Fine dining is frequently confused with highly technical cooking and spending a long time in the kitchen. In fact, it is mostly about selecting the right ingredients. Generally, chefs buy the highest quality products to make their work easier. A great example is taking a premium Belgian chocolate ice cream and adding just a few simple toppings; it is sufficient to change a basic serving into a restaurant worthy dessert. The rich chocolate and smooth texture make it a perfect base for trying out different and exciting flavours.
Using Sea Salt For A Better Balance
A very easy way to showcase the richness of Belgian chocolate ice cream is just to dust the surface with a small amount of flaky sea salt. Salt is naturally a great flavour enhancer and when it tones down sweetness it actually allows the chocolate flavours to finally shine. Besides, swapping regular salt for big and crunchy salt flakes turn every bite into a bit of a textural adventure. Very minor modification of the dessert results in an elegant balance of salty and sweet flavours and a meal that one would have thought was the product of a very elaborate culinary process.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Works
Drizzling a small amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil over a cold ice cream may even sound weird, but it is a classic trick and it has its reason. The oil covers the tongue, which helps the coldness of the Belgian chocolate ice cream to endure a little longer. Also, an oil with a hint of pepper or fresh taste provides a stark contrast to the deep sweetness of cocoa. And it delivers a rich, smooth feeling that is unattainable from the ice cream alone.
Adding A Bit Of Crunch With Nuts
Texture is a major factor in the pleasure of eating a dessert and the quickest method of introducing that crunch is by adding toasted nuts. Naturally, the flavour of pistachios or hazelnuts complements Belgian chocolate ice cream very well as it intensifies the chocolate flavour. A brief toasting in a frying pan just before serving will not only bring out their aroma but also ensure that their flavour is not overshadowed by the cold ice cream. This adds a burnt, roasted note to the sweetness which in turn makes it look more like a piece of culinary art.
Sourcing Quality Through Online Grocery
Looking for all the right ingredients for those dessert recipes should not be a hassle that gets you running from one store to another. Online grocery shopping is one of the easiest ways to access multiple varieties of brands that have the best ingredients. Browsing through an online grocery app allows you to see different products side by side so that the best oils and salts that are going to be used in the kitchen are definitely the ones that you pick. Having all the items delivered to your doorstep means that a gourmet night can be arranged without having to go through the usual ordeal of shopping. The convenience of online grocery shopping keeps the cupboards ready for whenever a craving for something better hits.
Keeping Home Dining Simple
Creating a great dessert at the end of a meal is mainly about using your imagination with the ingredients that you have on hand. Learning how different tastes complement each other, you can produce a dessert that is more enjoyable than a standard scoop. It only takes a couple of minutes and a few well-chosen toppings to elevate a basic frozen dessert into an elegant treat.
