This week we return to simple and sweet solutions to some dessert dilemmas. One of my favourite parts of my job is meeting people out and about, fielding questions, opinions and – the easiest of all to deal with – dilemmas. Recently I was chatting to two keen cooks who struggled with desserts. They were obsessed with food, often hosting dinner parties for up to 12 people, and, by all accounts, masters of the savoury side of the menu. They were looking for one or two easy desserts that could pass for belonging on a restaurant menu, be largely pre-prepared and still fall under the genre of “classics”. Two things come to mind when I think of classic desserts: chocolate and vanilla.
There’s something really satisfying about a dessert that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make. This week’s recipes are simple to prepare, easy to make ahead, and feel like a real treat at the end of a meal.
Vanilla rice pudding is comfort food with a bit of polish. It’s baked in the oven, so once you’ve stirred everything together – milk, cream, rice, vanilla – you just let it gently cook while you get on with other things. After chilling it turns beautifully creamy, and a little whipped cream folded through at the end gives it a soft, airy finish. The prunes, slowly cooked in red wine, Marsala and warm spices, bring a lovely depth and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours on it – even though you haven’t.
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The chocolate torte is equally straightforward, despite how impressive it looks. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free and bakes low and slow in a bain marie for that smooth, fudgy texture. It’s rich, so a little slice goes a long way, and the orange syrup brings a bright, citrusy lift. A spoonful of lightly whipped vanilla mascarpone on the side balances everything out. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it the night before and forget about it until serving time.
Both desserts prove you don’t need complicated techniques or long ingredient lists to create something memorable. They’re simple, stylish, and perfect for ending a relaxed dinner on a high note – no last-minute stress, just great flavours and a little bit of indulgence.
