Love is sweet. And if you don’t believe us, you might be astounded to know that chocolate is an $83 billion a year business, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets. That makes the industry’s value larger than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than 130 nations on earth, World Bank figures show.
The average Brit, Swiss, or German will each eat around 11 kilograms of chocolate a year! However, in Asia, chocolate hasn’t traditionally been the sweet of choice, market analysis firm Euromonitor International reports. Around the year 2012, Indians ate only 165 grams of chocolate a year.
But with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, folk on our side of the globe are also going berserk, buying sweet treats for their sweethearts. And no, it isn’t just the women who indulge in this dark temptation. Men’s love of chocolate is on par with women’s preference for it. A UK study by research group Mintel revealed 91% of all women admit to eating chocolate – with the men not far behind at more than 87%.
While chocolate sure has a colossal fan following, we at Lavonne think it’s time to get over that obsession and indulge in these supremely mushy and luscious desserts and pastries this year.
1. Chocolate Truffles*
9 out of 10 people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies! For all you obstinate chocoholics out there, who think flowers, jewellery, or a greeting card, cannot supplant chocolate, gift your Valentine with a box of truffles. At Lavonne, a box of these assorted wonders come in an array of flavours, shapes, and sizes.
2. Strawberry Oreo Cheese Pie*
Who doesn’t love Oreo, right? This V-Day, Chef Vinesh has taken our mutual love for the scrumptious sandwich cookie to a whole new level of delicious! This lovable treat is a baked cheesecake in an Oreo tart, smeared generously with Vanilla Whipped Cream and finished off with Rosemary flavoured Strawberry Compote. Doesn’t that sound delectable, to say the very least?
3. Berry Naked Cake*
This pastry has been a hit at Lavonne ever since we first launched it a couple of weeks ago. And if your lover is an aficionado of all things fruity, why not get her this delight that comes with fresh berries on a light moist orange chiffon cake with Chantilly cream?
4. Valentine Cookies*
At Lavonne, we believe that a balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. And imagine heart-shaped royal icing decorated V-Day cookies that taste divine? There’s no way she won’t go out with you on that dream date you’ve always wanted!
5. St Valentin Verrine
There’s nothing prettier than dessert in a jar! This treat is for the kind of Valentine who wants it all. (And we’re still talking desserts, of course!) With layers of Walnut Brownie, Cherry Compote, Almond Crumble, Chocolate Ganache, Whipped Cream and White Chocolate Flakes, nothing spells indulgence the way this saccharine tempter does!
6. Red Velvet Cupcakes*
Red. Moist. Delicious. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t gift a box of these pretty fairy cakes to your loved ones.
When foods were rationed during World War II, bakers used boiled beet juices to enhance the colour of their cakes. In recent years, red velvet cake and red velvet cupcakes have become increasingly popular thanks to the 1989 film Steel Magnolias which included a red velvet groom’s cake made in the shape of an armadillo!
7. White Chocolate and Strawberry Slice*
Are you the kind that roots for soft, tender love? Then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t fall head over heels in love with this creation by Chef Vinesh. With almond shortbread as a base, it’s got an enchanting combination of White Chocolate and Strawberry Mouse beautifully topped with Strawberry Jelly!
8. Raspberry and Pistachio Cheesecake*
Quite the offbeat offering, this lemon baked Cheesecake with Pistachio Dacquoise and Raspberry Mousse is as exotic as it sounds. The unusual flavours are bound to hit the right note for anyone who digs in!
And if you or your Valentine is worried about taking in more calories than you otherwise do, remember, Valentine’s Day comes only once a year, and as American humourist, Erma Bombeck said, “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart!”
*These desserts are available for sale at Lavonne. Call us on 9740544442/3 to place your orders.