Did you know that South Australia has more late-night dessert bars per capita than any other state in Australia? I don’t know what they’re putting in the water down here but it seems clear that we South Aussies have a real hankering for the sweet stuff.
Visiting a dessert bar is fun when the weather is good but a lot of us tend to bunker down during the chilly Winter nights. Luckily, we have some local companies producing excellent products that can be enjoyed at home. Here are three I recently tried.
1) Salted caramel by Steven ter Horst
Food is a bit like fashion nowadays, with trends and seasons (well, food has always had those), and food that is so-hot-right-now that you simply must try it or risk being socially ostracised. Think of the the worldwide hysteria and drum beating about kale, quinoa, cronuts, sliders, heritage meats or cold-pressed juices. Like these foodie stars, salted caramel has also had its moment in the sun and for good reason: the combination of sweet and salty flavours in a voluptuous caramel is simply incredible. You can make your own but for those lazy or time-poor amongst us, you can now buy a jar of liquid gold from chocolatier Steven ter Horst. Try it with vanilla ice cream or spread it over a cake or tart base. Alternatively, you can eat it straight from the jar, spoonful by spoonful.
Find it: Steven ter Horst. Price: $15. Currently available only from Steven ter Horst shops but Australia-wide shipping is coming soon.
2) Toasted marshmallows by Haigh’s Chocolates
Haigh’s do a lot of exquisite chocolate and sweet products but toasted marshmallows are my mum’s favourites. I remember eating these as a treat when I was small so they always seemed very special to me. If you’ve only eaten marshmallows from the supermarket before be prepared to be blown away by the luscious, soft texture, the sweet vanilla flavour and the oh-so-moreish shredded toasted coconut topping.
Find it: Haigh’s Chocolates. Price: $5.95. Available Australia-wide after Easter until October from Haigh’s shops or via Haigh’s delivery service.
3) Sweet & salty popcorn by Jonny’s Popcorn Delights
I’m pretty sure this stuff should be illegal. Or, at least, available for purchase only if you have a signed note from a medical professional stating that you are of sound mind and buying the popcorn for a gathering of people. Because you won’t be able to eat just a handful of this stuff. One taste of this and you’ll be compelled to continue eating it by the fistful until there is nothing left but a few, sad crumbs. You’ll have a raging thirst and be surfing a sugar rush that’ll make your head spin but you won’t care one little bit – you’ll be too busy planning your next purchase.
Find it: Jonny’s Popcorn Delights. Price: $5. Available Australia-wide.
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