Ingredients from A to Z

Chocolate ice cream is one of the most popular frozen desserts in the world. It is made from a milk or cream base enriched with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving it a characteristic bittersweet flavour. Premium varieties contain a higher proportion of cocoa or dark chocolate, resulting in a more intense and complex taste. It can be served on its own, in sundae cups with fruit or whipped cream, or used as a filling in ice cream cakes, crepes and waffles. It pairs wonderfully with raspberries, caramel or nuts.

Chocolate powder is a dried product based on cocoa, sugar, and other ingredients, used to prepare drinks, desserts, and baked goods. Unlike pure cocoa, it is usually already sweetened and flavored, making it easy to dissolve in both hot and cold milk. It is used as the base for hot chocolate and added to cake batters, creams, ice cream, or puddings. Available in various intensities, from mildly chocolatey to strongly bitter varieties. In the kitchen, it is a versatile ingredient that brings an intense chocolate flavor and deep brown color to dishes.

Chocolate pudding is a popular dessert with a characteristically smooth, creamy consistency and a rich chocolate flavor. It is made from milk, sugar, starch or pudding powder with the addition of cocoa or chocolate. It can be served warm or chilled, most often decorated with whipped cream or grated chocolate. Beyond being served on its own, it is used as a filling for cakes, roll cakes, or stuffed crepes. Available as a ready-made pudding or as a powder for home preparation. The result is always delicious, smooth, sweet, and full of chocolate aroma.

Chocolate pudding powder is an instant mix designed for preparing a classic creamy dessert. It typically contains starch, cocoa and sugar, simply whisk into cold milk, then bring to a boil while stirring to achieve a smooth, thick cream with a rich chocolate flavour. It is used as a filling for cakes, cream puffs and eclairs, as a layer in trifles, or served on its own either warm or chilled. It also works well as a base for no-bake slices and chocolate dessert bars. Ready in just a few minutes, it is a popular staple in both home and professional kitchens.

Chocolate rice consists of small, crunchy balls or cylinders made from puffed rice coated in chocolate. They are used as a decoration and topping for cakes, tarts, ice cream, and other desserts. They add an interesting texture to desserts, a light crunchiness in contrast to soft fillings or creams. Available in dark, milk, and white chocolate varieties. They are suitable for both home and professional use in confectionery. Store in a dry, cool place to preserve their crunchiness. They are a popular decoration for birthday cakes and children'so sweets in particular.

Chocolate shavings are thin, delicately curled slices of chocolate used primarily as a decoration for pastries and desserts. They are created using a special tool or a simple scraper drawn across a chocolate bar. Their elegant appearance and light texture make them ideal for decorating cakes, dessert glasses, tiramisu, and other sweet treats. The flavor depends on the type of chocolate used, dark, milk, and white chocolate each provide a different visual and taste effect. Making shavings at home is easy, the chocolate should be properly tempered and slightly warm for the best results.

Chorizo is a traditional Spanish (or Mexican) meat product made primarily from pork seasoned with paprika, garlic and other spices. The Spanish version is cured or smoked and can be eaten without further cooking. The Mexican variety is typically fresh and must always be cooked before eating. Its characteristic red colour comes from sweet or hot paprika. Chorizo is used in tapas, paella, bean dishes, egg dishes and soups. It has a bold, spicy and slightly smoky flavour. It is a popular ingredient across many world cuisines and is available in various levels of spiciness, from mild to extra hot.

Chutney is a condiment of Indian origin made from fruit or vegetables cooked with vinegar, sugar and spices. There is a wide variety of types, mango, tomato, tamarind, red onion or apple. The texture can be smooth or chunky, and the flavour ranges from sweet-sour to spicy. In the kitchen, chutney is used as a side condiment for meat, cheese, grilled dishes or Indian food such as curry. It also works brilliantly in sandwiches or as part of a cheese board. In India, chutney is typically made fresh, while in European cuisine it is most commonly sold as a preserved product with a longer shelf life. It is also easy to make at home.

Ciabatta is a traditional Italian bread known for its flat shape, crispy crust, and airy, open crumb. The name translates to 'slipper' in Italian, referring to its distinctive elongated shape. It is made from wheat flour, water, olive oil, yeast, and salt, using a very wet and slack dough that creates its signature texture. In the kitchen, ciabatta works perfectly as a base for bruschetta, panini, and sandwiches. It also pairs wonderfully with soups, dips, and olive oil, and is excellent at absorbing sauces and meat juices.

Cider is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting apple juice. It is produced through natural fermentation, where the sugars in apples are converted into alcohol. The flavour ranges from dry and semi-dry to sweet, depending on the apple variety and production method. The alcohol content typically falls between 3 and 8%. In the kitchen, cider is used to make sauces, braised pork dishes, marinades, and desserts, it pairs particularly well with pork and poultry. It is especially popular in the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, where it has a long-standing tradition.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice obtained from the dried inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum. The most popular varieties are Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) and cassia, each with a slightly different intensity of flavour. Its sweet, warm and gently spicy fragrance is indispensable in many world cuisines. It is used in the form of sticks or ground powder in Christmas baking, gingerbread, apple pies, rice porridges and hot drinks. It is also used in savoury dishes, Moroccan tagine, Indian biryani or Middle Eastern meat dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, it has long been valued in traditional herbal medicine.

Mletá skořice je jemný prášek vyrobený mletím sušené kůry stromů rodu Cinnamomum. Ve srovnání s celými tyčinkami je pohodlnější na použití a rychleji uvolňuje svou vůni. V kuchyni je nezbytnou součástí vánočních kořenících směsí, perníkového těsta, skořicových rolek, jablečných koláčů a kaší. Přidává se do horkých nápojů, jako je svařené víno, chai nebo káva. Skvěle se kombinuje s čokoládou, kardamomem, hřebíčkem a vanilkou. Používá se také v slaných pokrmech, v marocké a blízkovýchodní kuchyni jako součást kořenících směsí. Uchovávejte ji v uzavřené nádobě mimo světlo, abyste zachovali její intenzivní aroma.