Quick and Elegant Dessert for One
Sometimes you just want to end a dinner on a light, sweet note, and your sweet tooth is aching for something simple and quick. You don't need to head off to a patisserie or European coffeehouse to enjoy a dessert that is elegant at home. Brace yourself for a shamelessly easy way to do it, especially when company just stopped by. They will undoubtedly be impressed.
Simplicity can be quite sophisticated. It is the little, black dress of desserts.
A fresh-brewed cup of steamy coffee awaits crunchy, homemade almond biscotti. Delicate, plump red raspberries are nestled next to two squares of dark chocolate. The whole ensemble shows itself off well against the simple white plate and cup with saucer.
Two factors are the magic behind this combination: contrast and quality. Simple contrasts of flavors, textures, and color is what excites the senses to this quick dessert. This dessert is highly tactile. Eating with your fingers gives you immediate sensory input before you place it in your mouth. Also, prevents you from washing silverware.
The whole dessert is slanted toward sweet without being sickly sweet.Slightly bitter coffee contrasts with sweet chocolate and fruit. The crunchy biscotti gives the mouth a different texture and chew than the soft, juicy fruit.
The components of such a dessert come together just as they are, and mediocre taste can't be hidden. You may have heard the expression, "quality over quantity". Quality in this dessert is important. Keep in your cupboard some good quality chocolate and excellent roasted coffee beans.
Naturally, you can substitute another seasonal fruit for raspberries, coffee for a whole-leaf tea, or plain butter cookies for biscotti. This is less of a real recipe and more of a set of guidelines. Another point of beauty is this is completely customizable. Take away some chocolate, add more fruit, or do with it as you please. Your pleasure is the standard.
While waiting for the coffee to brew, break open a bar of excellent chocolate residing in the cupboard. Biscotti are known for their long shelf-life, so have some on hand. Place the raspberries (gingerly washed) on the plate as well. Turn on some smooth jazz, relax, and enjoy your coffee and dessert.