Dessert: Candy Bar Ganache Rice Pudding

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Candy Bar Ganache Rice Pudding

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

Pudding
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup arborio rice
4 cups milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, opened and seeds scraped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup icing (confectioners') sugar
Ganache
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound/500 g chopped milk chocolate with honey and almond nougat (recommended: Toblerone)
Almond Slivers
1/2 cup almond slivers
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

For the rice pudding:In a pot, melt the butter on medium heat until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir, coating the rice in the browned butter for another 2 minutes. Add milk, sugar, vanilla bean and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring every 5 minutes for about 45 minutes until the rice is cooked but still al dente. Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap, let cool, then put in the refrigerator. For the ganache:In a small pot, heat 1/2 cup cream, add the chopped milk chocolate and stir until melted. Set aside to cool. In a bowl, whip the remaining cream with the icing sugar. Set aside in the refrigerator. For the almond slivers:Heat almond slivers in a pan until they become golden brown. Lay the almonds on a tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Set aside. Fold the whipped cream into the rice pudding mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours. Dish the rice pudding into small serving bowls and garnish with chocolate ganache and almond slivers on top.