On colder days my coffee tastes much better. The last month of the year 2024 has begun and, as Venezuelan tradition dictates, it is common to encounter the typical gastronomy that characterizes our culture. I admit that there is nothing better than combining some traditional Christmas dish with some coffee, or a drink whose main ingredient is coffee. I think the best sensation comes after some subtle flavors.
For this occasion, I took the risk of following the barista's recommendation: cappuccino and a slice of ham bread. Was it a good decision? In this post you will find out.
Ham bread is a type of Christmas dish that is usually eaten in Venezuela during the month of December. It is stuffed with ham, bacon, raisins and olives, although sometimes the ingredients may vary. Due to its high content of salty elements, I never thought of combining it with a strong and bitter flavor like coffee, as I usually drink it with something light or simple, like a cookie or a slice of bread with butter. I am terrified of ruining my coffee drinking time by adding heavy foods, because for some reason, I can't enjoy it.
However, I ran into the pleasant surprise that at the coffee shop I visit after the gym, there was a special flavor promotion: on the menu there were many combinations, but mostly with sweets and desserts. Since it was almost lunchtime, I preferred something more savory, but light. The original choice was a coffee with oatmeal cookies, but the barista insisted that I try something new: “ham bread with Cappuccino”. I didn't like the idea at first, but was eventually convinced.
The cappuccino was a bit sweet, perhaps for a better combination with the ham bread. I admit that they knew how to prepare it so that there was a balance of flavors. At least I am usually careful about that, and if I don't like it, I just don't drink it. When I was served the cup and bread, I tasted the cappuccino first. I waited a bit, and then tasted the slice of ham bread. The latter was very delicious, as it was soft and warm. I congratulated the barista, after all, she made me make a good choice.
It is strange that sometimes salty and sweet flavors can combine very well. Coffee, at least in my opinion, combines with almost everything; I think it depends on each person's preferences and their own style of drinking it. I like to discover new combinations, although sometimes it scares me a lot... I hate to make a bad choice and ruin my coffee.
Have you ever drunk coffee with an unusual food?
There are flavors that are special and increase that feeling of satisfaction when drinking coffee. In my country people are creative, and it is usual to see unusual combinations, but as I said before, it depends on the preference of each person. As long as there is coffee, even the rarest is perfect ;-).
See you in the next coffee time!
