10 golden flavor combinations that are classics for a reason
We’re certainly not against experimenting in the kitchen—in fact, sometimes unexpected flavor combinations exceed all expectations! But truly ‘classic’ combinations generally aren’t classics for nothing, because they simply work wonderfully. So here are 10 golden flavor combinations that are classics for a reason
Admit it, there are ‘couples’ of ingredients or flavors that are unbeatable, aren’t there? Tomato with mozzarella, for example (although peach with mozzarella is also pretty brilliant in summer), or chocolate with peanuts? Read on for even more familiar favorites.
Classic flavor combinations
Ham and cheese
No, a bag of Hamka’s isn’t exactly what we mean, but an all-time classic like the perfect pan-toasted sandwich with delicious, not-too-fatty ham completely drowned in stringy, hot melted cheese: impossibly delicious.
Crab and avocado
If you’re from my generation, you may have first seen avocados appearing in shrimp cocktails. (By the way, have you already read this bizarre story about shrimp?) Crabmeat is a little less readily available and therefore somewhat more exclusive, but combined with avocado it’s a truly delicious classic.
Coffee and chocolate
As old as… no, sorry, we don’t actually know exactly when or who first came up with the brilliant idea of combining coffee and chocolate. But that person deserves a statue, and the year belongs in the history books. Tip: add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter when making brownies: you won’t believe the flavor.
Honey and lemon
When you have a sore throat, don’t you also make yourself a pot of tea with honey and lemon? Whether it actually helps cannot be established with certainty, but the idea alone probably has something to do with the fact that it’s delicious, warming and ‘comforting’. A golden classic combination.
Apple and cinnamon
Have picky children who occasionally complain about taking apple slices to school? Sprinkle cinnamon over them and you’re done. Besides, no apple pie can do without it, so just consider how strong and indestructible this combination is…
Eggs and bacon
We can easily imagine this being what keeps many a would-be vegetarian from giving up bacon for good. Because how absurdly delicious is perfectly crisp bacon with a fried egg? Or a boiled egg. Or a poached egg. Is there any egg that doesn’t become better with bacon?
Potato and butter
Oh, what would the ultimate classic potato purée by Joël Robuchon be without the shameless amount of butter folded through it? Or our very own fantastic Opperdoezer ronde? Classic and heavenly, for a very long time.
Banana and caramel
Another incredibly good combination: the soft, unique flavor of banana, which pairs perfectly with sugar melted until it has an unparalleled, slightly ‘burnt’ flavor. When we say, for example, banoffee (banana and toffee), don’t you immediately run to the kitchen? (Or to the store.)
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
It’s no coincidence that this is one of the most classic toppings for, say, a traditional bagel. The salty smoky flavor of smoked salmon is perfectly balanced by the soft neutrality of cream cheese. Add another squeeze of fresh lemon juice and, as far as we’re concerned, it’s complete.
Strawberries and whipped cream
Of course, they know what’s delicious at Wimbledon, but even aside from that, this is a combination so delicious that we look forward to it all year. Once they’re in season, choose the very best small strawberries (Lambada strawberries, for example), whip the cream yourself, and enjoy it for a whole year. Those Lambada strawberries cost a fortune, but the season is very short and then you have to wait another year, so make the most of them!
Also read:
- Unbelievable: this mad oven dish is a Swedish cult classic
- Classic: Caesar salad. But what’s the proper way to make it?
- How to make Gordon Ramsay’s classic cheeseburger
