Flourless chocolate cake became my obsession in the bustling kitchen of a gourmet restaurant where I worked in the early 90s. I was fascinated by the dense but creamy texture as well as the deep, dark fudgy flavour of this masterpiece. I experimented with different chocolates, sweeteners, number of eggs, and flavourings until I found the perfect combination. This should be the cake you serve when impressing and spoiling your guests is the goal. You might never use flour again.
Chocolate and coffee are a popular pairing because the bitterness and sweetness creates an incredible richness. Stir 1 Tbsp (15 mL) espresso powder into the water along with sugar and salt. Then follow the remaining steps as written.
Excerpted from The Easy 5-Ingredient Pescatarian Cookbook: Simple Recipes for Delicious, Heart-Healthy Meals, by Andy DeSantis RD MPH and Michelle Anderson, published by Rockridge Press. Copyright © 2019 by Callisto Media. All rights reserved.
Per serving:
Preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). Grease a 9 in (23 cm) round springform pan and set pan on a piece of foil. Fold foil up the outside of the pan, forming a waterproof layer. Set aside.
In small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
In large bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water, place chocolate and stir until chocolate has melted. Remove chocolate from heat and, with hand beater on medium speed, beat in butter (one cube at a time) until well blended. Beat sugar mixture and eggs (one at a time) at medium speed. Add vanilla, and beat until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared springform pan and place pan into a larger pan. Pour boiling water into the larger pan until it reaches 1 in (2.5 cm) up sides of springform pan. Bake cake until edges are firm, about 45 minutes. Remove cake from oven and let cool on rack.
Chill cake in refrigerator overnight. Remove from springform pan until ready to serve.
This recipe is part of the Book review: The Easy 5-Ingredient Pescatarian Cookbook collection.
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.