From Drinks to Dessert, #SpicyChat is Indulging in the Decadent World of Chocolates with @Shocolaateshop

SpicyChat has an extra sweet treat for our readers today. Seeking inspiration from our sponsors The Shocolaate Shop, I have created few items to compliment their Chocolate Truffles I was lucky enough to sample.

Speaking of chocolate or should I say Shocolaate. The Shocolaate Shop is a mother-daughter team who are truly passionate about the art of chocolate making. Shocolaate (Show-ko-latt) specializes in unique, artisan truffles and chocolate treats. They use the highest quality CACAO BARRY chocolate to ensure a smooth texture and sensational taste, producing delectable, elegant chocolates for any occasion. Shocolaate is a celebration in taste, artistry and etiquette!

Chocolate is a more versatile food than you might think. Served as a drink, adding roasted cacao nibs to salads or rub on steaks, or simply taking a bite of chocolate truffles for dessert; chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors that pairs well with all your meals and courses. Whether you are a chocophile or an aspiring chocophile, you’re certain to find a combination that suits your taste.

Today the Shocolaate Truffles I am pairing are:

• The Flaming Goat – Dark Chocolate shell filled with goat cheese laced with bonnet and jalapeño peppers.
• The S’mores – Dark Belgian Chocolate, mini marshmallows, graham cracker crust.
• Key Lime Pie – Pearl White Chocolate, key lime filling, graham cracker topping.

I wanted to compliment the flavors of these truffles with dishes which enhance the overall experience by allowing the respective flavors to stand out.  Since the Flaming Goat Truffle was laced with spicy pepper, I chose it as a starter. Cocktail/Tasting parties around the world have featured cheese as truffle’s favorite friend.  Bold, rich, flavorful; these are a few adjectives that apply to both chocolate and cheese. So why not combine both to create the ultimate party?

Who doesn’t love a cocktail party? I for one am obsessed with of all things pretty which comes in small sizes packing a punch in flavor. For starters, I am creating an antipasto platter and since sweeter wines offer relief from spicy foods, I am serving a Riesling Thyme Cocktail.

Gruyere, a semi-hard cheese from the Alpines taste delicious with rich chocolate and cheeses such as  Gouda and Edam are smooth & buttery, making them suitable for spicy flavors. Of course, you can always throw in some stout beers as well since they blend well with the diverse flavors of semi-hard cheeses. There is no right or wrong with pairings, just experimentation. All you need is some chocolate, cheese, few beers or cocktails and friends to discover new pairings and unexpected flavors.

Don’t let the name Flaming Goat fool you. Chocolate & Scotch Bonnets, a little goes a long way. Sweet dark chocolate, goat cheese, and a hint of kick with a smooth finish – this one is a keeper. Not for the faint heart though.

Riesling Thyme Cocktail

Riesling with their sweet flavor profile and lower alcohol content gives your palate refreshment and relief. The herbal and tangy qualities of Sauvignon Blanc also compliments spicy dishes. To complement our Shocolaate antipasto platter, you can use either one for this cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 stem fresh thyme
• 1 slice lemon or lime
• 1 oz St. Germain or elderflower concentrate (optional)
•  ice to serve

Directions:

1. Muddle the thyme, lemon, and St. Germain.
2. Add the white wine and shake with ice.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass. Makes 2 servings.

Coconut & Cardamom Creme Brulee with Key Lime Truffles

Since we started the evening on a spicy note, I wanted to finish our night on a gentler note. Key Lime Truffles are synonymous with Florida, especially the Keys. It seemed apt to end our decadent evening with Shocolaate’s Key Lime Truffles. Key limes are tart and incredibly sour making them hard to pair well with other flavors. Shocolaate Pearl White Chocolate, key lime filling, graham cracker topping – match made in heaven.

With Ms. Julia Child’s 100th birthday on August 15th, needless to say French cuisine was on my mind. And since key limes works nicely with the rich, sweet flavor of coconut, I decided to make Coconut Creme Brulee with a hint of Cardamom powder. After all, spice and chocolates are the theme for today’s #spicychat theme. And it certainly is an elegant finale to our evening.  To add some texture and because Parmesan is the king of all cheeses, I made some Parmesan crisps for that extra special touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, divided
• 3/4 cup plus 8 teaspoons sugar
• 7 large egg yolks
• 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake ½ cup coconut until toasted, 6-8 minutes.
2. Whisk 3/4 cup sugar and egg yolk. Mix cream, coconut milk, & coconut in a heavy saucepan. Bring cream, coconut milk, and all the coconut flakes to simmer over medium heat.
3. Whisk 3/4 cup sugar and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually temper hot cream mixture into yolk mixture 1/4 cup at a time to avoid eggs getting cooked. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, cardamom powder, and vanilla essence. Strain custard into medium pitcher, pressing on solids. Divide among eight ramekins or custard cups.
5. Place ramekins in large roasting pan. Fill pan with enough hot water to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake custards until edges are set, approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Remove custards from water. Chill custards uncovered until cold, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill overnight.
6. Next day sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each custard. Using kitchen torch, heat sugar until melted and deep amber. Chill again before serving to set the sugar.
7. Serve with Parmesan crisp. (optional)

About Author

Rashmi Primlani, DipWSET

Wine Writer. Wine Educator. Wine Ambassador. Yes! We breathe and dream Wine. #indianwinegoddess

See author's posts