The Valentine’s Week is going on in full-swing and tomorrow its ‘Promise Day’! To celebrate this day, if you are preparing an intimate dinner for two, these delectable treats are sure to make the day even more wholesome. Here is a collection of exquisite desserts crafted to add a touch of romance and begin a journey of love on a sweet note. Surprise your loved one with your culinary skills, crafting dishes that not only taste divine but also speak the language of love.
1. Chocolate and Carob Bundt Cake (By Chef Arjyo Banerjee, Vice President Culinary and Central Kitchen, Compass Group India)
Ingredients:
- Chocolate – 125
- Water- 40
- Honey- 20
- 3 Eggs (Organic) – 150
- Brown Sugar- 40
- Plain Yogurt- 125
- Vegetable Oil- 20
- Flour- 40
- Carob- 40
- Baking Powder- 5
- Powdered Sugar- 30
Method
- Begin by greasing a Bundt pan generously with butter, ensuring to coat all surfaces, then lightly sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C).
- In a saucepan, combine the chocolate pieces, water, and honey. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Now, take a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, and beat well with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Add the yoghurt and oil to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the batter, mixing well until a smooth and homogeneous batter forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for the specified time or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully cooked.
- Once baked, remove the Bundt pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the cake. If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy your decadent chocolate Bundt cake!
2. Rose Mousse (By Chef Bidyut Saha, Executive Chef, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp rose water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp Rose Syrup
- Rose petals for garnish
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the rose water and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Add rose syrup and mix until the syrup is evenly distributed.
- Divide the mousse into moulds.
- Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.
- Once set, remove the cover and garnish with edible rose petals if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the delicate flavour of the rose mousse!
3. Cherry Pistachio Parfait (By Chef Sherene Chou, American Pistachios)
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- ¼ cup vanilla granola or your favorite granola
- 1/4 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- ½ cup coconut yogurt, unsweetened
Method:
- Layer 2 tablespoons of the pistachios at the bottom of a glass or jar.
- Then add half of the granola, cherries and yogurt.
- Repeat one more time with the remaining ingredients.
- Top with crushed pistachios and enjoy!
4. Strawberry and Red Velvet Lemon Cheese Cake in Jar (By Tarun Shetty, Corporate Chef, SMAAASH)
A pretty, tender, dessert with just the right amount of tasty cocoa appeal, strawberries and red velvet like the allure of a single red rose on a crisp white linen table.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Mascarpone cream Cheese
- Red Velvet Cake
- Strawberries
Method:
- Need to layer the jar with all the 3 one layer at a time until the top and then garnish with whole with strawberry .