World Chocolate Day is here on Friday 7 July, and it’s time to indulge in some mouth-watering chocolate treats. Whether it’s a creamy chocolate mousse, a rich chocolate cake or a classic chocolate brownie, there’s something for everyone on this sweet occasion.
We had the pleasure of speaking with world-renowned pastry chef Kirsten Tibballs for a fun Q&A session about all things chocolate.
Here’s what she had to say:
Tell us something about chocolate that we might not know
“Chocolate is responsible for one of time’s greatest savers – microwaves. A scientist working in WWII noticed a correlation between his melting chocolate bar and a magnetron. He put the two together and a microwave was born!”
What’s your go-to dessert when invited to a dinner party & why?
“If I am bringing dessert for a dinner party, I always go for a chocolate option, which is continually well received. A yummy chocolate and Chantilly cream trifle or a decadent chocolate tart served with a dollop of cream is usually a crowd pleaser!”
Favourite savoury dish to cook:
“I love making gnocchi, and when my son was younger we’d spend a whole afternoon together doing this. My favourite is sage and Parmesan gnocchi with asparagus, garlic and chilli butter, broad beans, zucchini and Buffalo mozzarella.”
The tool of the trade you couldn’t live without and why:
“I have a set of global knives that were given to me in Germany when I won a gold medal at the Pastry Olympics. They have the Olympic logo on each one, so not only are they a great set of knives, but they also have sentimental value.”
Easiest pastry hacks for non-bakers:
“If you ever slightly over whip cream and it goes a little grainy, just add a little bit of chilled cream to it and fold it through by hand to bring it back together. If you have whipped it too far, keep whipping to create butter and dispose of the liquid. Add in some sea salt and keep it in the fridge for your next dish.”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bar of your favourite chocolate and whip up something tasty to celebrate World Chocolate Day!