Brandy: that caramel-colored drink that somehow does not seem very ladylike. There is no denying that a drink of this spirit is not for the faint of heart, as the bold flavors and high alcoholic content of this spirit are not everyone’s cup of tea. However, don’t be too quick to toss that bottle into the deepest corner of your kitchen cupboard, as brandy can be your star ingredient whenever you want to whip up a scrumptious dessert to impress your guests. Are you ready for some mouth-watering dessert recipes?
Rice pudding with a flavorsome twist
Rice pudding is a comforting dessert that works perfectly well to brighten up a winter meal. Easy to prepare and filling, a rice pudding is the ideal choice in cases where you have to improvise. But how about turning a regular rice pudding into a truly scrumptious dessert? The secret is to add a tablespoon or two of brandy and a small glass of sweet red wine, such as Madeira, Marsala, or even a generous serving of sherry. Add some stewed prunes and flaked almonds and their distinctive nutty flavor will combine with the sweetness of the spirits to create a melt-in-your-mouth rice pudding.
Zesty brandy carpaccio
Brandy is the principal ingredient of the Sidecar, the most popular cocktail drink during the 1930s. It is not surprising that this cocktail has never gone out of fashion, and in fact, many savvy cooks are turning the basic ingredients of this drink into an appetizing dessert. Zesty brandy carpaccios have their origin in the Mediterranean region, although there are also variations of this yummy recipe in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Peel and remove the piths of 4 oranges, slice them as thin as carpaccio layers, and drizzle them with brandy and orange liquor. Top the oranges with raisins or with your favorite berries, add a couple of crushed cloves, and let the dessert absorb the flavours for half an hour.
Spiced apple cake
This is another favorite winter time dessert.? Apples are light, soothing, and have the right texture to create a fluffy but satisfying dish. Add ground cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a small amount of ground cardamom to your usual cake batter recipe. Soak dried and fresh apple slices along with raisins in brandy for one hour and add to the cake mix. The result will be a boldly flavored, spongy, and exotic-tasting dessert. Add a truly decadent touch by topping it with a dark chocolate icing layer.
