Don't be fooled by their similar appearance. Saltines and graham crackers may look almost identical to each other, but swapping the two makes a significant difference in the world of s'mores. Aptly implied by the name, saltines feature an intensely sharp saltiness that cuts right through the marshmallow and chocolate's sugary haze. S'mores are often super rich to a fault, but with saltines paving the way, you're instead left with layer after layer of sweet and salty unraveling into each other.
The reason cheddar cheese works in desserts is that it provides contrast. Ultra-sweet foods can be tamed using creamy and savory ingredients, which create a dynamic mouthfeel layered with complexity. Aged cheddar offers umami, which is just about the opposite of sweet, and produces duality. Sweet and salty are a famous pairing, and because cheddar cheese is so rich, fatty, and decadent, it is just screaming to be added to your dessert.
When you think of Italian ice, images of smooth and velvety, fruity, nutty, or chocolate flavors are usually what come to mind. What you probably don't think of is these delicious flavors paired with something savory and salty. So here's the twist: There's an unexpected snack that can transform your Italian ice experience into something unforgettable - pretzels. The combination might sound odd at first, but it's a sensory delight that brings contrast, balance, and fun to your palate.
