Monthly Flavors for July – Sip Happens
It is getting real hot here, so it is time to grab a drink and sit by some water to cool down. So obviously, the
As summer may be nearing an end, it is still darn hot! So, this month the theme is the bounty of summer: all the beautiful fruits and flavors of sunshine, vacation, and abundance.
Strawberry Pâte de Fruit with Black Pepper Dark Chocolate Ganache
I absolutely love the combination of strawberry and black pepper! It is often underutilized, but the blend of sweet and floral with earthy and spicy is so much fun! Pepper is also fantastic with apples, which I am sure I will play around with in the fall. The pâte de fruit is very bright and juicy and the ganache is deep and rich. So tasty!
Vanilla Rose Matcha White Chocolate Ganache
Here at the cafe we have been going through a lot matcha – it is such a lovely summer drink! Earthy, grassy, and often sweet, matcha is beloved for a reason. Vanilla is the most common added flavor with matcha, but I really love the addition of rose. I think the floral ties in so nicely – I hope you agree!
Thai Tea Caramel
Who doesn’t love Thai tea in the midst of summer? Sweet, refreshing, and tart is is a damn lovely choice. Here, I took the caramel nice and dark to add depth and bitterness to counteract some of the sweetness. It has turned out near addictive!
Mango and Lemon Verbena White Chocolate Ganache
Ever since I was young, mango has been one of my favorite fruits. Right now, I am absolutely in love with Ataulfo mangos – honey sweet, low fibrous texture, buttery smooth deliciousness. So, I had to pair it with one of my favorite seasonal herbs, lemon verbena! To me, verbena smells like summer. Citrusy and earthy, it makes excellent tea and desserts – and ganaches!
Kumquat and Raspberry Caramel
Summer is also still citrus season! A lovely client gave me a whole bag of kumquats off her tree and I knew I needed to make something for their short season. This caramel is a little bitter from the kumquat and the darkness of the sugar, tangy from the citrus and raspberry, and sweet. It is refreshing and oh so good!
Fig Pâte de Fruit with Basil Milk Chocolate Ganache
Figs are finally here! My mom absolutely adores figs. I have always loved the texture of the seeds, and the intense sweetness. They are so good with basil, and I am sad it is an underappreciated pairing. The peppery, earthy herb is so bright against the fruit, and that is showcased in this chocolate.
It is getting real hot here, so it is time to grab a drink and sit by some water to cool down. So obviously, the