Nutty Caramel Georgia Entremet Recipe

Nutty Caramel Georgia Entremet Recipe


This entremet from Kevin Gully won "Best Entremet" at the 2018 Savour Patissier of the Year Competition

November 12th, 2018

Photography by Richard Weinstein
Kevin Gully

Kevin Gully is a pastry chef, master class instructor, and winner of the 2018 Savour Patissier of the Year Award in the "Best Entremet" category. He works as a Sous Pastry Chef at the Crown Casino in Melbourne crafting a wide array of French pastries, tarts, viennoiserie, cakes, and entremets.

 kevin.melb   

This entremet (pronounced "on-treh-may") is a masterpiece of complex textures, flavors, and expert techniques to be attempted only by the highly skilled or very brave. An entremet is a light, airy cake typically made of a mousse filling, flavored insert, cake base, and coated in glaçage miroir (mirror glaze). This one follows the same structure but features seven different layers highlighting chocolate, vanilla, fruity, or nutty flavors.

This is an advanced recipe intended for ambitious bakers and pastry professionals. If you are new to the pastry arts, we recommend you start out with a simpler recipe such as the Milk Peach Entremet or browse the other entremets.

Equipment

Tonka Beans

Tonka beans have a vanilla-like flavor that combines a wide range of aromas reminiscent of almond, nutmeg, and numberous other spices. They are revered by chefs for their unique flavor. In large quantities, tonka beans can pose a health risk, but tonka beans are usually used in moderation for a dish.

In the U.S. tonka beans are against FDA regulations to buy and possess. A recent surge in popularity, however, has allowed many sellers to sell the beans without a crackdown in enforcement. So while the beans are illegal, they are readily available and easy to purchase online. It is up to you whether you want to use tonka beans in this recipe or not. Real vanilla beans are a satisfactory substitute.

Callebaut Gold

Callebaut Gold is a caramel-flavored milk chocolate from Barry Callebaut. Because Callebaut's diverse range of products can be difficult to find for non-industry professionals, Valrhona sells a similar product called Caramelia which has similar fat content and flavor.

Ingredients and Components

Makes 3-4 entremet cakes

The entremet is made up of a crunchy pecan base, the layers for the insert, mousse, glaze, and chocolate decor. An entremet is prepared "inside-out" starting with the innermost ingredients and adding layers.

Passion Fruit Jelly (#1)
  • 75 grams passion fruit puree (2.6 ounces)
  • 40 grams banana puree (1.4 ounces)
  • 40 grams mango puree (1.4 ounces)
  • 8 grams fresh passion fruit seed (0.3 ounces)
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 4 grams corn starch (0.14 ounces)
  • 15 grams gelatin masse (0.5 ounces), see recipe at the bottom
Passion Fruit Jelly (#1)
  1. This insert layer will be the top layer and therefore should be prepared first. Bring the purées to a boil along with the fresh passion seed, vanilla beans, and corn flour. Add the gelatine masse and stir well. Use about 160 grams (5.6 ounces) in the insert.
Soft Caramel Pecan Sponge (#2)
  • 50 grams glucose (1.7 ounces)
  • 50 grams sugar (1.7 ounces)
  • 50 grams hot water (1.7 ounces)
  • 40 grams butter (1.4 ounces)
  • 45 grams gluten-free flour mix, see below (1.6 ounces)
  • 70 grams pecan powder (2.5 ounces), storebought or from ground pecans
  • 50 grams egg yolks (1.7 ounces)
  • 75 grams egg whites (2.6 ounces)
  • 75 grams inverted sugar (2.6 ounces)
Soft Caramel Pecan Sponge (#2)
  1. Prepare a caramel by heating the sugar and glucose in a small saucepan until it turns a light amber color. Remove it from the heat. Add the butter and hot water and quickly whisk together until homogenous. Allow the mixture to cool to 140°F (60°C).

  2. Sift in the flour and the pecan powder. Whisk in the egg yolks.

  3. Prepare a meringue by whisking the egg whites with the inverted sugar until the meringue reaches stiff peaks (the whisk drawn up forms peaks that do not collapse). Using a spatula, fold the meringue into the mixture in three batches.

  4. Bake the sponge at 340°F (170°C) for 12 minutes until light golden brown. Allow to cool. Cut out a section the size of your insert and reserve until ready to assemble your insert.

Soft Caramel Insert (#3)
  • 40 grams sugar (1.4 ounces)
  • 65 grams glucose (2.3 ounces)
  • 140 grams heavy cream (4.9 ounces)
  • 2 grams sea salt (0.07 ounces)
  • 35 grams butter (1.2 ounces)
  • 10 grams cocoa butter (0.35 ounces)
  • 10 grams caramel milk chocolate (0.35 ounces), Callebaut Gold preferred
Soft Caramel Insert (#3)
  1. Prepare a caramel by heating the sugar and glucose in a small saucepan until it turns a light amber color. Remove it from the heat. Quickly whisk in the cream and the sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool to 122°F (50°C). Whisk in the butter, cocoa butter, and chocolate. Use about 50 grams (1.7 ounces) per insert.
Caramel Cremeux (#4)
  • 250 grams sugar (8.8 ounces)
  • 500 grams cream (17.6 ounces)
  • 50 grams sugar (1.7 ounces)
  • 120 grams egg yolks (4.2 ounces)
  • 250 grams mascarpone cheese (8.8 ounces)
  • 75 grams gelatin masse (2.6 ounces)
Caramel Cremeux (#4)
  1. Prepare a caramel by heating the sugar and glucose in a small saucepan until it turns a light amber color. Heat the cream in the microwave until hot to the touch and add to the caramel. Add the egg yolk and sugar to make a quick créme Anglaise. Add the gelatine masse. Allow the Anglaise to cool to 122°F (50°C), then add the mascarpone and mix well. Use about 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per insert.
Tonka Rice Pudding (#5)
  • 400 grams milk (14 ounces)
  • 100 grams cream (3.5 ounces)
  • 3 grams tonka beans (0.1 ounces), can substitute vanilla beans ⃰
  • 25 grams sugar (0.9 ounces)
  • 50 grams arborio rice (1.7 ounces)
  • 50 grams caramel milk chocolate (1.7 ounces), Callebaut Gold preferred

⃰Tonka beans are not legal to buy and possess in the US, though many chefs still use them and many suppliers still sell them. You can substitute vanilla beans.

  1. The day before infuse the tonka beans into the milk and cream in the refrigerator.

  2. The next day scald the milk, cream and tonka beans in a saucepan until just before boiling. Strain out the tonka beans. Rinse the rice to remove any excess starches for cooking. Bring the milk to a boil with the sugar, then add the rice. Cook the rice on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until tender (not al dente). Remove the rice and milk from the heat and add the chocolate. Wait 3 minutes, then stir the chocolate in. Use about 140 grams (4.9 ounces) per insert.

Crunchy Pecan Base (#6)
  • 100 grams butter (3.5 ounces)
  • 70 grams rapadura sugar (2.5 ounces), can substitute brown sugar or any unrefined sugar
  • 120 grams gluten-free flour mix (4.2 ounces), see below for steps
  • 140 grams ground pecan powder (4.9 ounces)
Crunchy Pecan Base (#6)
  1. Cream together the butter and rapadura sugar by beating on medium speed. Sift in the gluten free flour and the pecan powder. Roll between two silicone mats to 4 mm thick (0.15 inches).

  2. Bake the base at 284°F (140°C) for 30 minutes.

Pecan Mousse (#7)
  • 135 grams milk (4.8 ounces)
  • 1 vanilla beans
  • 30 grams egg yolks (1 ounce)
  • 19 grams gelatin masse* (0.7 ounces)
  • 135 grams caramel milk chocolate (4.8 ounces), Callebaut Gold preferred
  • 38 grams pecan paste (1.3 ounces)
  • 225 grams whipped cream (7.9 ounces)
Pecan Mousse (#7)
  1. The day before preparation, slice the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the seeds inside. Scrape the seeds into the milk and leave the seeds and pod in the milk in the refrigerator overnight to infuse. Make a créme Anglaise with the milk and egg yolks by scalding the milk on a saucepan, and adding the hot milk to the yolks in thirds to temper them. Add the gelatin masse while hot and stir. Add the pecan paste and the chocolate.

  2. Set the base aside to cool. Meanwhile whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. At 95°F (35°C) or below, fold in the whipped cream in thirds, being careful not to deflate.

Caramel Mirror Glaze (#8)
  • 150 grams water (5.3 ounces)
  • 300 grams sugar (10.6 ounces)
  • 300 grams glucose (10.6 ounces)
  • 200 grams evaporated milk (7 ounces)
  • 160 grams gelatin masse (5.6 ounces), see below
  • 300 grams caramel milk chocolate (10.6 ounces), Callebaut Gold preferred
  • 150 grams prepared mirror glaze (5.3 ounces), such as Valrhona Absolu Cristal
  1. Prepare a caramel by heating the sugar and 1/3 of the glucose in a small saucepan until it turns a light amber color. Remove it from the heat. Heat the water and remaining 2/3 of glucose to a simmer. Add it to the caramel. When smooth, add the evaporated milk and bring the mixture to a boil again. Add both the chocolate and the gelatin masse and stir. Finally add the mirror glaze.

  2. Use the glaze at around 82°F (28°C) and pour over the frozen entremet.

Chocolate Pecan (#10)
  • Tempered chocolate
  • 1 pecan
  • Silicone mold kit
  • Copper-colored luster dust
Chocolate Pecan (#10)
  1. Follow the instructions on the silicone mold kit to create one pecan mold. Allow the mold to fully set before using.

  2. Temper chocolate using whichever method you prefer. Cast a chocolate pecan and allow the chocolate to fully set. Brush the chocolate pecan with copper colored luster dust.

Chocolate Decor (#9 and #11)
  • Tempered chocolate
  • Acetate sheets
Chocolate Decor (#9 and #11)
  1. For the striped chocolate circles, mix some tempered chocolate with gold-colored luster dust until the chocolate is fully gold. Brush the chocolate onto the acetate sheets to form streaks. Once set, pour the tempered chocolate over the brushed chocolate and spread very thin with an offset spatula.

  2. Place another acetate sheet on top of the chocolate. Use ring cutters and press hard on top of the acetate to punch circles into the chocolate. Using the acetate on both sides of the chocolate ensures it is shiny on both sides.

  3. For the chocolate sticks, spread the chocolate on the acetate thin as before. When the chocolate has cooled, but is still soft, slice the chocolate into strips using a paring knife or pastry cutter.

Gluten Free Flour Mix
  • 300 grams buckwheat flour (10.6 ounces)
  • 100 grams rice flour (3.5 ounces)
  • 100 grams corn starch (3.5 ounces)
  1. Sift together all ingredients, store in an airtight container. Use in the pecan base.
Gelatin Masse
  • 10 grams powdered gelatin (0.35 ounces)
  • 60 grams cold water (2.1 ounces)
  1. Quickly whisk together the gelatin powder with the cold water until all dry clumps are hydrated. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Melt it the microwave and keep it inside a plastic container in the fridge.

Assembly

Insert
  • Passion Fruit Jelly (#1)
  • Soft Caramel Pecan Sponge (#2)
  • Soft Caramel (#3)
  • Caramel Cremeux (#4)
  • Tonka Rice Pudding (#5)
  1. Use the smaller half of the mold for the insert.
  2. Pipe a layer of the Passion Fruit Jelly (#1)
  3. Cut out the Soft Caramel Pecan Sponge and place into the mold (#2)
  4. Pipe in a thin layer of Soft Caramel (#3)
  5. Pipe a layer of Caramel Cremeux (#4)
  6. Finish with a layer of Tonka Rice Pudding (#5)
  7. Place this insert in the blast chiller (or freezer) and freeze until completely solid.
Assembly
  • Crunchy Pecan Base (#6)
  • Pecan Mousse (#7)
  • Frozen Insert
  • Mirror Glaze (#8)
  1. Use the larger half of the mold for the entremet.
  2. Pipe in the mousse to halfway through the mold.
  3. Place the insert into the mousse, which should push some of the mousse upwards.
  4. Pipe another layer of mousse over the insert.
  5. Finish with the crunchy pecan base.
  6. Place the entremet in the blast chiller (or freezer) and freeze until completely solid.
  7. Heat the mirror glaze to around 82°F (28°C) and pour over the frozen entremet.
  8. For a golden ring, color some of the remaining mirror glaze a darker golden color (using gel food coloring or luster dust).


Published with permission from Kevin Gully. Photography courtesy of Richard Weinstein © 2018 and Kevin Gully © 2018.


For new recipes, techniques, and tutorials like this, subscribe to our mailing list and never miss a post.