Master Chocolatier spotlights versatility of California Prunes
With the holiday season in full swing, California Prunes are set to bring a fresh and flavourful twist to festive foods this year.
The versatility of California Prunes has long presented food manufacturers and chefs with opportunities to boost fibre or add natural sweetness to a range of dishes, with prunes pairing perfectly with a variety of flavours and ingredients.
Now acclaimed maître chocolatier and California Prune brand ambassador Stefano Collomb is showcasing his own Christmas twist for 2025, combining California Prunes with his exquisite, artisan chocolates.
Collomb, the owner of the historic “Chocolat” pastry and chocolate shop in La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta, in northern Italy, has been collaborating with California Prunes since 2018.
This year, Stefano has reinterpreted a timeless Christmas classic with the creation of his exclusive California Prunes and Dark Chocolate Christmas Log. Combining soft and moist California Prunes with rich dark chocolate, the result is an elegant and harmonious treat that masterfully pairs the natural sweetness of California Prunes with the rich intensity of cocoa.
Stefano explains: “California Prunes bring balance and softness, allowing me to reduce added sugars and achieve a more natural, clean sweetness. Their texture blends beautifully with dark chocolate, creating an elegant contrast between intensity and roundness. In this Christmas log, I wanted to merge tradition and innovation, reinterpreting a beloved holiday classic with a more modern and mindful approach.
“California Prunes are an authentic and versatile ingredient that enhances the quality of the dessert and makes it truly unique – the perfect balance between craftsmanship and creativity.”
Esther Ritson Elliott, Director of International Marketing and Communications for the California Prune Board, adds: “California Prunes pair beautifully with chocolate, as demonstrated by maître chocolatier Stefano’s wonderful creations. We’re delighted to continue our collaboration with Stefano and celebrate with a Christmas theme. Through this long-standing partnership, we aim to inspire both professionals and consumers to discover new ways to use a natural, high-quality, and always surprising ingredient.”
The California Prune Board represents 400 growers and handlers who are dedicated to the production of high-quality prunes, famed globally for their concentrated sweetness, size, and versatility. For home cooks looking to add nutrition and a hint of nostalgia to festive feasts, the Board has a range of delicious recipes available online, including savoury dishes and sweet desserts.
Esther adds: “California Prunes truly are a natural wonder, adding texture, sweetness, and flavour to any dish. Packed with fibre and as a source of a range of vitamins and minerals, California Prunes also add the feel-good factor to festive food.”
