Tropical Flavored Desserts

Key Lime Cookies, Citrus Balls and Chocolate Orange Mousse

Mar 11, 2009 Vicki F. Chavis

These delicious tropical desserts are perfect for serving at brunch, lunch or dinner. Orange and Key lime flavors set the tone with their tangy bites of purest pleasure.

Making festive desserts for the monthly Bunko party, a spring birthday celebration or a mother-daughter tea are part of the fun of entertaining. Citrus cookies blossom with Florida flavors, fresh ingredients and ease in preparation.

Try these two cookie recipes with a little sunshine packed inside for good measure. Check your local grocery for Key limes (the Key lime juice can also be purchased in bottles), oranges and tangelos for a tangy, fresh flavor of the tropics. The chocolate orange mousse blends rich chocolate with a hint of orange flavor.

Glazed Key Lime Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup almonds
• 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/3 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg plus 1 yolk
• 2 tsp grated Key Lime rind
• salt to taste
• 1-1/2 cups flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 3 Tbsp confectioners' sugar
• 1 Tbsp Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

Directions:

1. Process almonds with 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar in food processor or blender until nicely ground. Add to butter in mixing bowl until smooth. Combine with butter in mixing bowl, beating until smooth. Beat in 1 egg, lime rind and salt. Add flour and mix lightly. Shape into ball, wrap in plastic and chill for several hours.
2. Divide the dough into halves and begin working with one half while the other rests in the fridge. Begin rolling dough on floured surface, cutting dough into 2-inch cookies. Place two inches apart on cookie sheet and chill for one half hour. Blend 3 Tblsp confectioners' sugar with egg yolk and lime juice to brush over cookies before baking.
3. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until the cookies are turning light brown around the edges.
4. Cool on wire rack and store in airtight container.

Makes: 48 cookies

Prep time: 45 mins ( with chilling time)

Cook time: 15 minutes

Florida Citrus Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 package confectioners' sugar
• 8 oz vanilla wafers (or chocolate wafers), finely crushed
• 3 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut

Directions:

1. Cream the butter and confectioners' sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add cookie crumbs, orange juice concentrate and pecans and mix well.
2. Chill mixture for an hour. Shape into bite-sized balls. Roll in coconut, coating well.
3. Store in airtight container in fridge.

Serves: 48

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Chocolate Orange Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp grated orange rind
• 2 tsp light brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 egg
• 3 oz semisweet chocolate, melted, cooled
• 1-1/2 tsp orange juice
• 1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions:

1. Combine orange rind, brown sugar, egg yolk and egg in blender or processor. Process until light and foamy.
2. Add the melted chocolate, orange juice and whipping cream; process until smooth.
3. Spoon into individual dessert dishes. Chill for an hour or until set.

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Tropical desserts with their citrus and chocolate combinations can't be beat. Enjoy these easy-to-make concoctions for a little piece of sunshine!

Experience these tropical smoothies or classic Key lime pie recipes for more tropical pleasure.

The copyright of the article Tropical Flavored Desserts in Party Food is owned by Vicki F. Chavis. Permission to republish Tropical Flavored Desserts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Tropical Fruit

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