Pavê is a classic at end-of-year celebrations in Brazil and is a must-have at Christmas dinner. This dessert is loved for its simplicity, versatility and, of course, its irresistible flavor that pleases everyone. Whether you are a first-time cook or an expert in the kitchen, this detailed guide will help you prepare a perfect Christmas pavê that will earn you a rave review at the table.
1. Choose the Right Ingredients
A good pavê starts with the selection of fresh, quality ingredients. Check out what you will need:
Ingredients:
- White cream:
- 1 can of condensed milk
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Cookie layer:
- 2 packets of cornstarch biscuits
- 1 cup of milk or sweetened coffee to moisten the cookies
- Coverage:
- 1 can of cream (without whey)
- 200g of semisweet or milk chocolate
- Decoration (optional):
- Walnuts, chestnuts, cherries or chocolate shavings
2. Preparing the White Cream
The white cream is the base of the pavê, responsible for its creamy texture and balanced flavor. Follow these steps:
- In a pan, mix the condensed milk, milk, cornstarch and sifted egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and takes on the consistency of cream.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla essence, mixing well. Set aside to cool.
3. Melting the Chocolate for the Frosting
The chocolate coating gives a special touch to the pavê and balances the sweetness with the intense flavor of cocoa:
- Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted.
- Mix the cream until it forms a smooth, glossy ganache. Set aside.
4. Assembling the Christmas Pavé
Now it's time to assemble the trifle in a dish or in individual portions:
- First layer: Cover the bottom of the dish with a layer of biscuits soaked in milk or coffee.
- Second layer: Pour a portion of the white cream over the cookies, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers: Alternate between cookies and white cream, finishing with chocolate ganache as a topping.
- Decoration: To add a Christmas touch, decorate the trifle with nuts, chestnuts, cherries or chocolate shavings.
5. The Secret of Rest
For the pavê to reach the ideal consistency and for the flavors to integrate, it is essential to let it rest:
- Time in the fridge: Place the pavé in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally you should prepare it the day before so that it can rest overnight.
6. Vary and Innovate with Christmas Flavors
To give a different touch to the traditional pavê, you can try these variations:
- Fruit pavé: Add layers of fruit such as strawberries, grapes or peaches in syrup between the cream and biscuits.
- Touch of liquor: Moisten the cookies with almond liqueur or rum for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Nuts and chestnuts: Add crushed walnuts or chestnuts to the white cream for a crunchy, Christmassy touch.
7. Serve in Style
The Christmas pavê is as beautiful as it is tasty and deserves to be served in a special way:
- In individual portions: Use clear glasses to show off the layers of the dessert.
- In the traditional dish: Choose a glass dish to enhance the beauty of the trifle.
- Final touch: Add a sprig of mint or a pinch of ground cinnamon when serving to impress your guests.
8. Extra Tips for the Perfect Pavê
- Use quality cookies: They are the base of the dessert and make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Control sugar: If you prefer a less sweet trifle, use semi-sweet chocolate and adjust the amount of sugar in the coffee or milk recipes to moisten the cookies.
- Take care with the presentation: Looks are just as important as taste, especially when it comes to a Christmas dessert.
Conclusion
Making the perfect Christmas trifle is easier than it seems, and with these tips, you'll have a dessert that's the star of your dinner. Whether it's in the traditional format or with creative variations, trifle is a surefire choice to please everyone. More than just a dessert, it's a symbol of tradition and celebration, bringing family and friends together around the table.
Prepare the pavê with love and enjoy every moment of this delicious Christmas experience!
