Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 11

 "First the elders one," Alice replied and looked at her father.

Then Alan began to identify the ingredients. He was right when he indicated the base with a slice of pineapple, a thin layer of almond flour dough, the coconut mousse and the lemon cream, with a yellow topping. Color did not count as a description of an ingredient, and it was Marta's turn. She had more experience in the kitchen and was able to identify more subtle flavors, such as the tangerine and lemon zest in the topping and the mango along with the lemon cream. Tomás even tried to identify something else, but after Marta's description, everything became more difficult. He could only point out the cinnamon in the pineapple. And then it was Alice's turn, the one who didn't want to give up even though she couldn't identify anything different from the others.

"I know there is something hidden here. I know you, Sofi."

Sofia tried to keep a neutral expression in front of the statements, but it was getting harder and harder not to smile. She just stared without answering. Her father took a guess:

"Is there pepper on the pineapple?"

Sofia just denied it with her head.

"The dark spots are the cinnamon, Alan," Tomás explained.

"I've got it!" Alice exclaimed, "There's lemon juice in the pineapple and some coriander in the lemon cream. The coriander brings the freshness."

"Very good Ali," Sofia congratulated her. " But there is still Sofia's special secret."

"Sofia is very cunning and always tries to deceive consumers," Alice joked, speaking in the third person as well.

"Not deceive, surprise their palates. Any suggestions? Mom? Dad?"

"I've given up, I'd rather just enjoy it," Alan replied.

"I'm getting there, give me one more minute, daughter."

Everyone waited. Mrs. Marta was not only a good doctor, but also a good cook, and if anyone could demystify the flavors of the dessert, it was her.

"Maybe ginger?"

"Nice try mom, but not ginger."

Ginger was a great ingredient to lift the flavors of recipes, however Sofia was trying to use elements that would enhance the region. The Asian origin of Ginger, mainly India and China, could hurt the concept she was developing for the new line.

"Anyone else, or does everyone give up?" Sofia asked.

"I think you better explain and we can all get a new piece since nobody got the whole recipe right." Alice took the lead.

"That's fine," she said.

Sofia explained that the new franchise would have a very different concept than the current one, using only local ingredients, but it should have the same impact and be as good as the sweets already approved by the customers. With this in mind, she studied a lot of the local flora in order to identify possible new ingredients, and found thyme, which brought spiciness and enhanced the other flavors.

"Astonishing Sofia! Congratulations on your new creation" Tomás congratulated her.

"It will be a success, for sure," Alice added.

"I told you we have the best desserts in the house." Alan concluded.

Everyone laughed and decided to eat another piece of the spectacular dessert. Sofia was satisfied that her creations were being well appreciated.