Combining Flavors

Sometimes it seems that two things do not belong together, but things are not always as they seems. Right? This applies to cooking also.

My husband, Ilias, is great at combining flavors. I have become better, however I am still cautious.

Below three examples of combining unlikely flavors. 

Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper

This is great in winter. The key is to make real hot chocolate with pure cocoa, sugar, and whole milk. Follow whatever high quality hot chocolate recipe you like that will make 2 large mugs. Before pouring into mugs, add a teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper. The heat of the hot chocolate and the heat from the pepper will warm you up instantly. The whole milk or cream takes the edge off the cayenne. You will be surprised how much the cayenne brings out the flavor of the cayenne. Very delicious!

Bananas covered with Chocolate Paprika Sauce and Pistachios

This is a simple dessert that we always serve after a dinner party. It really surprises our guests.
Melt chocolate chips/drops with a little milk and vanilla. Add 2 teaspoons of hot paprika. Stir well. Pour the hot chocolate sauce over large slices of banana. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios over the chocolate and bananas. An easy and unusual dessert to liven up any party or just have it  while at home alone. It does not matter.

Sautee Peppers and Bacon with Vanilla Cream Sauce

I must admit, I was scared to try this when Ilias first made it for me. I am glad I overcame the fear because I loved it at first bite. The recipe can be changed around quite a bit. First, you must sauté one of the following combination in a skillet. I have tried them all and cannot pick my favorite.
(Sautee in a large amount of olive oil)
- Onions, red pepper, green pepper, smoked salami, mushrooms
-Onions, mushrooms, bacon, shrimp
-onions, mushrooms
-Ham, mushrooms
After cooking one of the combinations, add 1 cup of water, 8 ounces of heavy cream, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Simmer mixture until it is at a saucy consistency.
We have this sauce over rice or pasta with a large amount of bread and a huge salad. 

In fact, we had it the other day!

Our table…

 



Try combing unusual flavors. You may have a creation that is uniquely you.