Ciocolată Plutitoare

A Journey into the World of Floating Chocolate

Ciocolată Plutitoare, or Floating Chocolate, is a decadent Romanian dessert that has been cherished across generations. The dessert features a luxurious dark chocolate custard topped with delicate floating islands of meringue. Its creaminess, balanced by the lightness of the meringue, creates a harmony of textures and flavors. This dish reflects Romanian culinary traditions, where simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat.

Historical Background

The origin of Ciocolată Plutitoare dates back to the early 20th century when European culinary influences began to make their way into Romanian kitchens. As chocolate became more readily available, creative home cooks adapted their traditional floating island recipes to include this indulgent ingredient. Today, it stands as a testament to Romania's rich culinary tapestry.

Ingredients

• Dark Chocolate
• Milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Eggs
• Salt
• Heavy Cream

Preparation

1. Assembling Your Ingredients

   Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the dark chocolate is finely chopped for easy melting. Separate the yolks from the whites of the eggs, placing them in different bowls.

2. Melting the Chocolate

   In a saucepan, gently heat the milk until it begins to steam. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

3. Creating the Chocolate Custard

   In a mixing bowl, beat the sugar with the egg yolks until pale and thick. Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture while continuing to stir. Return everything to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Take care not to overheat or the mixture will curdle. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

   Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Preparing the Meringue Islands

   Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and whip until stiff peaks are achieved.

5. Floating the Meringue

   Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer. Scoop large spoonfuls of the meringue and gently place them in the simmering water. Poach each side for 2-3 minutes until slightly firm. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a clean towel.

Assembling Ciocolată Plutitoare

1. Pour the cooled chocolate custard into a serving dish or individual bowls.
2. Carefully place the poached meringue islands on top of the chocolate custard.
3. Optionally, you can drizzle warm dark chocolate or sprinkle some heavy cream for added richness.

Enjoying Your Ciocolată Plutitoare

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it with a glass of sweet red wine or aromatic coffee to balance the richness of the chocolate. Take the time to savor each bite of the creamy custard and the airy meringue, as they encapsulate the essence of Romanian hospitality and culinary artistry. Time your dessert experience to create the perfect meal finale.