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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Matcha (Japanese Green Tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust

Matcha (Green Tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust

I’ve purchased this square mini baking pan for a while but haven’t had a chance to put it to good use.  In my mind, I’ve created recipes using this pan, recipes such as mini cheesecakes or individual quiches for future parties or gatherings (yeah, I day dream about food all the time! LOL).  When I found out the theme on Dessert Wars for March, I couldn’t be happier!  To celebrate St. Patty’s Day, the theme for March is GO GREENMatcha (Japanese green tea) is one of the flavor I’ve always wanted to incorporate into a cheesecake.  While matcha might not be a popular ingredient in western desserts, it’s commonly used in Asian cuisines especially baked goods. 

Matcha (Green Tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust

Japanese bakery shops are one of my favorite places to visit.  They always infused western desserts with a unique twist of their own.  I love Japanese bakeries especially their cakes.  Japanese cakes are known for their moist, creamy, light and airy texture, and not overly sweet taste.  This Matcha Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust is definitely a delightful creation that fits into all of the descriptions above.  In addition to that, the pistachio crust certainly enhance the over all flavor and texture of the cake.  This crust is crunchy and slightly crumbly with a lovely nutty and buttery flavor.  I can’t wait to make these Matcha Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust again and serve them in our next family gathering. 

If you haven’t check out the Virtual Bake Sale to benefit the Japan earthquake victims, please click here for more details.  Thank you for those who helped spread the words or signed up to donate a baked good, or plan to bit on some products.  I truly appreciate your help and supports. 
   

Matcha (Green Tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust

For now, I need to hurry up and submit this recipe to Dessert Wars!  It’s my first time participating their contest and I’m really excited about it.  Look at the prize package for March below and you’ll know why.  They do have many generous sponsors.  If you have a wonderful recipe to share, jump right in for the fun.  Be sure to read the rules here before you enter though.

Matcha (Green Tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust


The March prize package includes:

Whisk  and cupcake necklace from Moon & Star Designs
Beanilla  Sampler Pack of Vanilla Beans
Lenox Personalized Musical Cupcake
1,000 ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes
Unlimited Layers: A Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profits
Organic Valley $50 Gift Certificate
Organic Prairie $50 Gift Certificate
Theme Kitchen $50 Gift Certificate
BEKA Cookware Crepe Pan
 

 
 
***Update*** I’m so thrilled and honored that I’ve won the Dessert Wars contest for March.  I enjoyed creating the recipe, making these treats and meeting other bloggers through Dessert Wars.  Thank you for hosting such a fun contest.  Click here to see the Winner Announcement post. 













Matcha (green tea) Mousse Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust:
Makes: 24 (2-inch square)

For the crust:
1/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Mousse: 3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar (divided)
6 ounce cream cheese, room temperature
6 ounce mascarpone cheese, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoons matcha powder (plus more for dusting)
3 tablespoons hot milk

Preheat oven 350F.

In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until finely ground. Then add in butter, pulse until butter becomes pea size. Add sugar, vanilla extract, salt and flour, process until incorporated and the dough is crumbly.

Using the bottom of a shot glass, press 1 tablespoon of dough over the bottom the baking pans (with removable bottoms).  Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let crust cool on a wiring rack.

Stir matcha powder and gelatin mixture into hot milk until completely dissolved. Let cooled.

In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat heavy cream until foamy, add 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In the same mixer bowl with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, mascarpone cheese and remaining powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice and matcha mixture and beat until well combined.

Fold whipped cream mixture into cream cheese mixture in 3 batches until well combined. Pour onto cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hour or until ready to serve. Dust top with matcha powder right before serving.

This recipe is linked to:
Full Plate Thursday 
Foodie Friday
Sweet Tooth Friday
Melt in your mouth Monday
Fresh Food Friday
Everyday Sister Sharing Sunday

39 comments:

  1. This look absolutely wonderful Amy, I love Tea recipes!

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  2. These look beautiful and sound delicious. The nutty crust with the sweet cheesecake...yummy!

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  3. Looks awesome delicious. nice crust.

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  4. Amy, these are beautiful and I bet these taste wonderful too.

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  5. These are the most stunning photos of equally gorgeous little tiny tarts. I love this flavor profile!

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  6. Your pictures of this cheesecake are just a delight to look at.

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  7. Amy, your beautiful talent leaves me speechless!
    I have loved each and every one of your posts since the day you started your blog and you continue to amaze me time after time!
    Bless you sweet friend...and especially for your compassion towards the people of Japan!

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  8. Oh my Amy, they look delicious! I wish I could reach through the screen and have a taste! LOL!!! Your pictures are mouth-watering! Thanks so much for your visit to my blog! I really appreciate your comments on my pancakes! Have a beautiful day!

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  9. Wow, these look stunning and delicious! You have done a good job! good luck!

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  10. Amy where did you get your teapot set? So cute! I've been wanting something similiar to yours for a while now. These desserts are so creative. I think they sound and look delicious. Thanks for introducing me to Dessert Wars. I'll be looking forward to participating in the future. Best of luck!

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  11. I wish you good luck to the competition! I believe you have pretty good chance to win with these beautiful little treats!

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  12. Thank you everyone for the sweet comments.

    @ Lorraine-A multi-dimensional life: You've made me blushed with your comment. I'm still learning everyday as I create each post on my blog. :) It's you and all other readers' appreciation and supports that inspired me! So, thank YOU!

    @ Rochelle-Pretend Chef: I got my teapot set from a Marukai--Japanese market and cookware store many many years ago. Here's their link for your reference. http://www.marukai.com/index-e.html

    If you're not near one of these store locations, I know Amazon sell similar teapot sets, too.
    Such as this one below.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NIA8JM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=a0464-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NIA8JM

    Or this blue one.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QK42VY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=a0464-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QK42VY

    Wow, just realized these on Amazon are much cheaper than what I paid for, even I got them many many years ago!

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  13. I love Matcha and I love cheesecake, this has to be a winner of a combo. Hope you win the wars!

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  14. Hi Amy,
    This is the most elegant tea. Your little cheesecakes look so delicate with each tiny nut placed so carefully. It is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

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  15. These are so cute. I love green tea and cheesecake, great combination.

    I hope you'll stop by and share your recipe with my linky, Sweet Tooth Friday. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/03/24/chocolate-donuts/

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  16. These little treats are just beautiful! Almost too pretty to eat. :)

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  17. These look adorable and totally delicious!!:)

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  18. @ Allison: Already linked up at your linky party. Thank you for your invites.

    Amy

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  19. I've never used matcha, but these look so delicious!

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  20. OOOh! These look like delightful bites of yumminess! And your photographs are so artistically done! I see your recipes you share and want to try them all!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (Oh! it has been crazy, busy (some, not so fun...working late at work...some, lost of fun...spending some time with our daughter and meeting her boyfirend when they came down to visit. :o)

    But I had to stop by and say hello! Hope all is well!

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  21. These are just beautiful! I especially love the pistachio crust.

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  22. Amy these are adorable and looks so good too. I'm thinking you will win dessert wars with these little treat :)

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  23. How beautiful! They sound delicious, too. I love pistachios, and love tea flavored everything. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. I must be the only blogger yet to try matcha tea in my cooking. These look awesome!

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  25. Another recipe I need to try from your blog Amy! I tasted matcha for the very first time a few days weeks and liked it.I cant believe how amazing it will taste in a mousse.Thanks for much.Will get back when I do!

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  26. Amy these are beautiful and sound really delicious, you did a GREAT job :))

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  27. These are just gorgeous little cakes! I love the square shape.

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  28. Sooooo pretty!

    http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com

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  29. Oh yum! I have been really into matcha lately!! Good luck with the dessert war!!!!

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  30. We used the same flavors, so I KNOW your cheesecakes are yummy :D Gorgeous photos and good luck to you!

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  31. Yay! Congrats to you Amy. You did a fabulous job can't wait to see what you come up with this month :)

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  32. Congrats Amy! I'm Keller, the owner of Theme Kitchen. Just wanted to stop by and tell you how scrumptious your dessert looks! Just sent your Gift Card today by email. Congratulations again!

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  33. @ Keller: Thank you so much! I really love your products at Theme Kitchen. Thank you again for sponsoring this wonderful prize for Dessert War. :)

    Amy

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  34. Wow Amy these are soooo pretty! Thank you for linking up to Sharing Sundays.

    Ellen

    http://everydaysisters.blogspot.com

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