World Chocolate Day: Classic recipes for chocolate lovers

World Chocolate Day or International Chocolate Day is observed across the globe on July 7 Arguably the most popular sweet treat in the world chocolate has loyal fans who swear by it in many forms from hot and cold beverages to desserts across cuisinesSeveral health benefits are also attributed to chocolate if consumed in moderationChocolatersquos popularity has only grown with time as it has become a central part of the traditions and celebrations associated with many holidays ensuring its status as a true pop culture icon Be it the dark milk or white type chefs across the city are constantly experimenting with this delicacy resulting in a wide range of lipsmacking offerings On World Chocolate Day Midday asked city chefs to share a few classic recipes for chocolate loversHazelnut TorteldquoWe roast real hazelnuts which are then ground to make a delicious cake base filled with hazelnut mousse and finished with lavish drips of molten chocolate ganache Topped with crumbs of hazelnuts and pure chocolate the torte has a soft centre and crunchy outer texture The idea behind this dessert is to maintain the perfect balance of hazelnuts in each and every layer of the torte without overpoweringrdquo says Juliano Rodrigues chef and general manager Out of The BlueFor the BaseIngredientsDigestive biscuit Crumble 14 cupButter 2 tbspChopped hazelnut 1 tbsp70 37 Chocolate ganache 14cupMethodMix all the above ingredients put in a ring mould and flatten the base evenly Allow to set in a refrigerator for 2 hoursMousse for fillingIngredients70 37 ganache 12 cupHazelnut Chopped 2 tbspMethodMix both the ingredients well and set asideFor the CoatingIngredientsMilk Chocolate 4837 frac12 cupCream frac14 cupWhipped cream frac14 cupHazelnut Chopped 3 tbspMethodIn double boiler mix the above ingredients and allow it to cool The mix should be pouring consistencyAssemblingTo the base in the mould add the Chocolate mousse Allow it to setOnce set remove the ring mould and cut into even portionsPour the prepared coating and allow it to setServe cold and garnishValrhona Hot ChocolateldquoAs a chocolate addict myself working on the menu for Cococafe was like a dream come true When you use good quality chocolate like Valrhona the simplest recipes often taste the best Just like our signature hot chocolate Itrsquos rich dark and way beyond a hug in a mug Therersquos no better season than the monsoon to have this My husband eagerly waits for it to rain Itrsquos like his passport to a hot chocolate treatrdquo saysKarishma Sakhrani consulting chef CococafeIngredientsMilk 200 mlValrhona cooking chocolate 12 cupCocoa Powder 1 tbspSugar 2 tspCornstarch 12 tspSalt 18 tspMethodCombine all the ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil Gently simmer for a few minutes while stirringPour into a mug and top with some mini marshmallowsWalnut and Khapli Wheat Flour BrownieldquoAs a licensed ayurvedic practitioner my mission is to restore our ancient and traditional eating patterns Consuming organic products can result in a higher intake of nutritionally beneficial antioxidants Aside from nutrients organic foods have more flavourful mineral and sugar structures since the crops have had more time to develop and maturerdquo says Sheetal Bhatt founder of GOD CafeIngredientsOrganic Dark Chocolate 40 gmsA2 Unsalted Butter 57 gmsKhapli Wheat Flour 602 gmsBaking Powder 1 gmOrganic Brown Sugar 75 gmsCacao Powder 20 gmsA2 Milk 60 mlWalnut Coarsely Grounded 40 gmsMethodMelt dark chocolate and A2 butter in a double boilerCombine all of the dry ingredients In a mixing bowl combine khapli wheat flour baking powder baking soda and organic brown sugarAdd all of the dry ingredients to the melted chocolate followed by the A2 milk and walnuts and mix wellBake the brownie for 30 minutes at 180 degrees CelsiusServe hot or sizzling with A2 vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce