She Strengthens

The Culinary Conundrum: A Plea for a Nobel Prize in Food

Food, the universal language that brings people together, deserves recognition on the highest level. It’s astonishing that there isn’t a Nobel Prize dedicated to the culinary arts. The Scandinavians, known for their innovative cuisine, should certainly understand the importance of honoring exceptional food creations.

A Wealth of Potential Recipients

Take, for instance, the genius who paired peanut butter and chocolate – a match made in heaven. This individual deserves a prize, especially considering the role their invention has played in maintaining world peace. Who can forget the power of a Reese’s peanut butter cup in diffusing tension?

Culinary Innovations That Deserve Recognition

Beyond chocolate, there are countless dishes that warrant accolades. Orange olive oil cake, gelato, osso buco, tarte tatin, and good balsamic on strawberries are just a few examples of the incredible culinary diversity that exists. Then, of course, there’s the brilliance of frying flowers, as seen in fried zucchini blossoms, or the perfect harmony of pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage.

A Recipe for World Peace

In the spirit of promoting global harmony, I propose a recipe that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the savory essence of fleur de sel. My fleur de sel brownies are a culinary masterpiece, capable of establishing peace in even the most turbulent of times.

Fleur de Sel Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3/4 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 1 ½ – 2 minutes or until butter is melted.
3. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour and nuts, mix well, and pour into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
5. Cool completely and use foil handles to remove brownies from pan before cutting to serve.

Ganache Frosting

Ingredients:

• 7 oz. bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• A pinch (about 1/8 tsp) fleur de sel or other flaky sea salt
• 1 tsp strong coffee or espresso

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate with the butter, coffee, and pinch of salt over a double boiler.
2. Stir until completely incorporated and spread over cooled brownies.
3. Sprinkle up to a 1/2 tsp fleur de sel or malden salt over ganache.
4. Chill thoroughly before cutting and serving.

Let us unite in our quest for a Nobel Prize in Food, recognizing the incredible contributions of culinary innovators and the power of food to bring people together.