Desserts are the fairy tales of the kitchen – Anonymous

Desserts are an integral part of the festive season, which is on in full swing now. If you are wondering what special sweet-dish to churn out this year, the two recipes shared below is sure to give a fillip to the sweet tooth of your loved ones!

• HEALTHY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

A staple among chocolate desserts, the French-invented Chocolate Mousse is ever-popular today. It is a real treat and works as a light finale after any meal. Here, I have given it a small twist by offering a healthier option so that you can indulge more without thinking too much about your calorie intake!

INGREDIENTS

• Any fruits can be used as base
• Apple/avocado /banana
• Dark chocolate
• Coconut milk
• Dates syrup
• Boil the apple, make chocolate ganache with coconut milk and dark chocolate
• Now, put the boiled apple and chocolate ganache in a blender and mix well into a thick paste (dates syrup is optional and can be added for sweetness)
• Prepare a base of crushed dates and flatten it in a mould, then pour the thick paste and let it set for at least six hours or preferably overnight
• Slice it and serve chilled
• This healthier option will taste better than the mousse we buy on a regular basis

• CHERRIES JUBILEE

This is a classic dessert with a historical background that dates back to centuries. It earned its name when it was first served at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in the late 1890s. This dish is both easy to prepare and visually striking, featuring flambéed sweet cherries that are simmered in a sweet syrup. Traditionally, Cherry Jubilee is served over vanilla ice cream, which is a popular option. However, it can also be paired with other desserts such as pound cake, cheesecake, or a no-bake cream cheese pie, thus offering versatile serving suggestions.

INGREDIENTS

• Sweet cherries –For this dessert, it’s essential to have one pound of dark sweet cherries, which is approximately three cups. Please ensure the cherries are pitted and halved for best results.
• Orange juice –You will need just a couple of tablespoons from a 1/2 medium orange. The acidity lends a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
• Butter –A couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter give a lovely touch of richness to the sweet cherry syrup!
• Sugar –A few tablespoons of granulated sugar are the secret to achieving that lovely caramelization!
• Kirsch, brandy or bourbon –This dessert traditionally uses kirsch, a cherry liqueur, but you can easily substitute it with brandy or bourbon. All of these options will integrate smoothly without imparting a strong alcoholic flavour to the finished dish. The liquor plays a crucial role in the flambé process, so it’s recommended to add it around the outside of the pan for optimal results.

Types of Cherries You Can Use

The best variety of cherries used for Cherry Jubilee is dark sweet cherries, such as deep red Bing cherries, which are commonly available during the summer months. Fresh cherries are your best bet if you can find them in their season. Frozen cherries work just as well for this dessert. Be sure to thaw the cherries completely and drain any liquid before you begin.

I Would Love To Hear From You

I would be delighted to hear from you about how the above dessert recipes turned out for you. Also, please share your unique recipes for me to try out!