The pandemic has cost us a lot: from its societal impact on employment, economic activity, security, health to a more personal level such as canceled travels worldwide, trips around the country, and other plans.
Being at home for the whole of the quarantine period strained our energy and left us with almost nothing to do but eat. Even those who engage in online jobs get easily stressed with all the workloads expected of them, and what better way to release all these pressures than to turn on our ever trusted, always reliable, comfort food: desserts.
But wait! Wouldn’t it also be nice to eat your favorite delectable treats from your favorite country? It’s like traveling around the world though you are only within the four walls of your house. You don’t have to altogether cancel your plans to visit different places this year when you can make them visit you (in your kitchen) instead. Here are the best desserts you can make from different countries in the comfort of your home.
Japan’s Gluten-free and Vegan Mochi
Take home the Japanese atmosphere with a gluten-free and vegan homemade mochi. These soft, fluffy, and flavorful rice cakes are usually made from mochigome, a variety of Japanese short-grain glutinous rice, with water, sugar, and your favorite flavorings. Amazingly, you can eat these in various ways: either on its own or wrapped with other ingredients such as ice cream.
Preparing and making mochi also involves different styles, and if you prefer, other ingredients. You can use glutinous sweet rice flour, vegan granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Don’t forget to add that extra flavoring to boost your appetite. For more tips on mochi, you can check out this mochi recipe by Nikki Cervone.
Italy’s Tiramisu
This Italian delicacy literally translates to “pick me up” and is quite popular in Italian dessert tables. Tiramisu is a coffee-flavored dessert made with ladyfinger cookies known as Savoiardi, instant or just espresso, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, Marsala wine, any liquor (preferably rum), and cocoa powder.
Through time, making this fancy dessert is now enhanced with variations on the ingredients used. Some would make chocolate tiramisu, with chocolate as the main ingredient rather than coffee or fruit tiramisu with fruit ingredients such as berries, apricots, and peaches. Nonetheless, these changes did not compromise the taste. If anything, it only made them better.
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Spain’s Churros
Though originally from Spain, these deep-fried dough sticks are becoming a hit both as a street and cafe food in other parts of Latin America. They are made from choux-like pastry (mostly water, butter, sugar, salt, flour, and eggs).
Once the pastry is ready, they are placed in a pipe with a star-shaped nozzle and fried on hot oil until golden brown. After this, they are sprinkled with sugar. The best part of eating churros is dipping them with hot/melted chocolate, adding to the explosion of flavors in your mouth. Yum!
USA’s S’mores
When we talk about American desserts, s’mores would always come to mind. Who doesn’t love this gooey, toasted, campfire treat? The tenth of August is even recognized as a National S’mores Day. These are not only easy to make but also budget-friendly and homey dessert.
During campfire retreats, you should not miss making s’mores. Despite the physical and social limitations imposed on us as of the moment, we still can make memorable family get-togethers in our backyard with these sandwiched biscuits stuffed with melted chocolate and marshmallows.
Australia’s Lamington
These small, square sponge cakes are dipped in chocolate and covered in desiccated coconut. They are particularly famous in Australia, but recent research suggests that lamingtons are actually an original New Zealand product.
There, they were called “Wellington.” Lamingtons are said to be named after the late Governor of Queensland during the 1890s, Lord Lamington. Regardless of origin, one thing is sure: these bite-sized sponge cakes are absolutely delicious and one of the best desserts you can make at home.
India’s Gulab Jamun
When translated into Hindi, Gulab means rose, and Jamun means berry. Together, they define this sweet Indian dessert, which is a deep-fried doughnut in berry sized balls, soaked in a rose flavored sugar syrup.
You can make them in two ways: one with khoya, a dairy product of Indian origin, or with the milk powder, if khoya is not available in the locality. This sweet treat is traditionally served during festive celebrations, colorful parties, and welcoming guests. Bring the festivities to your home with this Indian delicacy.
Takeaway
It would have been nice to fulfill our traveling dreams this year if it just weren’t for COVID-19. However, it is essential to remember that our plans are just put on hold and not wholly ruined every once in a while. While waiting for everything to go back to normal, try to enjoy every bit of your moment at home with these global desserts, and turn your kitchen as if it is Japan, Italy, the USA, and all the other countries you want to visit.
