With a lifelong passion for cooking Chris brings a unique blend of culinary expertise, creativity, and artistic flair to every dish. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to merge artistic vision with the culinary arts, Chris has found true fulfillment as a recipe developer and photographer. Through the lens of the camera, Chris skillfully captures the essence and beauty of each dish, transforming food into visual poetry. The result is a captivating fusion of flavors, textures, and aesthetics, inviting you to savor every moment. Follow Chris’s culinary adventures on Instagram at @poetic_road, or her blog poeticroad.com where the exquisite imagery and tantalizing recipes will inspire and delight your senses.
Even comfort food has an air of elegance and delicacy when prepared by Chris. We love the dreamy tablescapes and the preponderance of pastels. Her dessert displays drip with just the right amount of creamy confection, and her savory dishes manage to make every single ingredient into a star.
Introducing my Cacao-Maple Mélange, a spice blend born from the crossroads of my Swiss heritage and Canadian home. Inspired by the breathtaking Swiss Alps and the maple-laden landscapes of Canada, Cacao-Maple Mélange is a celebration of two distinct cultures united in a single spice blend. The visual allure of the mix is its rich chocolatey hue that is intertwined with hints of warm cinnamon and golden maple.
The aroma of this blend is where the magic lies. It is warm and cozy and will transport you to a chalet nestled in the mountains. The sweet embrace of maple mingles with the warm spiciness of cloves and cinnamon, creating an aromatic journey that captivates the senses. When tasted, the blend unfolds like a story – the deep, robust cacao notes balance harmoniously with the sweet warmth of maple sugar and cinnamon, while the subtle and delicate citrusy zing of orange and cardamom adds a refreshing twist.
This unique combination of flavors reflects the culinary tastes of both of my worlds. Cacao-Maple Mélange is versatile, elevating both sweet and savory dishes. Sprinkle it over your morning pancakes, stir it into hot chocolate, or use it as a secret ingredient in savory stews and roasts. The taste evolves with heat and time, intensifying its complexity as it cooks. Add it early for a gradual infusion or later for a burst of bold flavor.
Crafted with love and a nod to my roots, Cacao-Maple Mélange is more than a spice blend; it's a culinary journey through the mountains and forests, a fusion of cultures that transforms every dish into a celebration.
Uses:
In sweet treats: Add to your brownie or cookie batter for a hint of chocolate and spice.
In hot beverages: Stir it into hot cocoa, coffee, or even a chai tea for a Swiss-Canadian twist.
On desserts: Dust it over ice cream, yogurt, or chocolate mousse for a delightful garnish.
In savory dishes: Sprinkle it on roasted meats like pork or chicken or add it to your stews for a unique and exotic flavor.