the layers.

I also did a short notice German Chocolate cake {My husband took my camera to the niners game...so no pictures}....but it is soo good. I can just eat the coconut pecan icing with a spoon.
Until next week be sweet...