Ingredients:

• Instant coffee – 1 teaspoon
• Boiling water – 200 ml
• Cookies – 100 grams (your favorite type, such as digestive or butter cookies)
• Oranges – 2-3 (juiced, with zest from 1 orange)
• Zest of 1 orange – (grated or finely chopped)
• Eggs – 2 pcs
• Sugar – 100 grams
• Corn flour (cornstarch) – 50 grams
• Milk – 500 ml
• Butter – 50 grams
• Liquid caramel – for decoration
• Nuts – chopped, for decoration (such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee and Cookies Base

• In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in 200 ml of boiling water. Stir well and let it cool slightly.
• Arrange the 100 grams of cookies in a dish or the bottom of individual serving cups. You can either crumble the cookies for a textured base or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
• Once the coffee has cooled slightly, pour it over the cookies, ensuring they are fully soaked but not too soggy. Set aside and allow the cookies to absorb the coffee while you prepare the rest of the dessert.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Custard

• Zest one of the oranges, making sure to avoid the white pith, as it can add bitterness. Set the zest aside.
• Juice the 2-3 oranges until you have about 200 ml of fresh orange juice.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the 100 grams of sugar and 50 grams of corn flour (cornstarch). Whisk them together to avoid any lumps.
• Slowly add the 500 ml of milk to the sugar and cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Orange Zest

• In a separate bowl, lightly beat the 2 eggs.
• Once the milk mixture has thickened, gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling).
• After tempering, slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
• Add the orange zest and orange juice, and continue whisking for another 2-3 minutes until the custard thickens further and becomes smooth and creamy.
• Remove the custard from the heat and stir in 50 grams of butter. Mix until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the custard.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert

• Take the prepared cookie base and evenly spoon the orange custard over the soaked cookies. If you’re making individual servings, distribute the custard equally among the cups.
• Smooth the top of the custard with a spatula to create an even layer.
• Let the dessert cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will help the custard set properly and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Decorate with Caramel and Nuts

• Once the dessert has fully chilled, it’s time to add the final touches. Drizzle a generous amount of liquid caramel over the top of the custard. The sweetness of the caramel adds a lovely contrast to the slightly tangy custard.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel for an added layer of crunch and richness. You can use almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a delightful texture.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the dessert chilled. You can garnish with additional orange zest or a mint leaf for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips:

• Coffee Soak: Be careful not to oversoak the cookies. You want them to be soft but still hold their shape as the base of the dessert. If you prefer a more intense coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of instant coffee slightly.
• Orange Zest: Zest the oranges gently to avoid including the bitter white pith. The zest will add a fragrant citrus note to the custard, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy base and rich caramel.
• Cornstarch: Make sure to whisk the sugar and cornstarch together before adding the liquid to avoid lumps in the custard.
• Egg Tempering: Gradually whisking the hot milk mixture into the eggs is crucial to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and turning into scrambled eggs. Take your time with this step for a smooth custard.
• Chilling: Chilling the dessert is essential for the custard to set. If you’re short on time, you can place it in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to speed up the process, but avoid freezing it for too long.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: This dessert is not recommended for freezing, as the custard may lose its smooth texture once thawed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 320-350 kcal
• Protein: 6-7 g
• Fat: 15-18 g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Sugar: 25-30 g
• Sodium: 150-200 mg

This dessert provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, with the added benefits of vitamin C from the fresh oranges. While the caramel and nuts add sweetness and crunch, the base of the dessert is relatively light and creamy, making it a satisfying but not overly indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the base? Yes, you can use any type of cookie you prefer, such as graham crackers, ladyfingers, or even chocolate biscuits. Each type of cookie will bring its own flavor and texture to the dessert.

2. Can I substitute the orange juice with another citrus fruit? Absolutely! You can replace the orange juice with lemon, lime, or even grapefruit juice for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that the amount of sugar may need to be adjusted, as these fruits are more tart.

3. Can I make this dessert in advance? Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop even more, making it taste better the next day.

4. Can I make this dessert without eggs? If you prefer an egg-free version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of additional cornstarch and plant-based milk. The texture will be slightly different, but the custard will still set nicely.

5. What other toppings can I use? Instead of caramel and nuts, you can top this dessert with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even fresh berries for a lighter, fruitier option.

Conclusion:

This Orange Coffee Dessert with Caramel and Nuts is a beautifully balanced treat that combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors. The citrusy orange custard, coffee-soaked cookie base, and rich caramel make for an indulgent, yet refreshing, dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a special homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of coffee, citrus, and crunchy nuts creates a sophisticated flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds!