SIMPLY SWEET : Three Simple Sweet Recipes

White Chocolate lined Brown Chocolate Mousse with White Chocolate and Pecan Nut Biscotti, Sherry and Fresh Berries
(Jackie Cameron)

This is an indiscreet way of reminding family, friends and colleagues that my birthday is around the corner!

At the same time it is the perfect opportunity to give you birthday ideas for that someone special in your life.

To be woken with a tasty, out-of-the-ordinary breakfast is the way I believe a birthday should begin. An excellent start to a memorable day is a mound of crepes. This thin pancake can be prepared in advance and should be allowed to stand to ensure the batter doesn’t rise. The result is a fine and even crepe. Plenty of fresh, seasonal fruit and homemade muesli give a healthy kick start to what will be an eventful day.

I have, over the years, had a different birthday cake every year, each one as delicious as the last. My current favourite is an orange citrus cake that we often make for christenings and weddings here at Hartford House in Mooi River.

Picture a slice of syrupy orange cake served with a feel-good cup of spicy chai. This is a spiced, milk tea from the Indian subcontinent made by brewing tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs. Shared with family and friends this is a perfect combination.

But what is a birthday without chocolate and a shot? With this in mind the ideal birthday dinner should be rounded off with a straight-forward chocolate mousse, Sherry shot and biscotti. The word “biscotti” is Italian for biscuit and originates from the medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning “twice baked”. This dessert allows for the smooth, stress-free running of an evening’s celebration because it can be prepared in advance.

These three simply-sweet recipes are my contribution to your happy birthday!

Take these recipes and try them.

HOMEMADE CREPES
ORANGE CITRUS CAKE
CHOCOLATE MOUSE

Post your comments and food-related questions below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jackie Cameron
Head Chef
Hartford House
www.hartford.co.za
jackie@hartford.co.za
033 263 2713