Water is, naturally, the most important beverage, vital to the continuance of life as we know it as our bodies comprise, after all, about 80% water. Next in line is coffee – well technically, it’s not the second most important, but it is second on the Top 10 list of Most Popular Beverages, pipped by tea and followed by beer. Who are these tea drinkers? Coffee is of significant importance to many people worldwide but it is of vital importance to me. In fact, it could be the one thing I can’t live without.
Let’s park this for a moment and take a closer look at desserts. When did we start eating dessert? It’s a no brainer for ‘love-of-everything-sweet’ me – the answer is “always” – but historically, when did the concept arise? The term “dessert” originated from the French word desservir, meaning "to clear the table”. It appears that the phrase was coined in the 1600’s but it wasn’t until the 1700’s, when the Americans and British adopted the word, that “dessert” became a course all on its own. Thank heavens for that – what would life be like without dessert to look forward to at the end of the meal? Dismal. Plain, boring and dismal… No, this could be the one thing I can’t live without.
What happens when you take two things you can’t bear living without and combine them? Heaven, nirvana, ecstasy. Thank you Italian heritage! To celebrate 2020 "The Year of Comfort Food" (because we all need a little bit of good-mood food to navigate a global pandemic) I’m sharing two of my favourite desserts with you – family favourites and go-to desserts that never fail, and never fail to satisfy.
This Tiramisu recipe has served us very well over the years and was even featured on the menu of one of PE's favourite Italian restaurants... Try assembling in separate bowls for a different take on things...
If you're pressed for time or are just a little bit stressed and need something truly simple - Affogato is the way to go. It literally means "drowned" and it's easy to see why.
You can add your personal touch by using different flavours of ice cream (how about chocolate or caramel), as well as substituting the liqueur - a Gran Marnier perhaps?
Humour aside, global pandemics are not to be sneezed at. Take time to find something that brings you peace. I don't think it needs to be huge or have obvious massive global impact... just something that makes you smile or feel joy ~ we can always do with more of that.
"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." ~ Jean Shinoda Bolen
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