It is no secret that at Frost Magazine, we are great fans of Delicario. In fact, having read previous reviews here, I had already bought several of their delicious offerings myself, and even some destined as gifts.
So, imagine my unalloyed glee, when I received three new items to try.
Now, if you can remember the 1970s, you may well recall that food of all sophisticates, known as Rum Baba, or in the more pretentious restaurants, Rhum Baba. These were soggy cricket ball sized sponge soaked in poor quality rum and topped with whipped cream and a glace cherry.
Whilst the twenty-year-old me would be licking his lips, I have to say that I was somewhat less enamoured, and like my flares and platform shoes, felt that perhaps they were best remembered with a wry smile or as a fond memory.
Of course, I should have had more faith in Delicario, these were nothing like the soggy offerings of yesteryear. The Babas are the size of a small profiterole, and are so rich that two or three would make an ample dessert. OK so I forced myself to eat four, but they were so delicious who was counting? The quality of the rum is also much higher than I recall. Readers, these are lip smacking. We added a splash of double cream, but a vanilla ice cream would also have worked well, and I did not feel the loss of the glace cherry.
These are an indulgent must, for those times that you wish to spoil yourself or others, and I have already ordered more for Christmas, (though my wife may need to hide them) and another couple of jars that I intend to give as birthday and Christmas presents.
The babas are a sticky alcoholic dessert eaten in Naples since the 19th Century stacked in a jar and soaked in Jamaican Rum.
Even just writing about them, makes me think that perhaps I should order more and at £16.50 per jar I might just do that – here: info@delicario.com
Delcario Rose Petal Preserve is something I would never have picked up for myself but oh what a mistake that would have been. I felt how I imagine the gods felt, on discovering Ambrosia on Mount Olympus. This is an amazing preserve and a real find for those foodies who are searching for something new.
The petals of organic miniature De la Rosa flowers growing on the Almeria coast of southern Spain are hand-picked for the preparation of this unique jam. A jam with an exceptional rose aroma and deep colour naturally infused from the petals as they gently simmer with sugar. It’s an incredible kitchen companion for creating cakes, ice cream and even adds a special touch to gin and tonic.
Now I confess that I have yet to try it in a gin and tonic, (marvel at my restraint), but I can vouch that this is a soft spread preserve with a rose scented floral taste that is utterly delicious on freshly baked bread and scones, and even as a very special breakfast toast. This will undoubtedly be making an appearance at my Christmas breakfast and at £4.80. makes rather a nice stocking filler.
Finally, I tried the Delicario Gianduia Tart (see how I suffer for my art?). It is described as an indulgent shortcrust pastry tart par excellence, filled with one of the most prestigious symbols of traditional Italian chocolate called Gianduia. Gianduia is a rich hazelnut chocolate paste named after the carnival marionette from Piedmont where hazelnut sweets originate.
The pastry was buttery and crisp, just as it should be, and the filling meltingly rich. So rich in fact, that a small piece per person is ample (even for me) and I would recommend some double cream to drizzle over it.
This is undoubtedly artisan baking at its best, using first rate ingredients from an award-winning Venetian bakery and if you aren’t as honest as me, you might even try to pass it off as homemade and delight in the compliments. Indulgent, perhaps but delicious undoubtedly and at £7.30. why make it yourself when you can have it delivered?
And… And… If I may just draw your attention to Delicario’s extraordinarily good hampers. Our editor Margaret Graham swears by them. Well, actually she swears rather a lot, but let’s ignore that. She thinks Delicario hampers are just the ticket for Christmas. All available from info@delicario.com
Continental Celebration Courmet Reunion Hamper Royal Hamper
