Frozen Banana Bombs

I used to spend a couple of weeks every summer outside the city and at my grandparents. Those hot days in July and August were like fresh flowers and freedom. It was an escape from poor air quality and congestion. It was an escape to a simpler way of life.

I would waste spend hours outside by myself throwing the ball against the fence. When you grow up an only child you find ways to keep yourself busy and happy. And when I visited with grandparents, I was just that. I would play in the gigantic backyard trees with roots big enough to dig under the neighbouring property. I would catch butterflies, or at least try. I would do anything to stay in the moment. The days there would turn into nights with a blink of an eye and I couldn't count sheep fast enough so I would awake to another bright day.

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Clementine Posset with Candied Peels

I love desserts. I know I know, who doesn't, right? It's not just the sweet finish to a great meal that has me loving dessert, it's the chance to indulge in life and spend just a few more precious minutes at the table with the people who really matter. Family.

It wasn't that long ago that I delved into a recipe similar to this when I made a batch of Lemon Posset. That recipe was refreshing and as close to citrus gold as I've come across. I loved everything about it! So with an abundance of clementines on hand I decided to flip this recipe and give you something just a bit out of the ordinary. On a different tip.

There are definitely similarities here. As people say, don't change something that works. I happen to worship at that temple. In this case I decided to bend that rule sligtly. I wanted to kick this up a level by garnishing them with candied clementine peels. Smooth, velvety clementine pudding with a tart finish and sugary clementine peels. Chewy candied texture bits on top of a creamy, smooth base. Yes, please!

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Dark Chocolate-Covered Clementines with Chili Salt

This is my idea of the perfect midday snack. It's sweet and savoury, salty and spicy. A fireworks of flavours and pleasure. Juice explodes with every nibble and transforms from everyday fruit segment into a sweet and salty afternoon addiction. This is perfect all by itself. It's also great with your afternoon tea.

I love the combination of orange and chocolate and this is another one of those simple recipes that anybody can make and everybody will enjoy. Three ingredients: Dark chocolate, clementines and salt (or in this case chili salt). One happy ending.

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