Sultanas (seedless raisins)

The recipe is taken from the book "Appetizing porridges. 365 best recipes.

Grape and Dorblu cheese pie is a refined blend of sweetness and spiciness inspired by European culinary traditions. The tender dough soaked in cream and milk gently envelops the juicy kishmish, adding a fresh fruity note. Dorblu cheese with its noble blue mold brings a rich, salty-spicy flavor that harmoniously contrasts with the natural sweetness of the grapes. Crushed walnuts on top add a crunchy texture and nutty aroma. This pie is perfect for morning tea or an exquisite dessert after dinner, creating an atmosphere of a warm evening in a cozy European café.

The recipe is taken from the book by A. Piruzyan "Armenian Culinary Arts" (1960).

The chef of the Touché restaurant shared the recipe with us.

Fruit salad with chia seeds is a harmonious blend of fresh fruits, gentle notes of sweetness, and nutritious components. Hailing from sunny Italy, this salad embodies a love for simple yet refined flavors. Bright pieces of apple, banana, and kiwi are refreshed with lemon juice; raisins add sweetness while dried dates contribute rich caramel accents. Chia seeds provide a light crunch and enrich the dish with beneficial nutrients, while coconut flakes add delicate exoticism. The composition is completed by physalis—a vibrant touch to aesthetics and taste. Served with yogurt, this salad is perfect for breakfast or a light snack, filling it with tenderness and balance. Simple to prepare yet surprisingly exquisite—it brings joy to anyone who appreciates natural freshness and harmony of flavors.

A fruit basket is a bright and festive dish embodying the summer freshness and juiciness of fruits. The history of such desserts traces back to European culinary traditions where presentation aesthetics play an important role. In this version, the basket is carved from watermelon, creating a natural container for a juicy assortment. The taste of the dish is a harmony of sweet melon and watermelon, citrusy tartness of orange, and exotic notes of kiwi. Nuts add texture while cognac adds an exquisite depth of flavor. Powdered sugar finishes the composition with a light sweetness. The fruit basket is perfect for festive events, summer picnics, and romantic evenings, serving not only as a dessert but also as a table decoration.

In the original recipe from the wonderful German book, they suggest adding cherries instead of grapes. In any case, the casserole will turn out very tasty and, despite the amount of sugar, low in calories . In 100 grams of the finished product - 145 kcal.

Chicken salad with grapes and blue cheese is a harmony of delicate and vibrant flavors. This recipe has roots in the gastronomic experiments of Russian cuisine, combining fresh and rich ingredients. The sweetness of raisins highlights the spiciness of the Dor Blue cheese, while juicy Beijing cabbage adds lightness. Boiled chicken breast makes the dish hearty, and mayonnaise gives it a creamy texture. This salad is perfect for a festive table or a light dinner. Its uniqueness lies in the balance of flavors: salty, sweet, and creamy in one dish. It works well as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to meat and fish appetizers.

Chocolate risotto is an unusual blend of Italian classic and luxurious dessert. This recipe embodies the harmony of creamy Arborio rice, delicate melted chocolate, and exquisite nuts with a hint of brandy. Inspired by traditional risotto cooking techniques, it transforms into a culinary masterpiece perfect for special occasions. The velvety texture of the rice in a creamy sauce, sweet notes of raisins and hazelnuts make the dish incredibly rich. Warm chocolate tones intertwine with light fruity accents, creating a perfect symphony of flavor. It is not just a dessert — it is an art worthy of the final chord of a romantic dinner or a cozy evening with a cup of coffee.

Christmas semifreddo with fragrant cake is an elegant dessert inspired by Italian traditions. Semifreddo, meaning 'half-frozen', features a delicate texture and rich flavor. In this recipe, the classic Christmas cake becomes the base for airy ice cream infused with citrus, pistachio, and orange liqueur flavors. Each layer is enriched with notes of spices and dried fruits, while the soft creamy mass gives the dessert a luxurious consistency. Serving it with a shot of orange liqueur enhances the festive mood. This dessert is perfect for Christmas dinner, combining the cozy atmosphere of home baking with the elegance of Italian pastry tradition.

Apple-grape caramel crumble is a delightful dessert embodying the warmth and comfort of home baking. Its roots trace back to traditional European cuisine, where simplicity of ingredients meets exquisite flavor. Sweet apples and fragrant raisins fill the dish with natural fruity freshness, while cane sugar and cloves add caramel notes with subtle spicy hints. The crunchy nut-oat topping envelops the tender filling, creating a perfect balance of textures. This dish pairs especially well with vanilla ice cream, highlighting its warm, cozy sweetness. Crumble is ideal for friendly gatherings or cozy evenings with a cup of tea, reminiscent of classic family recipes and the atmosphere of home comfort.

Nut and grape pie is an exquisite dessert of Italian cuisine, embodying the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and a wealth of flavors. The combination of crispy brandy-soaked dough, sweet grape berries, and aromatic nuts creates a wonderful harmony where each note unfolds with a new shade. Almond cookies give the pie a delicate texture, while lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. This pie is suitable for cozy family tea times as well as festive dinners. It is made in autumn when grapes reach their peak sweetness. A fine dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it even more appetizing. Each spoonful of this pie is a journey into the atmosphere of an Italian village where simple ingredients transform into gastronomic delight.

Tea cake with raisins is a classic British dessert with deep traditional roots. Its flavor is based on a harmonious blend of dried fruit sweetness, caramel notes of demerara sugar, and the delicate nutty texture of pecans. Brewed black tea gives the cake a special moisture and warm aroma, making it an ideal companion for afternoon tea. This cake is especially popular on cool evenings when one wants to warm up and enjoy coziness. Preparation requires patience: dried fruits soak in sweet tea overnight and are then enriched with the softness of milk and eggs. The result is an airy and rich cake with subtle notes of fruit and nuts. It can be served as a standalone dessert or complemented with fresh cream and jam to enhance the flavor.

Cold almond soup with grapes and croutons is an exquisite dish of French cuisine inspired by traditional Andalusian gazpacho. Its elegant tenderness arises from the combination of ground almonds, white bread, and garlic transformed into a creamy base. The soup refreshes with a subtle nutty flavor and a slight tang from the wine vinegar, while sweet raisins add a pleasant contrast. Crispy croutons complete the composition, bringing textural variety. This soup is perfect for hot days as a light and nutritious cold lunch or appetizer at a dinner party. Its rich taste and aroma are especially pronounced after chilling, making each spoonful an exquisite delight.

Grape and cheese salad is an exquisite and light Greek recipe that combines the freshness of greens and the sweetness of raisins with the delicate taste of tofu. Greeks have long valued the harmony of flavors, and this salad is no exception: the sweet-and-sour notes of grapes intertwine with the softness of cheese, while sunflower seeds add textural richness. Dressed with olive oil, mayonnaise, and lemon juice, it gains a refined creaminess and a slight spiciness that reveals traditional spices - khmeli-suneli. This salad is perfect as a light summer dish or as an addition to a main Greek feast where fresh and healthy ingredients prevail.