Dessert for champions! Inside the Olympic rings, blue is pecan pie (U.S.), yellow is Brigadeiro (Brazil), black is trifle (U.K.), green is Malva pudding (South Africa), and red is mooncake (China).

Monday, August 6, 2012

It is time for the Olympics! After seeing the interesting yet quirky London Opening Ceremony by director of Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle, and guest starring Mr. Bean, J.K. Rowling, David Beckham, and James Bond and Queen Elizabeth jumping out of a helicopter, it may inspire people worldwide to host Olympic parties to bond and enjoy exotic epicurean delicacies. You do not have to be a foodie to appreciate and savor international food. Have no fear, genZbuzz has compiled five circular desserts inspired from the five different continents symbolized in the Olympic rings. Rather than breakfast for the champions, let’s do dessert for the champions.  Yummy! Let the mouth watering commence- in order of past, present, and future for the first three rings!

1.  The red ring belongs to Asia. In honor of the 2008 Summer Olympics host Beijing, China, you can serve your guests Mooncake –traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn festival, one of the four most significant Chinese festivals.  Mooncake contains bean or lotus seed paste, and it is only lightly sweet with a smooth texture.  Mooncakes are best eaten while sipping Chinese tea while admiring the autumn moon, or in this case, watching the Summer Olympics with soft drink in hand. Paper messages are sometimes placed inside during assembly. So, these mooncakes could be a great lottery or raffle idea! Find the authentic Chinese pastry instructions here.

2.  Great Britain, the current host of the Summer Olympics and represented by the black ring of Europe, offers the tantalizing Trifle, a favorite of British chef Gordon Ramsey.  What better way to get in the Olympic mood then to eat a Londoner’s snack? This delight contains layers of thick custard, fresh fruit, spongecake, fruit juice or gelatin, and whipped cream.  Other toppings, like nuts, can be added, while the fruit is up to your choice.  Be the architect of your own trifle, optimizing on the bountiful summer fruit! Go here for a mouth-watering trifle recipe.

3. In 2016, Rio de Janeiro, the former capital of Brazil will host the next Summer Olympics, and they are famous for Brigadeiro (meaning brigadier).  This will make the history books.  Brazil will be the first country in South America, symbolized by the yellow ring, to host the Olympics.  What better way to celebrate this monumental future event than to treat yourself with their Brigadeiro.  This Brazilian chocolate bonbon is made of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder, heated and rolled into a ball, and covered in chocolate sprinkles.  Brigadeiros are usually served at birthday parties but can also be found at various Brazilian parties, but in this case, it would be a welcome treat at your Olympic party!  Follow your tastebuds and visit this website for the recipe.

4.  The delectable Malva pudding originates from Africa, represented by the green colored circle.  This South African sweet pudding of Afrikaner origin is made with amazing apricot jam and provides a carefully crafted caramelized spongy texture.  Usually this dessert is served warm with ice cream and/or custard scooped or drizzled on top.  Taking a bite of this is the perfect blend of smooth, warm pudding and cool, gooey topping. Motivate your taste buds and salivate with this traditional recipe.

5.  Last but not least, North America is depicted by the blue Olympic ring.  The southern United States offers the crunchy but scrumptious Pecan pie.  This was first created when the French settled into New Orleans and were introduced to the pecan by the Native Americans. Shortly thereafter, the first pecan pies were made, a pie shell containing a melange of corn syrup, molasses, and pecan nuts.  Sometimes, vanilla or chocolate is added for an extra kick.  It can also be served with whipped cream or ice cream on top. For a variety of pecan pie recipes, check these Betty Crocker recipes.

Dessert for the champions!  These are truly sumptuous desserts for a scrumptious Olympic event. Ready for an Olympic feat/fete/feast?  Gotta run to the supermarket! genZbuzz out.      

For Olympic trivia on the athletes, check this link.