Are you planning a dinner party soon and not quite sure how to end it?

You wouldn’t dare think of getting dessert delivered in these times when between 46 and 54 percent of people have become burgeoning cooks.

If you’re not one of those master-chefs-in-the-making, don’t worry. Simple desserts are delicious too.   

Check out these easy dessert recipes that make it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

1. Everybody’s Favorite Brownies

This one is for all those who’ve tried to make brownies and failed before. This delectable dessert is notoriously temperamental for its too soft or too crunchy outcome. 

Here’s how to get it perfectly right the first time, quickly and easily.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of melted butter
• 2 cups of white sugar
• ½ cup of cocoa powder
• 1 t of vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ t of baking powder
• ½ t of salt
• ½ cup of walnut halves

Method:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine all the ingredients except the walnuts and then spread the batter into the prepared pan. Decorate with the walnut halves if desired.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick and continue baking until the toothpick comes out coated with crumbs.
4. Cool on a wire rack.

Brownies are delicious when served plain or topped with ice cream or cream.

2. Simple and Delicious Chocolate Cheesecake

Chocolate and coffee are two of everyone’s favorite flavors. You can never have too much of a good thing, combine and you’ve got a showstopper dessert. 

Here goes…

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 Full-size pack of Oreo cookies, crushed finely
• 8 T of unsalted butter, melted
• ½ t espresso powder

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 14 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped coarsely
• 1 ½ t espresso powder
• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of light brown sugar, packed
• 1 T of Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 ½ t of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of heavy cream

Ingredients for the Ganache:

• 1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate, chopped finely
• 1 ¼ cups of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 t espresso powder

Espresso beans and chocolate shavings to garnish

All ingredients should be at room temperature.

Method:

1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, butter, and espresso powder in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Press the crust into the pan, pressing it down firmly, and place the crust in the freezer.

To Make the Filling:

1. Fill a medium-sized pot one-third full with water and bring it to a simmer.
2. Find a heatproof bowl that fits the top of the pan snugly and place it on top of the pan. It should not touch the water.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the chocolate to the bowl. Heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate’s melted.
4. Remove from the heat but leave the bowl of chocolate balanced on the pan. Stir in the espresso powder and set aside.
5. Pulse the cream cheese in a food processor for about two minutes until smooth.
6. Add the sugars and the cocoa powder. Beat until smooth.
7. Add the heavy cream and vanilla and mix for about 20 seconds until just combined.
8. Fold in the chocolate.
9. Take the bowl out of the food processor and stir the filling with a rubber spatula until it’s evenly combined.
10. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling inside, smoothing the top.
11. Transfer your cheesecake to the refrigerator.
12. Leave to chill for at least six hours.

To Make the Ganache:

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
2. Bring the cream to a low simmer in a small saucepan and pour half the cream over the chocolate pieces.
3. Set aside for two minutes.
4. Whisk the melted chocolate/cream mix into the remaining cream.
5. Whisk carefully until it’s smooth and glossy.
6. Add the butter and stir the mixture with a spatula until the butter’s melted, then fold in the espresso powder.
7. Set aside half a cup of the ganache until needed and pour the rest over the chilled cheesecake.
8. Sprinkle the cheesecake with the chocolate shavings and set aside for one hour.
9. Place the remaining ganache into a piping bag and pipe stars around the edge of the cheesecake. Top each star with a coffee bean.

To serve, slice the chilled cheesecake with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean after each slice. 

You can store this dessert in the refrigerator for up to four days, so it’s a great make-ahead option.

3. Easy Dessert Recipes With Cake

You simply can’t go wrong with cake and cupcakes are one of the world’s favorite treats. 

They’re easy to dress up or down and look fantastic displayed on a cupcake tower at dessert time. Try this easy vanilla cupcake recipe:

Ingredients for the Cupcakes:

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 3 t baking powder
• 1 t salt
• 1 cup of milk
• ½ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, large
• 1 cup of water

Ingredients for the Frosting:

• ½ cup of salted butter
• ½ cup of shortening
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 ½ t vanilla extract
• 2–3 T of water or milk

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place cupcake liners in your cupcake pan.
2. Combine the dry ingredients and set aside.
3. Combine the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs in a medium-sized bowl.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
5. Slowly add the water and mix slowly until combined. The batter will be thin.
6. Spoon the batter into your prepared cupcake liners.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 15 to 17 minutes.

To Make the Frosting:

1. Combine the butter and shortening and mix until smooth.
2. Add two cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth, then add the vanilla essence.
3. Add the remaining powdered sugar and enough water or milk to reach the desired consistency.
4. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

You can decorate these cupcakes with sprinkles, chocolate, or fruit, depending on your preferences. 

Cooking Up a Storm

Armed with these easy dessert recipes you’re ready to wow your guests and impress your friends at your next dinner party. 

In case you’re wondering what’s for the main course, browse our blog for more awesome food and drink ideas for every occasion. 

Global cuisine has never been more accessible with people all around the world able to explore and discover foods from other nations.

While every country has a range of traditional dishes, there are some which they have become especially renowned for that deliver both delicious flavours and an injection of healthy nutrients.

Here’s a closer look at six dishes from different countries which are guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds as well as giving your body a real boost.  

#1: Shakshouka – North Africa

Arguably one of the most traditional dishes in North Africa and originating from several countries, Shakshouka is a health-giving stew that combines eggs with a spicy sauce and vegetables. Frequently served as a hearty breakfast, it is also eaten at other meals, sometimes with the addition of potatoes or chickpeas to add more carbohydrates.

The eggs are poached in the sauce and served up baked alongside the vegetables to deliver protein and a veritable feast of vitamins and minerals. With eggs starring as the superfood alongside tomatoes, there’s protein, antioxidants, healthy fats plus Vitamins C, A, B6, B12 and D. Finally, not forgetting the minerals, this dish tops up copper, zinc, iron, potassium, choline, and selenium, making it a feel-good food that also tastes delicious.

#2: Katsu Curry – Japan

Japanese cuisine is renowned for being one of the healthiest in the world, full of fresh ingredients and carefully balanced.

Katsu curry is one of their signature dishes which feels more decadent but still retains lots of health benefits. The recipe has an interesting history as it was introduced by the British but over the years has become to represent Japanese cooking. It’s very different to the heavier Indian style curries and offers all the flavour but in a much healthier presentation.

The dish includes chicken, a source of protein that’s naturally low fat. Any type of rice can be used but brown rice provides slow-release energy and helps to keep tummies feeling full.

The aromatic sauce is served alongside an array of vegetables including edamame beans, dressed mixed leaves and shredded carrot for a glorious explosion of colour – and taste – on a plate.

#3: Winter Borscht with Brisket – Russia/Ukraine

Best described as a hearty broth, borscht originates from Russia and Ukraine with a long tradition of serving the dish in both the countries. Although it’s a natural fit for the winter months with its hearty and filling ingredients, it can be served chilled in the summer, making it truly a dish for all seasons.

Borscht is a soup that’s crammed full of vegetables, but there’s no specific rules about what to include. Borscht tends to always have the same core ingredients, namely garlic, white cabbage, potatoes, red beets, onions, and carrot. Beets are the star of the dish and help to give borscht its distinctive red colour, plus a generous dose of folate, manganese, B6, iron and antioxidants. 

To add more protein and make it even more filling, it’s possible to add brisket. Unlike other cuts of beef, brisket is lean and brings all the benefits of red meat to add to the superpowers of the vegetable combo. 

#4: Fish Tacos – Mexico

It’s off to Central American for a spot of Mexican food now, but there’s none of the beef burritos that the country is famous for.

Mexico has many sensational dishes but they’re not always the healthiest – an accusation which can’t be levied at fish tacos. Freshly caught seafood has an abundance of health benefits and with lots of fresh fish available, it’s a part of the Mexican diet which isn’t spoken about so frequently. 

Fish tacos feature freshly caught fish from the ocean served up with corn tortillas and salad. Much lower in fat than their beef equivalent, fish tacos deliver all the flavour and none of the calories of their counterparts. Add in a fresh salad and there’s a big plate full of health-giving goodness.  

#5: Apricot and Almond Souffles – France

If your taste buds are craving a little sweetness, this dish from France proves that it doesn’t need to be savoury to be healthy.

Souffles are renowned for being a rich and heavy dish, and a challenge to cook, but this version is completely different. Apricot and almond soufflés are made from fruit puree and egg whites and offer a light and airy bite to eat which also delivers a powerful nutritional punch.

Almonds are higher in fibre and calcium than any other nut while apricots provide a rich source of beta-carotene and potassium, two nutrients which are vital for cell and organ health and essential bodily functions.

There are other fruit-based soufflés in France which offer the same light and airy experience without any of the rich chocolate decadence of their naughtier cousin. So, if apricots aren’t for you, there are lots of other light and fruity soufflés which also bring great health benefits too.

#6: Bibimbap – Korea

This Korean dish is one of the most popular Asian dishes that offers incredible flavour and macronutrients while still being respectful to Korean culture.

A single bowl of food which incorporates all elements, bibimbap features rice, protein, pickled vegetables, and a special sauce. The vegetables can vary but typically include spinach, radishes, carrots, and kimchi plus a sprinkling of mushrooms. The great thing about bibimbap is that you can switch out anything you don’t like.

The vegetables are picked in salt and sesame oil and sautéed until they are tender while still retaining some bite. Along with the rice, there’s protein in the form of bulgogi but it’s the gochujang child paste which is the real hero of this warm and flavoursome dish.

Which One Would You Choose? 

If the above menu of global recipes has got your mouth watering, why not try recreating your favourite one at home? With simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to dish up a different plate of food from another country and you might just discover a new recipe to impress your friends.

Winemaking is considered by many to be a form of art, with different techniques and methods used across the world that result in the creation of distinct and flavor-rich wines. 

We are all familiar with some of the more popular vineyard locations, such as the wine countries in California, Spain, or Italy. But, what about the wine countries from other locations in the world? In this article, we’re going to be exploring 5 of the best winery locations from across the globe, such as the vineyard that is in Missouri, mentioned in this article. 

Mendoza, Argentina

Nestled in the Mendoza region of Argentina, just south of the main city of Mendoza, is a truly exceptional winery and destination to visit for wine tasters alike. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has become a staple of Argentinian wine making and has led the country to be a world leader among wine producers.

The winery is inspired by Mayan temples, with pyramid-shaped structures all over the property – Catena Zapata is a destination for wine lovers and fans of history alike. 

As for the city of Mendoza itself, there are tons of things to explore and enjoy while you spend your time there. From dozens of other wineries to check out to horseback tours that guide you through the beautiful mountains of Mendoza, there is something for everyone.

Rioja, Spain

In the Rioja region of Spain is arguably the world’s most unique winery, with twisted aluminum ribbons used in the structure, it is a building unlike any other – and it is a sight to behold.

Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal is where the first ever bottle of Rioja wine was bottled, in 1862. They started the trend of covering bottles of Rioja in a golden mesh, and have been a staple of Spanish wine ever since.

If you choose to visit this winery, you may be lucky enough to stay in the extraordinary hotel mentioned earlier with the aluminum ribbon structuring along with so many other intriguing and fascinating styles of architecture. It was designed by Frank Gehry, and was opened in 2006. 

At the center of the winery is the Plaza del Reloj, where the original wine cellar still stands today and holds bottles from the first ever vintage. 

Cachapoal Valley, Chile

Bordering the Mendoza Province of Argentina is the Cachapoal Province in which one of the world’s most unique and visually stunning wineries is located. Situated on a 4,300 hectare plot of land in the Millahue Valley, VIK is both a winery and resort –  there are 22 hilltop suites and top quality dining experiences as well as a variety of activities for guests. 

The winery is relatively new, having opened in 2004. Alex and Carrie Vik spent two years searching for the perfect spot to make wine, and eventually found Millahue, which is also known as the ‘golden place’ by the native Mapuche people. 

Walker Bay, South Africa

Across the Atlantic in South Africa is our pick for the fourth best winery from all over the globe. Creation, also referred to as Hemel-en-Aarde, is a stunning 50 hectares winery located just a couple of hours down the coast from Cape Town. The winery was founded by Swiss winemaker JC Martin along with his wife Carolyn who is from South Africa. They built their estate from scratch in 2002 and opened their winery in 2006 with the first harvest from their vineyard. 

In addition to Creation, Walker Bay has many other world-renowned wineries such as the Newton Johnson Family Vineyards, the Benguela Cove Wine Estate, and Gabrielskloof. To find out more information about these locations, check out Wine Tourism’s article on wineries in Walker Bay. 

Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County is among many well known wine making regions in California, others being Napa Valley or Mendocino County. Our choice as the fifth best winery from around the world is from Sonoma, and it’s the Jordan Vineyard and Winery, which was established in 1974. It covers a huge swath of land, 485 hectares to be precise, 50 of which is planted. The estate is fully carbon neutral as the site runs completely on solar energy.

If you’re interested in touring the Jordan Vineyard and Winery, then you will need to make reservations to get a tour on their website. 

Wrapping It Up

Thanks for checking out this article on the 5 best wineries from across the globe. Keep in mind that this was all our personal opinion, and everyone will have a different list on the top 5 wineries.