Fancy Gourmet Dessert Cakes

Well here we are again and it’s time to indulge in the gourmet madness we fight off all year. Don’t worry, the average American puts on at least 5lbs. during the holidays. You may as well let yourself go for awhile.

I myself like to slice fresh mushrooms and sauté them in butter with chopped garlic and fresh parsley. I also enjoy boiling baby carrots and coating them with butter and sprinkling on a little cinnamon. If you haven’t tried it, your missing something special. To relieve the guilt I steam a few asparagus heads and work on self-forgiveness.

As for the Turkey; Coating it with a warmed butter and oil mixture before placing it into the oven helps keep the moisture in and the meat tender. They say that filling the bird with stuffing can be dangerous (I still do it and cross my fingers.) A way to solve that potential problem is to use a toaster oven to bake the stuffing in. You can place it into the mini oven about 25 minutes before the bird is ready. It keeps the stuffing crispy on top.

Then there is dessert… A lovely piece of Black Velvet Cake with a cup of espresso coffee is the perfect combo. A lighter alternative is a slice of New York Cheesecake and a cup of Sumatra Coffee. Dessert for the whole gang should entail a variety of sweets. A Tart and a Cake such as; Carrot Cake is a win win combination.  Team them with a Chocolate Satin Cake and the gang’s all here! 

A little Beethoven and Bach make for some heavenly background music. It will also keep everyone calm while they wait for the food. The holiday specials are coming on T.V. so have the schedule ready in case your guests want to tune in to something fun. Loading the DVD player with classic movies is another idea to entertain the folks, just click click, and they’re on.

Written by Kim LaBarbera of Delightful Biteful 

For the holiday season remember to serve specials like Pecan and Cranberry Cheese Tart. They are traditional desserts for the Thanksgiving table. Have your portions already prepared for easy serving. Fresh brewed Columbian coffee is a wonderful companion for this beautiful after dinner salute.

Other wonderful thoughts that float around are gourmet Truffle Cakes which are flourless and Kosher Certified for a festive Chanukah  celebration. Included in the fun can be a lavish Chocolate Chambord Cake with just the right amount of raspberry liqueur.

Great gifts for the holiday season are chocolates and sweets such as; English Toffee, Chocolate Covered Shortbread Cookies and Truffle Bars. Suggestions for serving at get-togethers is a portion each on it’s own napkin to avoid stickiness on the hands.  Club soda is the perfect beverage to accompany sweets like these. They make great stocking stuffers. Send them to loved ones across town or across the country. Include a gift note and don’t forget to call.

Add a beautiful candle to illuminate the room. Aromatherapy can keep people calm and in the moment. It is a good way to get your guests to relax.

For all of the fun make sure to keep safe and aware and joyous and have plenty of dessert and coffee on hand.

Written by Kim LaBarbera of Delightful Biteful