3 Classic Floral-Chocolate Desserts You Must Try This Holiday Season

Enhance the flavor and texture of your chocolate desserts by combining them with edible flowers. Here are three recipes to try.

Christmas is a global phenomenon and is celebrated throughout the world in a different manner depending on the culture. Although the intensity or to what extent the celebrations of Christmas are held depends on the location. Christmas celebrations in Asia aren't the same as the large spectacles they are in European and American countries. But that doesn't mean Asian countries or India are lagging behind, especially if the category is food.Desserts have a special place in the heart of every foodie. Be it your simple family dinner or a grand Christmas party, our eyes always look for the sweet treats on the dining table. Cakes, pies, cupcakes, puddings and truffles are some popular types of desserts that are loved by all and when it comes to choosing flavors, chocolate is always on the top three of our lists.

But have you ever thought of combining chocolate with gorgeous edible flowers? Floral desserts not only taste good but also make it visually appealing. They are a great way to add an extra flavor and texture to sweet dishes. Speaking particularly about adding floral tones to chocolate desserts, it can never go wrong.

Here are three classic floral-chocolate desserts you must try:

White Chocolate-Lavender Cake

White chocolate and lavender flower are a great combination for desserts. This fancy cake is not only visually appealing for also tastes delicious. Prepared along with the filling of blueberry (or blackberry) jam, it is perfect for every celebratory occasion.

Ingredients

• 5 oz white chocolate
• 2 tsp dried lavender flower
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 113 g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 5 tbsp ground almonds
• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Roughly chop the white chocolate and then melt it in a double boiler.
• Crush the dried flower lightly with a pestle and mortar.
• Then beat dried flower, butter and sugar together in a food mixer until smooth. Add eggs and mix again.
• Stir in the melted chocolate until combined properly. Add flour and almonds into a bowl and fold in until just incorporated.
• Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 mins or until golden brown. Let it cool on the wire rack. Once done, dust with icing sugar. Enjoy!

Dark chocolate Rose Truffles

Dark chocolate rose truffles can be a perfect dessert for your Christmas Eve. It is prepared by infusing rich chocolate with floral rose essence that is rolled in cocoa powder. This impressive and decadent dessert is ideal for your last-minute preparations.

Ingredients

• 150 g 70% dark chocolate
• 150 ml double cream
• 25 g butter
• 1/4 tsp rose water extract
• Cocoa powder and ground pistachios for coating
• Dried rose petals for garnish

Method

• Chop the chocolate very finely. Add cream and butter to a mixing bowl and keep it over a saucepan of hot water.
• Heat until the cream turns warm, and the butter has melted. Stir well to combine. Turn down the heat and add chocolate to the cream and butter mixture. Stir until completely melted.
• Switch off the heat and add rose extract. Let the mixture cool. Then put it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until it becomes firm
• Then oil your hands and using a teaspoon scoop up the mixture and gently roll into a ball. Repeat the same with the remaining mixture.
• Next coat your truffles with cocoa powder, pistachios and rose petals. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour and serve.

Hibiscus Chocolate Mousse

This special dessert is prepared with chocolate, hibiscus syrup and kosher salt. Garnished with dried hibiscus petals, you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. This sweet and fragrant treat has a rich flavor that makes it ideal for any celebratory occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces good semi sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 ounces good bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp hibiscus syrup
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tsp Armagnac
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch kosher salt
• Whipped Cream, for garnish
• Hibiscus petals for garnish

Method

• Combine both the chocolates, syrup, and water in a heat-proof bowl. Set it over a pan with simmering water just until the chocolate melts completely, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool completely. Whisk in the Armagnac and butter until well combined.
• Place the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high speed for 4 minutes. Then on low speed, add in chocolate mixture and mix well. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Place 1/2 cup of egg whites, salt, and 1 tbsp of sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high speed until firm (do not dry). Whisk 1/4 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
• Spoon the mixture into serving bowls. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours. Serve chilled garnished with whipped cream and sprinkle hibiscus petals.