Which Dessert are You? #NationalDessertDay

Hey there dessert-lover,

We all know that October is usually defined by trick-or-treat sweets and flashy costumes, but did you know National Dessert Day is neighbors with Halloween on the calendar? Come October 14th, celebrate your sweet tooth for dessert — no costume necessary. To kickstart your celebrations, we've selected three dessert recipes paired with scent for you to indulge your sweet tooth.

Fruity, Sweet, and Simple
The Vanille Abricot: Grilled Maple Butter Apricots with Vanilla Ice Cream

Inspired by the bestselling and sweet Vanille Abricot, we have a dessert inspired by the two main notes that will make a delectable dessert in a pinch.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ Tsp kosher salt
• 6 ripe apricots, halved lengthwise and pitted
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions:
In a small skillet over low heat on the stove, cook and whisk the maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt until butter is melted and all elements are combined. Set up a grill with medium heat. Grill the apricots cut side down as you brush the other side with the syrup mixture. Cook until lightly charred and tender (8–10 minutes), or to your liking. Transfer the apricots to a platter cut side up, and brush with the remaining syrup mixture. Let apricots cool to room temperature, then serve with ice cream.

*Original recipe from Epicurious

All-American Flirt
The Vanille Banane: Banana Split with a Twist

Inspired by the unexpected crowd favorite Vanille Banane, this Banana Split is an all-American classic with room for you to add your own twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• Ice cream 
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Whipped Cream
• 3 Maraschino or Luxardo cherries
• Sprinkles

Instructions:
Cut banana in half lengthwise, and lay each side in a long, shallow bowl and add 3 scoops of your choice of ice cream along the banana. Drizzle in chocolate sauce, caramel sauce (or any other sweet confection), and top off with chopped fruit, nuts, and whipped cream. For the finishing touches, and add 1 cherry atop each ice cream scoop (for a total of 3) and sprinkles to taste.

*Original recipe from Kiwilimon

Indulgent Bliss
The Amour de Cacao: Easy Chocolate Truffles

Inspired by the sweet, chocolatey fragrance Amour de Cacao, these chocolate truffles are rich and decadent with a unique substitution for sugar (hint: it's a dried fruit).

Ingredients: 

• 10 dates, pitted (about 
• ¾ cup or 180 g packed)
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp water
• ¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder (plus more for rolling)
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ Tbsp cashew butter (or sub other nut or seed butter)
• 1 healthy pinch sea salt
  
• ½–¾ cup almond flour
  

Instructions:
Use parchment paper to line a small plate or dish set aside. Add pitted dates, melted coconut oil, and water to a food processor, and mix until only small pieces remain or a paste forms. Add cacao powder, vanilla, cashew butter, and a pinch of salt and blend again. Once combined, add almond flour in 1/4-cup increments until the mixture forms a ball in the food processor. Use a scoop or lightly oiled 1-Tbsp measuring spoon to scoop mixture and roll into balls between the palms of your hands, and place onto the parchment-lined plate. Empty a small amount of cacao powder into a shallow dish or bowl and roll the truffles around to coat. Enjoy as is or freeze for 30 mins.