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t’s known since ancient times that the senses are gateways to our heart, the home of our soul, connected to our vital organs and our emotions. To truly savour a meal is to engage all the senses. The sight of vibrant colours on a plate, the seducing aroma of spices, the crisp texture of a fresh bite, the symphony of flavours on the tongue—all of these evoke an experience rarely present in such abundance in other aspects of life, and there are plenty of ways to benefit from that, and perhaps add more quality to our life.
A bite of a chocolate dessert, for example, isn’t just eating a dessert but it could be seen as a rich meditative experience. The bittersweet taste of the chocolate, the nutty deep pistachio undertones, the mild sourness of plums, the brightness and zest of orange peel—each layer is a reminder that joy is found in the details, in the subtle pleasures.
This rich and creamy dessert has a perfect balance of chocolate, nutty base, and surprisingly euphoric touch of wintery cinnamon orange flavour. When creating a winter recipe, I consider a few essential elements. First, to provide a warming nurturing quality, that is achieved here by blending the rich warmth of dark chocolate with the orange. Second, to use ingredients that are deeply associated with the winter season such as cinnamon, dried fruits and oranges. Fresh citrus zest is my favourite way to flavour. The creamy coconut milk base of the ganache makes it luxuriously smooth, while being entirely plant-based and naturally gluten-free. It’s an effortless dessert recipe for the holiday season that feels abundant and exquisite.
Don’t hesitate to play with the toppings. A few options might be: blueberries, orange zest, pistachios, grated chocolate, a drizzle of nut butter or more fresh fruits.
