Around the World in 5 Desserts

With the current situation, travelling is something off people’s activities – not because they want to but because they should. Everyone’s bucket list is on halt now. But, there’s a better way to travel really, and what I’ve often done here. Travel through food.

When it comes to our main meals, we easily travel the world with our culinary experimentation; Japanese, Italian, Korean and so on are all foods we regularly consume, but I have noticed we tend to overlook the desserts which are available. For example, we all know chilli is a Mexican dish but can you name any Mexican desserts?

   

Here we have some great desserts from around the world, how many have you tried, have you made any? If you haven’t tried any, why not find the dessert recipes and make one yourself? There’s also an excellent selection of discount baking books available at The Works that will inspire you to try the most delicious treats from around the world. 

Mexico: Spiced Chocolate Brownies

Mexican desserts are generally custard or bread based, and it was hard to choose our favourite! Although thought of as more of an American creation the Chocolate Brownie has strong roots in Mexico! They are slightly different though with Mexican Chocolate Brownies potentially containing more spices giving a completely different culinary experience. Spices often added include cinnamon, cayenne and of course chilli powder, all of which bring something new to the table.

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Spain: Churros

When looking at the huge choice of Spanish desserts available you will see they  are based around eggs and almonds with a flan base and almond flavours such as marzipan, almond biscuits all being popular. Churros however can easily be found as one of the most popular desserts in Spain, having originated from Madrid. Simple to make these are strips of dough, deep fried and topped with sugar and a choice of toppings or dips.

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India: Carrot Halwa

India desserts are as flavoursome as their main meals; Kulfi, a frozen milk dessert, Payasam and Coconut Chikki are just a few of them! Some are slightly complex to make but that is part of the fun.  Coconut, mango and carrot are pretty popular ingredients in many of the Indian desserts. Carrot Halwa is an easy creamy dessert you can make at home in about an hour consisting of carrots, raisins, nuts, cream and milk.

 

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United Kingdom: Eton Mess

The UK has a huge variation of traditional desserts which have been popular for decades, examples include the Battenburg Cake, Victoria Sponge Cake and Trifle. Our favourite has got to be the exceptionally simple but effective Eton Mess. Now you can go simple and use ready made meringues from the supermarket or, make them yourself! Make a puree blending strawberries with icing sugar, crush the meringues and mix them with whipped double cream and some more chopped strawberries.

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China:  Banana Spring Rolls

Chinese desserts are as exciting as their main meals and starters with some of the favoured options centering around steamed puddings, fruit pudding and cakes mung beans and egg tarts. Banana spring rolls are popular throughout the year and is a sweet take on the traditional spring roll. The rolls are filled with a banana and brown sugar and are typically served warm after being deep fried with vanilla ice cream on the side.

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Which among these desserts have you tried?

 

Do you enjoy sampling food when you travel? I’ve always believed that food and travel goes well together, reason why when I can’t visit a city yet, I try their food from the nearest restaurant where I’m based. 🙂