By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
When it comes to satiating your sweet tooth, picking a favourite is a piece of cake. Or should that be a square of chocolate? After all, according to research, a whopping 14.2 million Aussies over the age of 14 consume chocolate in four weeks!
While a bite from a classic block of Dairy Milk is always a good idea, pairing it with the right companion can elevate it to a whole new level.
Whether you're enjoying a piece on its own or incorporating it into a dessert or savoury dish (not as surprising as it sounds!), understanding the art of chocolate pairings can enhance your culinary adventures.
From berries to brie, here are some of the best combos we’ve tried:
(Un)Forbidden Fruit
Fruit provides a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that seamlessly complements the richness of chocolate. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are classic choices that pair exceptionally well with all types of chocolate. The tartness of these berries offsets the sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.
Bananas also offer a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that enhance the indulgent qualities of chocolate. They work beautifully sliced and dipped in chocolate or incorporated into a dessert, to add a delicious contrast of taste and textures.
Finally, citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines provide fresh, zesty notes that cut through the richness of chocolate. Especially, dark varieties. This combination of refreshing and rich creates a vibrant and aromatic pairing that is both invigorating and satisfying.
Nuts About Nuts
Nuts and chocolate are a match made in heaven, offering a decadent combination of textures and flavours.
Almonds, with their subtle nuttiness and crunchy texture, are a popular choice for pairing with chocolate. Whether whole, sliced, or salted, these superfoods add depth and complexity to chocolate desserts and snacks.
Similarly, hazelnuts, known for their rich, buttery texture, also pair particularly well with milk and dark chocolate. Enjoyed as a spread (think Nutella) or as a topping for chocolate desserts, hazelnuts contribute a luxurious and indulgent element to chocolate pairings.
Finally, walnuts and pecans offer a robust, earthy profile that enhances the deep, intensity of dark chocolate. Try them folded into brownie batter or sprinkled on top of tarts to add a satisfying crunch and a hint of bitterness to chocolate-based treats.
Say Cheese!
While it may seem unconventional, cheese and chocolate make surprisingly excellent companions. The silky, savoury qualities of cheese provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of chocolate, resulting in a sophisticated and indulgent pairing.
Soft, creamy cheeses like brie and camembert pair particularly well with milk chocolate, creating a luxurious combination of flavours and textures. Simply spread a thin layer of cheese onto a piece of chocolate for a decadent treat.
Alternatively, hard cheeses such as aged cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano offer a sharp, tangy taste that enriches the depth of dark chocolate. Serve small chunks of cheese alongside squares of chocolate for a sophisticated tasting experience that is both indulgent and memorable.
Meat Me in The Middle
While untraditional, certain types of cured or smoked meats, such as prosciutto or bacon, paired with chocolate can offer an interesting interplay of sweet and salty.
Although some creative takes on this pairing have seen questionable creations come to life (we spotted one recipe for prosciutto and chocolate arancini), the popularity of bacon and waffles, burgers and salty fries dipped in chocolate sundaes and Mexican chicken mole is proof that the saltiness and richness of meat can complement the sweetness and depth of chocolate with great success.
Ultimately, taste is subjective, so those willing to experiment with different types of chocolate and meats can yield surprising and delightful results!
Spilling The (Coffee) Beans
Coffee and chocolate are a classic pairing that brings out the best in both ingredients. The deep complexity of coffee enhances the richness of chocolate, resulting in a decadent and satisfying combination.
For a simple yet indulgent treat, enjoy a piece of chocolate alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfect pairing that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
For a more indulgent experience, try incorporating coffee into your chocolate desserts. Add espresso powder to chocolate cake batter or drizzle coffee-infused caramel sauce over chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat that is sure to impress.
Nothing To Wine About
Wine and chocolate are a ‘grape combination. With each elevating the other's nuances. When combining these two flavour powerhouses, it's essential to consider the profiles of each, and their intensity to ensure a harmonious combination.
For milk chocolate, opt for a lighter-bodied wine with fruity notes, such as Pinot Noir or Riesling. The fresh accords of the wine complement the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, resulting in a delightful and refreshing pairing.
Dark chocolate, on the other hand, pairs well with full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The robust undertones of these wines enrich the intense bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a luxurious and indulgent pairing that is perfect for special occasions.
Finally, white chocolate (Yes. We know it's not technically chocolate, but let’s save that debate for another date), with its velvety texture and delicate flavour, pairs beautifully with sweet dessert wines such as Moscato.
The honeyed hues of the wine will enhance the creaminess of white chocolate, resulting in a decadent and luxurious pairing that is sure to offer a sweet ending to any meal.
