Curious about speculaas?

If you were to browse through your feed on Instagram you are sure to notice a few posts dedicated to desserts made with an unassuming biscuit which at first glance looks like ParleG With its salty caramel flavour the Belgian spiced shortbread Lotus Biscoff biscuits natively called speculaas have been featured in everything from cheesecakes to ice creams and even sweet lasagneAs a portmanteau between biscuit and coffee the Biscoff brand founded its bakery in Lembeke Belgium in 1932 to lift spirits after World War II with its speculaas which are traditionally associated with the Christmas season The brand continues to remain headquartered in the small town and is run by the same family producing its curiously flavoured cookies for the rest of the world Heres where to enjoy desserts made with the biscuit in MumbaiArtisanal gelato By Simran AdvaniAfter studying about homemade gelato in Bologna Italy Simran Advani opened her first gelateriaNova Artisan Gelatoin The Shamilar Hotel in February this year to churn artisanal gelato with natural ingredients in a small batch of curated flavours Before I had eaten Lotus Biscoff I had tasted speculaas biscuits and fell in love with the mix of flavoursthe addition of the spices balanced out the caramel notes perfectly Its not overtly sweet We like to rotate our flavours and since caramel is always popular we decided to include Lotus Biscoff she explains Advani advises incorporating the biscuit into desserts you can make at home including cheesecakes pairing it with a cup of tea or coffee or even eating it plain as a sweet snack Since it pairs well with chocolate as well as zesty flavours we love thinking of new ways to incorporate the biscuit in our gelatoits one of our most popular flavours at the momentOrderOn SwiggyPrice500ml tub for Rs 636Samira BachooaliIce cream By Samira BachooaliWhen Samira Bachooali found her family putting their creative skills to use in the kitchen during the lockdown she decided to join them and pulled out two jars of the Belgian treat she had lying in her pantry What started as an experimental recipe that she quickly whipped up for her daughters birthday has turned into a artisanal brand The Cregraveme Co makes small batches of handmade Lotus Biscoff ice cream With the consumption of comfort food rising during this pandemic Ive noticed that each trend rides on a broader notion of happy triggersWith its natural caramel tones and hint of spice I think Lotus Biscoff transports us to the first flavours we experienced which are now sweet memories of childhoodfrom toffee to mithai Bachooali thinks Each jar of her madetoOrder ice cream is rich and creamy with a generous topping of the Biscoff and swirls of cookie spread And the cravings for the flavour of the season hasnt stopped just yet I have customers driving in from Lonavalaand some even flying down from Dubaiplacing their Orders to be ready for them the moment they arrive or to pack and take back home with themOrder9821014450PriceRs 430 ml jar for Rs 750Delicacie By Bunty MahajanAs one of the citys favourite bakers Bunty Mahajan of Delicacie noticed the growing curiosity in Lotus Biscoff and decided to include it in her menu This biscuit has been around for a while but the awareness is catching up lately While it is delicious it is also a completely new flavourso it works as a unique option for anyone who would like to try something that doesnt include chocolate but is sweet nevertheless explains Mahajan adding that it is also a sturdy ingredient to work with especially when creating customised desserts or larger cakes with fondant icing You could even try making a quick Biscoff brownie at homeBunty MahajanWhile it is definitely a fad at the moment Mahajan feels its one thats here to stay as caramel is always a popular flavour and the Lotus Biscoff cookies add new texture and flavour to a dessert And the fact that it is now easily and readily available in India seals its place in the landscape of Indian sweets Mahajans Biscoff cheesecake has delicate creaminess paired with dollops of Biscoff sauce and the Biscoff gateau is a rich option for the foodie with a sweet toothOrdersdelcakesinPriceThe Biscoff Gateau and Biscoff Cheesecake at Rs 430 onwardsMake it yourselfLooking to make your own Biscoff dessert Choose between the Lotus Biscoff biscuits available on Amazon Rs 149 for 124 grams or the irresistible spread Rs 688 for 400 grams says Bunty Mahajan creative director Deliciae