Part 2 gets a little more intense with three different personas, each lively in their own way, and difficult to tie down or get to know. Lucky for you, we have paired the perfect dessert that can help!
We are back with Part 2! If you missed Part 1 of our “If the Zodiacs Were Desserts”, you can find it here (hyperlink). This time, we have two dreamy desserts, which are balanced by one that has two fiery elements in it, and they are some not-so-unusual ingredients.
Of course, some signs have seemingly more... colorful (for the lack of a better word) personalities that can be quite tricky to understand. But we have have a dessert each for all the zodiac signs that, in our not-so-humble opinion, are the unofficial mascots for them. Here’s part 2, but do feel free to disagree if you’d like. Tag us so we too can be a part of the fun!
1. Virgo's Chocolate Mousse Cake
This rich chocolate mousse cake is perfect for the persnickety Virgo. Layers of fluffy mousse are separated by a crunchy cookie crust that makes for a delicious and masterfully crafted dessert. Make them break character and fuss over this dessert for a change.
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
- 150 gm digestive biscuits
- 60 gm butter, melted
- 250 gm dark chocolate
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions:
Crust:
- Crush biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or ziplock bag.
- In a small bowl, mix crumbs with melted butter until moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place in the fridge to set.
Mousse:
- Break the chocolate into pieces and melt gently in the microwave or over a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whip cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Transfer to another bowl.
- Add egg yolks to the mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed until pale and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Fold a spoonful of whipped cream into the yolks to lighten. Add melted chocolate and gently fold to combine.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Then fold in the remaining whites.
- Carefully spread mousse over the prepared crust, smoothening the top.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Pisces’ Dreamy Rosewater Panna Cotta
Based on some empirical evidence and gross overgeneralization, some extremely questionable sources say that Pisces have a penchant for the dark, followed by our good old Sagittarians (in case you didn’t realize, these articles are meant to tickle our funny bones and sweet tooth ONLY). But you can pull them out of their mysterious reveries with this dreamy panna cotta, which is infused with the flavor of roses. Clearly, it suits this mystical and imaginative zodiac quite well we must say.
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 375 ml heavy cream
- 180 ml whole milk
- 70 gm white sugar
- 2 tbsp rosewater
- 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the cream. Set aside to soften for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining cream, milk and sugar gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Remove from heat. Add the rosewater and softened gelatin, stirring well to combine. Let cool slightly.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly among 4 ramekins or cups. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until set.
- To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto a plate. Top with fresh berries.
3. Sagittarius’ Hot Fudge Brownies
Sagittarius is always seeking new experiences owing to their adventurous streak, while in the process breaking hearts along the way (see Pisces). Serve these spicy brownies warmed by two classic kitchen staples used quite regularly in savory dishes. We do not joke around when it comes to desserts, so you can be sure that this is not a prank brownie, but are delicious and perfect for those cooler nights around the time of a Sagittarian birthday!
Yields 16 brownie squares
Ingredients:
- 180 gm butter, softened
- 270 gm brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 180 gm flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 120 gm fudge sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line an 8x8-inch (typical brownie pan) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang two opposite sides of the pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the brown sugar to the butter. Beat on medium speed for another 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat lightly with a fork. Add one egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat on low just until combined. Repeat with the second egg.
- Beat in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and spices, like cinnamon and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly using a rubber spatula.
- Dollop teaspoonfuls of the fudge sauce over the batter layer in the pan. Use a butter knife or skewer to lightly swirl the fudge through the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter and again smoothen it out evenly. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.