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Lana Mihajlović posted an update
a day ago (edited)
Level:
Stagier
Spice-Kissed Chocolate Salami
#ChocolateChallenge
Profile: Amateur
This dessert is more than a playful imitation of savory charcuterie. It is a memory of winter evenings at home, where chocolate was always the centerpiece. Chocolate has always been a constant in my life… a symbol of comfort during long nights, a festive luxury, and, above all, the taste of home.
With this creation, I wanted to honor that tradition while adding a personal touch. By incorporating a subtle note of Bajadera liqueur, an iconic Croatian flavor, and a hint of crushed chili flakes, I created a salami that unites tradition, indulgence, and an unexpected twist.
The result is a blend of warmth, nostalgia, and spicy boldness. What at first glance appears rustic and savory, reveals itself upon slicing as an ode to chocolate… a mosaic of biscuits and nuts embedded in a glossy, dark base.
Ingredients: Dark chocolate (84% cocoa, high quality); Butter; Milk; Cacao powder; Crunchy cookies; Almonds; Unsalted pistachios; Sea salt flakes; Bajadera liqueur; Powdered sugar, for dusting
Techniques Applied
Bain-marie melting & emulsification: gently melting chocolate and butter over indirect heat to achieve a silky, homogeneous base.
Liquid incorporation & emulsification: gradual addition of milk into the melted mixture to ensure a stable, smooth texture without separation.
Cacao enrichment: enhancing intensity and complexity with the addition of cacao powder.
Flavor layering: infusion of Bajadera liqueur and crushed chili flakes to create aromatic depth and unexpected spiciness.
Textural contrast: combining crushed cookies with almonds and pistachios for a dynamic interplay of crunch and richness.
Shaping & molding: forming the mixture into a cylinder to emulate the rustic look of salami.
Surface finishing: dusting with powdered sugar to enhance elegance and reinforce the charcuterie illusion.
Decorative tying: wrapping with kitchen string for visual impact, transforming a humble log into a refined centerpiece.
Final Presentation
Once sliced, the interior reveals a mosaic of cookies and nuts within a glossy chocolate body. The rustic appearance contrasts with the sophisticated flavor of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, the subtle bitterness of Bajadera, and the spicy surprise of crushed chili flakes. This combination makes the dessert playful, daring, and elegant at the same time.
Lana Mihajlović, Mercedes Minaya Palacios and 7 others12 Comments-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
Hey Lana! 😄
There’s so much to love here — the vintage mood, the clean slice, and the overall composition tell a story full of flavor and memory. The soft lighting works beautifully, though adding a touch more contrast could make the chocolate shine even more. The powdered sugar and string detail enhance the charcuterie illusion with elegance.
What inspired you to use Bajadera and chili flakes? Those are bold choices that speak to a confident and personal approach to flavor.
Have you explored adding dried fruits or aromatic spices? They could bring even more depth to your chocolate adventures. Keep pushing forward — this is delicious storytelling on a plate! 💪🍫Well done, dear!
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Level:
Stagier
@soldamiani Thank you, dear! ❤️ Bajadera was a little homage to childhood and a flavor that always reminds me of home, while the inspiration for the chili flakes came from a chocolate with hot peppers I tried recently. I loved how the heat opened up the chocolate, so I wanted to bring that “kick” into this salami too.
As for the fruit, I’ve already played with so many different flavors that I didn’t want to add dried fruit this time. But of course, I’ve tried a version with dried fruit as well and that combination has its own charm!
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Level:
Stagier
Ahora soy yo la voy a salir corriendo rumbo a Serbia para llamar a tu puerta con mi plato vacío. Ve preparándome un bocadillo con ese salami… qué me encanta. Yo llevo las copas y muchas burbujas para brindar.
No puede gustarme más tu propuesta, Lana. ¡Bravo!!
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Level:
Stagier
@beatriztorijagmail-com Thank you dear. If we were neighbors, I think we’d constantly be running to each other’s doors with plates and spoons in hand. 😁
I had guests this evening and prepared several chocolate salamis. I carefully wrapped them up and sent them home as little gifts for their kids. Seeing their faces light up was the sweetest ending to the evening. 🥰
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Level:
Executive Chef
Me encantan los trampantojos y este te ha quedado perfecto! Bravo👏👏
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Level:
Stagier
@loles-mhotmail-com Thank you dear, I’m so glad you liked it! 🤗
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Level:
Stagier
Amateur??? You are professional, my dear Lana.
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Level:
Stagier
@orsolya-csernak Oh, you’re too kind! ❤️ Thank you for the encouragement, my dear!
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Level:
Stagier
Así queda muy divertido
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Level:
Stagier
@mercedesminayapalaciosgmail-com Thank you dear ❤
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Excelente!! felicitaciones!! se ve perfecto
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Level:
Stagier
@federicomachelettgmail-com Thank you Federico 🥰
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