Chocolate and fruit pairings, summer dessert ideas and chocolate dipped fruits.
What a fabulous range of delicious chocolate inspired goodies the summer turns our thoughts to. Oh, the glorious British summer! While we might not always be blessed with endless sunshine, when those warm days do arrive, our thoughts inevitably turn to light, refreshing treats. What could be more quintessentially summer than a vibrant array of seasonal fruits? Chocolate dipped fruits are superb any time of the year but taken on a fine summer's day, well, does it get any better? From the plump juiciness of strawberries to the tart pop of raspberries and the sweet succulence of cherries, our home grown fruit produce truly shines. But what if we told you there’s a secret ingredient that elevates these delightful fruits to an entirely new level? Enter, Ta da!!! Chocolate!
Now, we know what some of you might be thinking: chocolate is for winter, for cosy nights by the fire, for rich, decadent desserts. And while it certainly excels in those roles, the truth is that chocolate is a remarkably versatile ingredient, and when paired thoughtfully with summer fruits, it creates a symphony of flavours and textures that are surprisingly light, utterly delicious, and perfectly suited for sun-drenched afternoons and al fresco dining. Forget the heavy, cloying combinations you might imagine; we’re talking about sophisticated pairings that highlight the best of both worlds. Imagine summer dessert ideas that you can serve up to your distinguished guests.
To give you a head start we are proud to share with you our finest chocolate and fruit pairings from Friars.
The fabulously fruity chocolate selection is just bursting with flavour. Something magical happens when the tangy freshness of fruit meet cacao. The perfect indulgence any time of the year. Savour our rich dark chocolate truffle magnificently combined with our succulent cherry truffle, with Kirsch soaked cherries enrobed in 61% cocoa. Or delight in the immaculately presented strawberry ice cream truffle, mmm... lovely stuff. Packed with winning combinations such as; Raspberry Cup, Eaton Mess, Chilli and Lime, Strawberry (of course) and others just as good.
Chocolate Candied Orange Slices
Beautifully candied slices of orange, hand dipped in rich, dark Belgian chocolate; these are the perfect after dinner delight or an extra special self-indulgent treat for the chocolate orange fan. A simply wonderful chocolate and fruit pairing. For those occasions when you need a different summer dessert idea.
The key to successful summer chocolate and fruit pairings lies in understanding the nuances of both ingredients.
Just as there’s a vast spectrum of fruits, there’s an equally diverse world of chocolate, each with its own unique flavour profile.
Let's begin with the reigning champion of British summer fruits: the strawberry. Its natural sweetness and slight acidity make it a perfect dance partner for a variety of chocolates. For a classic and universally loved combination, opt for a good quality milk chocolate. The creaminess of the milk chocolate complements the strawberry’s softness, creating a comforting and familiar flavour. However, for a more adventurous palate, try pairing strawberries with a darker chocolate, perhaps a 70% cocoa. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate provides a counterpoint to the strawberry's sweetness, resulting in a more complex and sophisticated bite. Imagine a platter of fresh strawberries, some drizzled, some dipped with molten milk chocolate, others with a fine dark variety – a simple yet elegant dessert for any summer gathering. Chocolate dipped fruit brings a whole new level to your lunch or dining menu.
Next, consider the delicate and often tart raspberry. These jewel-toned berries demand a chocolate that can stand up to their vibrant acidity without overpowering them. White chocolate, with its milky sweetness and vanilla notes, creates a beautiful contrast with raspberries. The tartness of the berry cuts through the richness of the white chocolate, resulting in a surprisingly refreshing sensation. Could the raspberry be your favourite chocolate and fruit pairing? Think of a white chocolate mousse topped with fresh raspberries, or a simple bowl of raspberries with shards of high-quality white chocolate – a truly divine experience. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more intense flavour, a darker chocolate with a higher cocoa content (around 75-80%) can create an intriguing push-pull dynamic with raspberries. The bitterness and fruitiness interplay in a delightful way, offering a more grown-up and sophisticated treat. There are few finer chocolate and fruit pairings than that formed by fine chocolate and the soft raspberry we know so well.
Cherries, with their deep, rich sweetness and slight tang, offer another fantastic opportunity for chocolate exploration. Dark chocolate, especially varieties with red fruit notes, are a natural fit for cherries. The inherent bitterness of the dark chocolate enhances the cherry's sweetness and brings out its deeper, more complex flavours. Picture a dark chocolate ganache tart adorned with glistening cherries, or even just a handful of fresh cherries dipped in melted dark chocolate – a simple indulgence that feels incredibly luxurious. For something a little different, consider a milk chocolate with cherries. The creaminess of the milk chocolate can soften the cherry's tartness, creating a more mellow and approachable combination, perfect for a sunny afternoon snack.
Beyond these well-loved favourites, don't shy away from experimenting with other summer fruits. Blueberries, with their subtle sweetness, pair wonderfully with a creamy milk chocolate or a lighter dark chocolate. Blackcurrants, with their intense tartness, can be beautifully balanced by a rich, high-cocoa dark chocolate, creating a vibrant and surprisingly harmonious flavour. Even the humble gooseberry, with its distinctive sharp tang, can find its match in a sweeter white chocolate, resulting in a fascinating interplay of flavours.
The beauty of these pairings lies in their versatility.
You don't need to be a gourmet chef to enjoy them. A simple platter of fresh, washed fruits with a selection of high-quality chocolate bars for dipping or breaking over is a perfectly acceptable, and indeed delightful, summer dessert. For those feeling a little more adventurous, consider incorporating these combinations into simple recipes: chocolate-dipped fruit skewers, fruit tarts with chocolate bases, or even a decadent chocolate fondue with a vibrant array of summer fruits for dipping.
So, as the British summer unfurls its gentle warmth, we urge you to cast aside any preconceived notions about chocolate. Embrace its surprising ability to elevate and enhance the glorious bounty of our seasonal fruits. You might just discover the pairing you never knew you needed, transforming your summer desserts into truly unforgettable culinary experiences. It’s a simple pleasure, yet one that promises to bring a touch of unexpected magic to your sun-drenched days.
