From the riveting adventures of Anthony Bourdain to Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Special, we all have a baker and a patissier within us, waiting to bloom. Whether it be a fresh flaky and buttery croissant, the perfect chocolate lava cake, or just a decadent creme brulee, on some days, desserts are all you need. While we all love the idea of a sugar-laden vacation, some of the most popular desserts can be created in your own kitchen. Be it bakery desserts for breakfast or delectable party desserts for your next gathering, sweet delectables hold a special place in all our hearts. Globally popular desserts are a great way to experiment with newfound cuisines. From the creamy richness of an Italian Tiramisu to the delicate elegance of a layered French mille-feuille, each dessert tells a story of its origins, capturing the essence of a region's history, people, and customs. Exploring these desserts offers a unique glimpse into diverse cultures. Whether you're looking to expand your dessert repertoire or simply indulge in new and exciting flavors, these popular desserts from around the world are must-tries for any food enthusiast.
The appeal of global desserts lies in their variety and complexity, combining different textures, flavors, and techniques. For instance, the Japanese mochi offers a chewy, subtly sweet experience that contrasts sharply with the crisp and buttery layers of a Belgian waffle. Then there's the vibrant, zesty taste of a South American tres leches cake, soaked in three types of milk and topped with whipped cream, which provides a refreshing finish to a meal. These desserts are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth, they are about celebrating culinary artistry and the joy of discovery.
Tiramisu (Italy)
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 250 gm mascarpone cheese
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 gm sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 5 ml vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak:
- 200 ml strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 30 ml coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembly:
- 200 gm ladyfinger biscuits
- 30 gm cocoa powder, for dusting
Method:
1. Preparing the Mascarpone Cream:
- First and foremost, take a bowl and beat egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
- Then, add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, mixing the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
- Then, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- After this, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until you get a smooth and creamy batter.
2. Preparing the Coffee Soak:
- Take a shallow dish and then mix the cooled strong brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur (if you are choosing to add it).
3. Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, dust the top with some cocoa powder.
Mochi Ice Cream (Japan)
Ingredients
For the Mochi Dough:
- 200 gm glutinous rice flour
- 100 gm sugar
- 250 ml water
- 50 gm cornstarch (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 300 gm ice cream of choice (vanilla, matcha, or red bean)
Method:
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Balls:
- As the first step, you need to scoop the ice cream into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Then, freeze the ice cream balls until solid, about one hour.
2. Make the Mochi Dough:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, with sugar, and water. Mix the ingredients until you get a mixture of smooth consistency.
- Now, please cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and microwave at a high temperature for about one minute. Then, stir and put it inside the microwave for another minute. Please stir again and then microwave it for a final 30 seconds. The dough should be thick and sticky.
- Dust a clean surface with cornstarch. Transfer the mochi dough onto the surface and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Mochi Ice Cream:
- Divide the dough into small pieces (about 10-12). Flatten each piece into a round disc.
- Then, place an ice cream ball in the center of each disc and fold the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal.
- Once done, place the mochi ice cream seam-side down on a tray and freeze for around 30 minutes before serving.
Churros with Chocolate Sauce (Spain)
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 250 ml water
- 50 gm unsalted butter
- 5 gm salt
- 5 gm sugar
- 150 gm all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 500 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 100 gm sugar
- 5 gm ground cinnamon
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- 150 gm Cadbury Bourneville Dark Chocolate, chopped
- 150 ml heavy cream
Method:
1. Prepare the Churros Dough:
- First and foremost, you need to take a saucepan and combine the water with unsalted butter, salt, and sugar. Then, bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once done, remove it from the heat and add all-purpose flour. Please stir continuously until the mixture forms a ball.
- Now, let the dough cool for about five minutes, then add eggs one at a time, mixing the ingredients well after each addition.
2. Fry the Churros:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180°C.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors.
- Fry the strips until they are golden brown, about two to three minutes per side. After that, place the churros on paper towels and drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
- Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Sauce:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and melted.
5. Serve the warm churros with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.