Chocolate “Napoleon” cake
Arguably, there is not a single person who is – or has been – in Russia who doesn’t know about “Napoleon” cake. Along with the notorious honey cake, these two are easily the best examples of Russian desserts. Traditionally, “Napoleon” is made with crispy pastry layers smothered in pastry cream. But I am a firm believer that while classics are great, they should never stand in the way of creativity and experimentation. So with that in mind, I propose you try this little variation – a chocolate “Napoleon” cake.
Pork and cider pot pies
Having spent some time in England, I am afraid I was rather disappointed with the culinary fare. Granted it was after I have spent a year in Greece so it was a tough competition to follow. I am also hoping I was simply extremely unlucky and things have improved since then. But all these years later, only a few meals still stand out in my memory. Namely, the offerings of Chinatown (largely, I suspect, because a Chinese friend gave me a tour), an extravagant passion fruit dessert at Tate Modern and pork cider pot pies.
Whole wheat flaky pastry
While we live in an age where almost anything you desire can be bought at a grocery store, nothing beats homemade. And frankly, it’s not likely to change any time soon. Even if you go for the cleanest, freshest, the most organic and closest to “tasting like home”, it’s still going to cost you few times more than picking the building blocks and putting it together yourself. Because even the nicest producers still have to make a profit for themselves before ensuring others’ well-being. Not to mention that nothing gives you more certainty about your food than knowing (and seeing) exactly what went into making it. So next time you think of purchasing some frozen or chilled pastry, grab some butter and flour instead. This whole wheat flaky pastry is easy, quick and exceptionally satisfying.
Coffee ice cream
The taste of coffee has always been one of my favourites. Even when I was little I would try to trick my grandparents into letting me have some. I used to tell them that some obscure symbol on the coffee tin meant that it was approved for children consumption. But it isn’t just the taste of it. There are many times when the scent alone is enough. Getting a deep lungful of fresh coffee smell can be as satisfying as a strong dose of caffeine. Obviously the same applies to anything coffee flavoured. Cakes, muffins, cookies, candy. And of course, coffee ice cream.
Berry tiramisu
While it might be unusual to dive into variations before tackling classics, this mixed berry tiramisu is just too good to be kept secret. Apparently so good that a friend who picked it up for takeaway asked for a fork to go so she could eat it on the way. And since I am already married to probably the only person who believes berries don’t belong in desserts, you will be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t love this combination. This berry tiramisu is also one of the simplest things to make.