Christmas Sweets-edible Pine Cones Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas sweets inspired by edible pine cones are a fun and festive treat you can make at home. Using purple sweet potatoes and chocolate-coated corn flakes, they offer a delicious combination of natural sweetness and crunchy texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a creative dessert.

Ingredients

• 350 g purple sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 15 g unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 packet chocolate-coated corn flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and add enough water to just cover them.
2. Step 2: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Drain the water and, while the potatoes are still hot, add the unsalted butter.
4. Step 4: Add the sugar and cocoa powder, then mash everything together thoroughly with a potato masher.
5. Step 5: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mashed sweet potato onto a piece of cling wrap.
6. Step 6: Wrap the sweet potato mixture in the cling wrap and shape it into a cone.
7. Step 7: Gently tap the cone’s bottom on the kitchen bench 2-3 times to flatten it slightly.
8. Step 8: Unwrap the cling wrap and start inserting the larger pieces of chocolate-coated corn flakes from the bottom side of the cone.
9. Step 9: Continue inserting progressively smaller corn flake pieces from bottom to top, mimicking pine cone scales.
10. Step 10: Repeat the process with the remaining sweet potato mixture and corn flakes to make about 10 pine cones.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try adding a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes.
• You can substitute chocolate-coated corn flakes with crushed nuts or cocoa nibs for extra texture.
• Use clear cling wrap to shape the cones easily and maintain hygiene while molding.

Storage

Store the pine cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy at room temperature, let them sit outside the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid storing them long-term as the corn flakes may lose their crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of purple sweet potatoes?

Yes, regular sweet potatoes can be used, though the color and subtle sweetness will differ. Purple sweet potatoes give a festive look and slightly nuttier flavor.

How do I keep the corn flakes crunchy?

Ensure the corn flakes are inserted just before serving and avoid storing the assembled pine cones for long periods. Keeping them refrigerated helps, but prolonged contact with moisture can soften the flakes.

Christmas Sweets-edible Pine Cones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 pine cones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully festive and creative Christmas sweets made to look like edible pine cones, crafted from mashed purple sweet potatoes mixed with cocoa and sugar, then adorned with chocolate-coated corn flakes. These adorable treats are perfect for holiday celebrations, combining a soft, sweet base with a crunchy chocolate exterior.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 350 g purple sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 15 g unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Decoration

• 1 packet chocolate coated corn flakes

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Instructions

1. Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a pot and cover them with enough water. Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft and fully cooked.
2. Drain and Add Butter: Drain the cooking water completely. While the sweet potatoes are still hot, add the unsalted butter to the pot to allow it to melt and blend easily.
3. Mash and Mix: Add the sugar and cocoa powder to the hot sweet potatoes and mash everything together thoroughly using a potato masher until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Shape the Cones: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mashed sweet potato mixture onto a piece of cling wrap. Wrap it tightly and shape it into a cone by molding with your hands, gently tapping the bottom 2-3 times on the kitchen bench to flatten the base, so it stands upright.
5. Decorate with Corn Flakes: Unwrap the cling wrap carefully. Begin decorating the cone by inserting the largest pieces of chocolate-coated corn flakes at the bottom side of the cone, pressing them gently to adhere to the mashed sweet potato.
6. Continue Layering: Progressively insert smaller pieces of chocolate-coated corn flakes from the bottom toward the top, overlapping them to mimic pine cone scales, until the entire cone is covered beautifully.
7. Complete Remaining Cones: Repeat the shaping and decorating process for the remaining sweet potato mixture to make about 10 edible pine cones in total.

Notes

• Use cling wrap to help shape the cones easily without sticking.
• The size of the cones and amount of corn flakes can be adjusted to preference.
• Ensure sweet potatoes are very soft for easier mashing and shaping.
• These treats can be served immediately or chilled briefly before serving.
• Try using other flavored or colored corn flakes for varied looks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Western

Keywords: Christmas sweets, edible pine cones, purple sweet potato dessert, holiday treats, chocolate coated corn flakes