Sweet Temptations

sweet temptations Sweet Temptations is a collection of 70 sublime desserts that reveal the innovative culinary philosophy of Maria Villegas. Each recipe represents a journey across the world, in subtle and daring mixtures of exotic ingredients, with sensual textures and sculptural form. The allure of aphrodisiacs is irresistible in chocolate desserts bathed in rose petals, or the silken flesh of the tropical granadilla. The creative process behind each dessert is based on the exacting criteria of French cuisine, but these sweets move beyond the traditional, taking their names and influences from diverse cultures: the typical tamal and the patacón of Colombia, Japanese traditions such as sushi and maki rolls, the French gratin and soufflé and the Italian tortellini, as well as the American cheesecake and bread pudding. While remaining true to her realm of desserts, Maria enriches her creations with forms, spices, or combinations that quote main dishes and everyday foods from these cultures, expanding the gustatory experience to the unimagined. Her inspiration is an adventure for the palate: beetroot and chocolate, apple and saffron, guava and avocado, fennel and peach, cherries and Roquefort are some of the fascinating blends she executes with the skill of an alchemist. This book offers the artistry of dessert in sweet anticipation, in preparation, in the sensual enjoyment of the final work of culinary art - and in the beauty and evocative color of its very pages.