Vanilla essence

Vanilla goes very well with cheesecakes: it slightly smooths out the sourness of the curd. But in this recipe, another sourness appears, a berry one, for which strawberries are responsible. Recipe from the menu of the Mo Friends Bar restaurant by chef Sergey Kuznetsov.

Brazilian cake 'Pavê' is a delicate and refreshing treat that has firmly entered the traditions of Brazilian cuisine. Its history traces back to European layered desserts adapted in Brazil using local ingredients. This cake features layers of soft cookies, fruits, and rich cream, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. The creamy base made from condensed milk with hints of vanilla is complemented by the freshness of strawberries and bananas, while airy whipped cream adds lightness. Pavê is perfect for festive tables and warm family gatherings, especially when chilled, allowing the layers to soak and create delightful juiciness. It can be decorated with nuts or chocolate shavings for added flavor accents. This dessert embodies Brazilian hospitality and love for sweet pleasures.

Gooseberry pie is a refined dessert of European cuisine, captivating with the rich taste of sweet and sour berries in harmony with soft custard and a crispy almond crust. Its roots trace back to traditional village recipes where gooseberries were available and valued for their freshness. The preparation of this pie is an art that combines the tartness of berry syrup with the tenderness of cream on a crunchy dough. It is perfect as a treat for tea or a festive dessert, especially in the summer season when gooseberries reach their tangy ripeness. This pie pleasantly surprises with its complexity of textures: dense shortcrust pastry, silky cream, and sweet-sour filling create a rich flavor balance. Serve it with ice cream and syrup to highlight its depth and complement the sweet notes with fresh coolness.

Dietrich marzipan cake is the embodiment of Estonian pastry traditions and exquisite taste. Its tender buttery sponge cake soaked in vanilla harmoniously combines with airy cheese-marzipan cream. Legend has it that such cakes were made in ancient Baltic patisseries where marzipan was a symbol of sophistication. The finishing touch is a layer of fragrant marzipan with rum, adorned with fresh berries, creating visual and taste perfection. This dessert is perfect for festive occasions where one wants to impress guests with a refined treat. Dietrich marzipan cake is a blend of sweetness, creamy tenderness, and the light tartness of blackberry jam, making it a true culinary masterpiece.

Recipe by Vadim Kurnavkin, pastry chef of the restaurant "Dr. Zhivago".

A slightly dressed-up version of charlotte. And one of the most successful examples of lean dough - it is fluffy, light and easily absorbs the filling. It is also important that it is much easier and faster to bake a jellied pie than any other: such dough does not require either rest or proofing. Eggs are also not required, and vegetable oil copes with the role of fat. For an even more festive look, in addition to almond petals and coarsely chopped pear, you can also mix dried apricots minced through a meat grinder into the dough - then the pie will have a pleasant red color and a subtle aroma of apricot.

Carrot cake with fluffy sour cream, nuts and prunes, on a bed of moderately crumbly, slightly springy under the fork, ginger biscuit - a symbol of carefree gatherings in coffee shops, the very dessert that, under any circumstances , lifts our spirits in one-two-three and of which there is never too much.

Marble brownie is a refined combination of rich chocolate flavor and delicate cheese aroma, wrapped in a stunning pattern reminiscent of marble. This dessert was born in the depths of American cuisine, inspired by the desire to combine the density of classic brownies with the lightness of the cheese layer. Dark chocolate gives the baked good a deep flavor with subtle cocoa notes, while walnuts add a pleasant texture. The cheese mixture creates a unique marbled pattern when blended with the chocolate batter, making each piece special. Marble brownie is perfect for cozy evenings with a cup of coffee or as an exquisite treat on festive tables.

Yeast-free kulich is a refined version of traditional Russian Easter bread, distinguished by its delicate texture and rich flavor. Historically, kulich was made with yeast, but this recipe offers an alternative for those who prefer lighter and airier doughs. Using baking powder instead of yeast makes the baking process less labor-intensive, while the addition of saffron and vanilla imparts a sophisticated aroma. Dried fruits like raisins and apricots bring sweet notes and softness, while the lemon juice glaze adds a refreshing touch. Kulich is perfect for festive tea gatherings and can be a centerpiece on the Easter table. Its tender structure, rich taste, and appetizing appearance make it not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing.

Recipe from Alexandra Lamm, owner of Lamm's confectionery.

Japanese cotton cheesecake is a delicate, airy dessert that resembles a cloud due to its light texture. This cheesecake embodies the Japanese approach to pastry art, emphasizing subtle flavors and refined softness. Its history dates back to the 1960s when Japanese chefs adapted Western recipes by adding a unique steaming technique that gives the cheesecake its weightlessness. The dessert's flavor is a balance of creamy tenderness, light sweetness, and a hint of vanilla with a barely noticeable citrus undertone. It pairs wonderfully with berries and mint that enhance its freshness. Ideal for an elegant tea time or as a dessert after a light dinner.

Potato cake in its original version was conceived as a sweet imitation of the root vegetable of the same name. The cakes themselves are molded from a light biscuit mass, and then rolled in cocoa powder to achieve the effect of a thin skin . For complete similarity, add eyes made of cream - for example, butter.

American pancakes with Nutella® are a true symbol of a cozy breakfast from the USA. They are soft, fluffy, and sweet with a light vanilla aroma. Perfectly soaked in the delicate chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella®, they become a real delight. Legend has it that pancakes originated from English colonists adapting European recipes to new conditions. Today they are served in the best cafes and made at home, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Melted butter gives them tenderness while powdered sugar and fresh mint add an exquisite touch. These pancakes pair wonderfully with a cup of aromatic coffee or tea, making for an ideal start to the day. They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing one to enjoy moments of comfort and gastronomic pleasure.

Eggnog is a sweet milk drink with whiskey, nutmeg and vanilla.

Pear pie with salted caramel is a refined combination of softness and rich flavor. Italian chefs found the perfect balance between the sweetness of baked pears and the tenderness of citrus-infused dough. The salted caramel adds a touch of piquancy to this dessert, creating a play of contrasts. The light crispy crust and juicy pears are perfectly complemented by creamy ice cream, making the dish special. This pie is suitable for cozy home evenings as well as festive receptions, and its harmony of flavors makes you want to return to it again and again.