AND TO DRINK…
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. ESPRESSO MARTINI MOUSSES ON GINGER AND HAZELNUT CRUMB Pair these magical mousses with the gorgeous Epic Epicurean Coffee & Fig Imperial Oatmeal Stout 2018 500ml ($10.50). This new vintage is brewed with Turkish Lerida figs, matured on roasted Brazilian Toffee coffee beans and conditioned on toasted coconut from the Philippines. It rocks with this recipe. regionalwines.co.nz
2. ‘PIMP MY SPONGE’ WITH LEMON CURD, BLUEBERRIES AND ALMONDS Link up the lemony loveliness of this sponge with the syrupy citrus sensation that is the Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Barrique Matured Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($40). Luscious, caramelised stonefruit notes merge with candied tropical tones to create an intensely sweet, yet zesty-fresh wine to perfectly pimp this sponge. pegasusbay.com
3. BANANA RUM CRÊPES WITH RUM CARAMEL ICE CREAM While it's hugely tempting to list a cocktail as the best match for this fantasy sweet, the best partner actually happens to be the gloriously fresh, zesty Zeffer Alcoholic Ginger Beer 330ml ($3.99). Brewed with freshly fermented ginger root and native kawakawa leaves, it’s crisp, yet rich enough to energise the caramel and rum layers. finewinedelivery.co.nz
4. CARAMEL, DARK CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE CHILLI SWIRL ICE CREAM WITH CORNMEAL SHORTBREAD It’s the orange chilli swirl that has me reaching for a teensy glass of Aperol Aperitivo 1919 700ml ($38.99) because it has a unique citrus-centric, bittersweet character and lower alcohol, which pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate and orange notes in this dessert. Although an aperitif, its flavours are fantastic for this endof-meal awesomeness. glengarrywines.co.nz
5. DARK CHOCOLATE PLUM BROWNIE WITH FRANGELICO-SPIKED CHOCOLATE SAUCE Drop what you’re doing and hightail it to your keyboard to purchase the gloriously rich and spicy Ash Ridge Premium Ruby Syrah 2017 ($25) to enjoy with this decadent dish. Scented with plum, cocoa, spices and all things nices, this fortified syrah is luscious, textural and smoothly luxurious. ashridgewines.co.nz