10 Tried and True Recipes for Holiday Crunch Time

Plus, a giveaway for $150 worth of AUI product!

December 7, 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time is short and ain’t nobody got time for recipe testing. Use these 10 tried and true recipes developed in the AUI test kitchen and only available in our recipe database. We know you’re all working extra hard this time of year, and we hope that you’ll find something in these recipes to make the season go a little more smoothly. To show our appreciation of for all that you do, we’re offering a $150 AUI shopping spree to one lucky reader! Scroll down for all the details. 

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1. Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Classics never go out of style, and this 17th century Austrian cookie has everything you need for a merry and bright holiday high tea. Buttery cookies sandwiched with a touch of raspberry jam makes a beautiful cookie reminiscent of stained glass windows. They make a big impression without a big time commitment.

500x500 Peanut caramel tart

2. Peanut Caramel Chocolate Tarts

Who needs chestnuts roasting on an open fire when there are peanuts nestled into dark chocolate mousse and salted caramel? These individual tartlets come together in a snap and make an elegant addition to your holiday dessert buffet. 

250x250 chocolate cherry biscotti

3. Chocolate Cherry Biscotti

Something about the holiday season just begs for biscotti. Maybe it’s because they have a super low food cost and can be made weeks in advance. If you want to be romantic about it though, let’s say it’s because they’re imminently dunk-able in a mug of coffee or cocoa when you’re curled up beside a roaring fire. Because obviously chefs are spending so much time dunking cookies in cocoa in December.

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4. White Chocolate Pine Nut and Rosemary Entremet

Striking green mirror glaze and velvet spray make this entremet a stand out in any bakery case. Pine nut dacquoise, caramelized white chocolate and rosemary mousse, and cran-cherry cream come together for an unforgettable flavor profile.

500x500 Almond Cake

5. Almond Cake with Candied Fruits

This old school pairing is a holiday favorite for a reason. Sweet and tart candied citrus cuts through rich almond cake for an irresistible flavor combination. Wrap these mini cakes in cellophane with a ribbon for retail, and don’t forget to put them by the register for those impulse purchasers!

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6. Cinnamon Sugar Cannoli

This super simple sweet treat is a no-brainer for the busy holiday season and belongs on your banquet menu. Crisp mini cannoli shells are filled with a ricotta laced with cinnamon and garnished with a dusting of hazelnuts and sugar…and that’s it. Nothing crazy here; just sugar and spice and everything nice.

500x500 Cherry Yule Log

7. Chocolate Cran-Cherry Yule Log 

A festive and contemporary take on the holiday classic, this chic yule log combines a dark chocolate brownie with 65% bittersweet mousse, a cremeux spiked with cranberry and cherry purees, and a highly addictive black cocoa streusel. Finish it off with a glaze of super shiny mirror glaze and elegant chocolate décor. 

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8. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies 

Ok, maybe we’ve thrown a little shade at the red velvet trend in the past. But ‘tis the season for second chances, and we’re ready to give red velvet another shot. After all, what would Santa’s suit be without red velvet? Top these trendy whoopie pies with a seasonal transfer sheet décor and they’re ready to hit the dessert buffet. 

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9. Pistachio Raspberry Mendiants

What if peppermint bark had a sophisticated older sister? What if that sister was also somehow French? These elegant little mignardises make a beautiful amenity or final bite of an exquisite meal. Swap out the pistachios and raspberries for whatever you have on hand or use your favorite Sosa wet-proof crispy or freeze dried fruit

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10. White Truffle Ruffle Roll Cake

When you need to make a big impression with your cake but don’t want to spend a ton of money or time, I give you…the ruffle roll! Get yourself a ruffle maker and a ruffle roll (an up front investment that will last for ages) and in no time flat you’ve got a super fun throw-back cake decoration. 

Here at AUI, we’re looking forward to a holiday season full of Swiss chocolate and gingerbread spice, but it can be hard to find time to celebrate the season with family and friends. With the challenge of work demands that can limit your time with loved ones during this season, we would love to hear how you plan to celebrate. Post a comment on Facebook or Instagram and tell us how you keep the holidays merry and bright in the face of production madness. We will gift a $150 credit for AUI product to one lucky chef. Be sure to tag @auifinefoods and use #auiholidaygiveaway. The contest ends at noon Eastern Standard Time on December 20, and full contest rules can be found here. Good luck, and happy holidays from AUI!