By Cynthia Vera
With a lockdown-free summer in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the hunt for the perfect rooftop bar that has an array of cocktails to choose from. And why we wouldn’t we, it is summer after all. However, this means we sometimes forget about an essential component that brings people together for celebrations of any occasion; the dessert.
So, as we begin to fill up our calendars for each day the sun is shining, let’s indulge ourselves in luxury delights and rediscover the world of desserts. Maybe you have a BBQ, or birthday, or picnic coming up on the horizon and you need the perfect dessert to bring the night together. Well, look no further than Mon Dessert. A company born out of a passion for desserts and a love affair with French inspired pâtisserie that delivers dessert making kits to kick everyone’s boxes.
Founded in 2016 by Londoner Samina Courtin after the birth of her second child, Mon Dessert pays homage to all the things Samina loves. First taking inspiration from her mother’s expertise in spiced dishes from a variety of cultures within Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and a love affair with French pâtisserie and cuisines – one that her French husband approves of.
Founder of Mon Dessert, Samina Courtin.
Growing up in a Pakistani household, cooking was an important part of Samira’s life that pushed her to challenge herself as the appointed ‘go-to’ person for preparing desserts for friends’ parties and family gatherings. A responsibility and hobby she enjoyed and later turned into a successful career.
Aside from personal influences, Samina has been influenced by some of the most important pâtisserie chefs in the world, from the likes of the very first Antoine Carême, and Raymond Blanc. Her love for French pâtisserie led her to embark on a journey of self-discovery and learning; where she was able to train at Chef Raymond Blanc’s star pastry kitchen, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Not only did this help her perfect her craft and solidify her unique style, it provided solutions to her worries about waste.
Whilst at Chef Raymond Blanc’s kitchen, she learnt the tricks top chefs use to minimise waste. For Samina, Mon Dessert’s ethics are clear: “reduce (food waste), reuse (kitchen equipment), and recycle (all packaging is recyclable)”. Noting that the brand only uses “recycled packing” with no single use plastics included as seen with their compostable food containers, Desi Pots, Samina ensures that her company actively takes a sustainable approach and encourages their customers to do the same. For example, Mon Dessert encourage their customers to “make the most out of their kits”. While refills are a part of their kit delivery service, they want customers to “repurpose their kitchen equipment in creative ways”.
With desserts that can make your mouth water by just taking a glance, Mon Dessert’s speciality in French inspired pâtisserie brings a contemporary touch to their delectable desserts by offering DIY kits.
Mon Dessert is designed for each and every occasion, with a range of kits such as the Cappuccino Crème Brûlée with a blow torch ready to be used, classic macrons to transport to you straight to a café in Paris, and a summer go-to strawberry gateau – their July kit of the month. These kits come packed with handy tips and kitchen tools to help you make show-stopping desserts that will impress guests at your dinner party or make for an afternoon of bonding with your family in the kitchen. Like their plant-based and gluten-free Lemon Tart.
The Mon Dessert Subscription brings you a new and unique kit each month packed into a box of joy and effortless luxury – something we all need as summer kicks in. These exciting dessert kits include vegan and gluten-free alternatives and cater to eager learners of any skill level. Better yet, they also include “responsibly sourced organic ingredients”, highlighted on the kit boxes for complete transparency.
Samina also highlights that “Mon Dessert have also teamed up with 1% for the Planet, alongside the likes of Patagonia, Caudalie, Honest Tea and Bushfire Records”. By doing this, they have committed to “donate the equivalent of 1% of gross sales through a combination of monetary, in-kind and approved promotional support directly to environmental non-profits”.
Though it is easy to grab a cocktail and stop thinking about savoury treats, with Mon Dessert’s French inspired style, indulging in small and exciting luxuries (that won’t drain your wallet!) will be the summer love affair you need.
Mon Dessert is available from www.mondessert.co.uk with packages starting from £19.95 a month and keep up with them on Instagram to see their show stopping desserts.
