Homemade Krembo

Krembo is an Israeli winter confection particularly popular for Chanukah. The treat is a delicious cookie base, with a creamy marshmallowy filling encased in chocolate. Though there are other flavors, the vanilla filling is the most popular. It's also the perfect contribution to this months Improv Cooking Challenge with the theme "Walnuts and Marshmallows". I used walnuts to fit the theme but any chopped nuts will work, I think pecans would be delightful.

1/4 c. butter
2 Tbsp sugar
1 egg yolk
pinch salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. chopped walnuts

1 c. sugar
1/4 c. corn syrup
1/3 c. water
2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch salt
3 egg whites
2 envelopes know gelatin powder

12 oz. chocolate chips
3 Tbsp butter

For the walnut cookie base
Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg yolk, salt, and vanilla and beat until fluffy again. Add in half of the flour until combined and then the other half of the flour and the chopped walnuts. Beat until combined.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes. 

Pre-heat the oven to 425. 

Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thick. cut out 24 circles and place in the bottom of the pans. 

Bake at 425 for 12 minutes. 

Remove from the oven and place in the fridge to chill. 

For the marshmallow filling 
Beat the egg whites in a clean and dry stand mixer until huge and fluffy. 

White the egg whites are beating combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and vanilla in a saucepan and bring to a boil. 

Combine the gelatin powder with 1/4 cup water and set aside. Once the sugar syrup come to a boil continue to boil for 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and add in the gelatin and stir to combine. Turn the whisk on the beaten egg white and slowly, with the drizzle smaller than a pen, drizzle in the hot sugar syrup. Keep beating until the mixture is fluffy again and holds a shape. 

Pour the marshmallow mixture in to the pan on top of the cookie crust. Place in the fridge to set up for 24 hours. Run a knife around the edge of the circle to loosen the krembo. Drizzle with the chocolate mixture. Place in the fridge again to harden the chocolate.

Chocolate layer
Place the chocolate and butter in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir to combine.

December Improv Cooking Challenge

Marshmallow and Walnut 

• Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars by Veggies First, Then Dessert 
• Salted Marshmallow Walnut Fudge by Cheesecurd in Paradise 
• Chocolate Walnut Marshmallow Cookies by Making Miracles