Once, at the beginning of my baking journey, someone more experienced told me that Pavlova is not a “fruit salad” — you should stick to one type of fruit. Oh, how wrong they were. Or perhaps Pavlova has simply evolved so much that no combination surprises anyone anymore?
Another take on the iconic “burnt” and ultra-creamy Basque cheesecake — this time enriched with tahini. This halva-inspired version is baked at a high temperature, just like the classic, giving it that signature deeply caramelised top with a slightly toffee-like flavour.
French pain d’épices is a traditional spiced loaf, similar to gingerbread but sweetened with honey and flavoured with warming spices such as ginger and aniseed. Originally, it was a type of sourdough bread that matured over several months, as honey fermented with rye flour.
Mexican buñuelos are a beloved sweet treat, shaped like thin, crispy discs and traditionally enjoyed during the festive season and throughout Carnival. In flavour, they’re closest to Polish faworki (angel wings), but their texture is uniquely crisp and beautifully blistered.
Mazariner are decadent Swedish tartlets made with a buttery shortcrust pastry, filled with a delicate almond mixture and finished with a tangy lemon icing. Traditionally baked in oval moulds, though a standard muffin tin works perfectly well. The pastry is wonderfully crisp
Toffee Pavlova with cinnamon and figs. By using a mix of brown sugar and white sugar (half and half), the meringue takes on a beautiful toffee-like flavour :). This recipe caught my attention because of its unusual method – completely different from how I used to make Pavlova.
Panna cotta has never been so refreshing or so full of flavour :). It’s all thanks to the passion fruit pulp, which is strained and added directly to the dessert – the taste is incredible! The chilled panna cotta is served on slices of ripe mango and…
Funnel cakes are quick, pourable fried treats that are very popular in North America. The batter is poured directly into hot oil (traditionally through a funnel, but it’s much easier to use a bottle with a small hole), then fried and served sweet. They’re incredibly quick
A wonderful savoury tart with vegetables and blue cheese – I could happily eat it every day ;). It features a tender curd cheese pastry base, topped with broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and two types of cheese. It’s absolutely delicious served warm, straight from
While people in Poznań enjoy their famous St Martin’s croissants on St Martin’s Day, the rest of Europe has its own delicious traditions. Let me introduce you to St Martin’s Brezeln – sweet pretzels popular in Germany, often baked alongside little bread figures for the occasion.
Such a specific flavour combination – and probably my favourite when it comes to Pavlova: beautifully sweet and tangy :). This Pavlova with gooseberries and kiwi even beats the classic version with lemon curd, and it’s simply not to be missed during gooseberry season!
Amaretti are sweet almond cookies – or more precisely, small almond macaroons. Their homeland is Italy. They’re made from whipped egg whites and ground almonds, without any flour, and flavoured with amaretto liqueur, which gives them their distinctive aroma.
Apparently, early varieties of cherries are already in season – the perfect excuse to make cherry brioche buns ;). Soft, buttery and rich with eggs, this dough is surprisingly easy to work with. One of its biggest advantages is that it rises overnight in the fridge, so in the morning
The time leading up to Christmas wouldn’t smell quite as magical without cranberry jam. For me, it’s one of the best flavours in the world – right after my grandmother’s lingonberry and pear preserve. It’s well worth stocking up on cranberries this year and filling your pantry with
A familiar, comforting crumble-style dessert. Quick, effortless and almost impossible to get wrong ;). Juicy blackberries and plums baked under a soft, cookie-like topping. Finished with flaked almonds, this cobbler bakes up beautifully golden – and tastes
A true Christmas showstopper! I fell in love after the very first bite. A deliciously crisp-on-the-outside, marshmallow-soft Pavlova layered with a creamy filling enriched with marsala or amaretto, coffee-soaked sponge biscuits and finished with a dusting of cocoa. Elegant
If you love baklava, you’re in for a treat ;). This version features hazelnuts, dark chocolate and cinnamon, all soaked in a fragrant honey syrup. It’s sticky, rich and completely addictive. Layer upon layer of crisp filo pastry filled with toasted nuts and high-quality chocolate
Quince season is almost over – this is your last chance to enjoy this wonderfully old-fashioned fruit. Often overlooked and not always easy to find (usually hiding in gardens rather than shops), quince resembles a pear or apple but is far more aromatic.