Dessert Night

21 years ago

I'm having about 4 couples over for a holiday dessert night. I plan to serve reg & decaf coffee & tea & several desserts consisting of asst. cookies, a flan, either a key lime pie or a cherry cheese pie, choc cake out of a box mix drizzled with white & milk choc. & fresh fruit. Any other suggestions for easy to make yummy desserts that are a hit? How 'bout a jello mold? Is there anything I'm missing?

Should I do something more special with the coffee? I don't have a cappuccino machine.

Should I also be serving cocktails?

Should I be offering any other types of snacks like cheese & crackers & chips & dips or is that not nec.?

Michie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

robin_DC
21 years ago
Sounds like a fun evening. When I have dessert parties, I usually serve wine, and also have water, some kind of soda or punch available for those who want something other than coffee, tea, water, or alcohol. I would not offer other kinds of snacks, provided that you have told them you're having a dessert night (as opposed to a cocktail party); I think that a big part of the fun (and decadence) is having nothing but sweets.
sharon_fl
21 years ago
An easy but really decadent looking dessert is a cherry Boston Cream Pie. You simply bake a yellow cake in (2) 10" round pans. Once cooled-cut any rounded tops off-so cakes are completely flat. While cakes are baking..make up 1 box of vanilla pudding (NOT instant-use the cooked one-decreasing the milk so it's thick when done. Cool in fridge until real cold. Open a can of cherry pie filling & have some toasted slivered almonds on hand, and a tub of cool whip. Place one layer of cake on serving tray, spread the pudding on the cake-coming to about an inch from the edge. Place the other layer of cake on top & rock it gently so it sits firm. The witha rubber spatula-gently spread the pie filling on top. Stick some toothpicks in the top & cover w/plastic wrap & refridgerate until party time. Remove & place 8-10 high 'dollops' of cool whip around the edge-better yet-if you can use a pastry bag-do it that way. It looks best when the dollop is equally placed (designating each serving). Sprinkle w/almonds for garnish.
Related Discussions
Hey, Remember That Summer Fruit Cake Recipe?
Q
Comments (3)
Hi Zabby, Is this the one you are looking for? It is very good and easy too. Originally posted by jojoco on the cooking forum. This is, without question, one of my all time favorite recipes. It is also one of the easiest recipes I've ever made. It originally was printed in the New York Times on Labor Day, in 1981. For many years it would run on that same day and always heralded the end of summer. One year, in the '90's, the recipe was accompanied by a plea from the NYT to clip and save as it would not be run again in the paper. Thank goodness for the internet. It is not too sweet and freezes beautifully. Summer Torte by Marion Burros 1 stick butter, softened (I always use unsalted) 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup flour; sifted 1 tsp baking powder 2 eggs pinch of salt fruit of choice; sliced into wedges (I used about 7 plums. Peaches, nectarines,strawberries all work great and in combination) cinnamon sugar for top Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and add sugar. Beat well. Add eggs and beat. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to batter. Mix. Spoon globs to greased 9 or 10 inch springform. Use a knife to spread batter to cover entire pan. Arrange fruit on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (amount depends on the sweetness of the fruit). Bake for 45 min.
...See More
Sol - looking for your recipe for meringue daisies
Q
Comments (7)
Here is the recipe that I got from Sol: For the meringue base I drew circles (about 2 inches in diameter) onto parchment paper. I turned the paper over and anchored it onto a cookie sheet with a little dot of meringue on each corner. Using a medium star pastry tip -I used #21- I quickly piped the discs onto parchment, then I piped the daisy petals. Pipe the petals close together onto the base itself, to build a "wall" for the lemon filling, later. Bake daisies for 2 hours. Start watching them closely after about an hour and a half, to make sure the meringues do not take on color - they should remain white. Sol's Meringue Daisies with Lemon Curd Lemon Curd 4 large egg yolks Â½ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar 3 fluid ounces lemon juice 4tbsp (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened Pinch of salt 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest In a heavy noncorrodible saucepan, beat the yolks and sugar until blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, but still liquid enough to pour. DonÂt allow the mixture to boil or it will curdle. When the curd has thickened, pour through a strainer. Cool, and store in airtight container in the fridge. The curd will continue to thicken in the refrigerator. Meringue 4 large egg whites, room temperature Â¼ teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup superfine sugar Â½ cup confectionerÂs sugar Â½ teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 200Â°F. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until mixture gets frothy. Gradually start adding the sugar. Beat for a couple of minutes after each addition. Once it forms soft peaks, add the confectionerÂs sugar and vanilla and beat another 2-3 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Immediately put meringue in a large pastry bag, and pipe the discs following the instructions above. Bake 2 hours in a preheated 200Â°F oven. Turn off the oven and leave meringues to dry out 1 hour longer. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for about 6 months
...See More
Making Dessert on Wednesday... to serve on Friday
Q
Comments (17)
I'll suggest this coconut cream cake; the recipe even says it's best the 2nd day! Here ya go: Coconut Cream Cake 1/4 Cup Oil, 9" x 13" Pan 1 White Cake Mix 1 1/2 Cups Water 2 Eggs 2 Cups Cream of Coconut 8 oz. Cool Whip Pour oil in pan and roll to sides and bottom. Pour out excess. Mix cake mix, water, eggs and 1 cup Cream of Coconut with hand mixer on high until smooth. Pour into pan. Batter will be runny. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. After baking, poke holes in top of cake with fork while hot. Pour 1/2 cup Cream of Coconut over holes. Cool in refrigerator at least 1 hour. FROSTING: Mix Cool Whip and 1/2 cup Cream of Coconut. Spread over cake and refrigerate. Tastes better the 2nd day.
...See More
Tired today....
Q
Comments (8)
I reckon it's men. All men. My DH used to do the same thing all the time, and even though he is doing a lot better, it still happens sometimes. Whenever discipline comes into it he is reluctant. It has probably been the biggest issue we've had to overcome in our relationship (which is pretty good, all things considering). But yes, it used to drive me up the wall!!! Perfect example; a while ago we had dinner and SD10 was eating like a little feral. DH knew that he had to say something and here it comes: "SD10 can you please eat with a knife and fork, you know Liesbeth doesn't like it when you don't.." Yep, undermining me and siding himself with the kids, thanks hey! We've had a few arguments over it and I explained to DH that he was setting us up for disaster if we didn't show a united front. And when he makes me the bad guy then he actually yeopardises the relationship I have with his kids. After all, they are HIS kids, not mine, and we don't have that natural bond of unconditional love. The skids might end up disliking me one day, but he IS their dad and they do love him unconditionally, so show some balls and don't use me for blame. He finally gets it now, and he is doing a lot better. Does your DH say that you worry too much and that you can't be onto EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME? That used to be DH's favorite argument back. That I was too fussy and picking on everything. So one weekend I made a list of the things which I thought we needed to discipline the kids on. There were 5 things on the list (like eating with your mouth closed or putting away toys), and yes we might need to say something about one of these items several times, but it still all revolves around 5 issues. Not EVERYTHING all the time. I think all women can relate to this one!!
...See More
ReneeKY
21 years ago
Michie -
I'd vote "no" on the jello mold, but maybe something with caramel. A shortbread type cookie would be nice, too.

As for the coffee -- strong, fresh, a nice smooth roast and no flavored coffee. You have such a nice array of desserts, a flavored coffee would just detract from them. If you have a good micro-roaster nearby, a Sumatran/Guatamalan blend would be nice with the deserts.

The cocktails aren't necessary, but someone might appreciate a sparkling bottled water.

Sounds like fun!
michie1
Original Author
21 years ago
OK, so I'll include some wine, sparkling water & a punch. I'l leave out any flavored coffees & the jello. The Cherry Boston Cream Pie sounds perfect & so easy. Any other ideas would be great.
ReneeKY
21 years ago
Oops, just saw the flan on the list you mentioned, so there's your caramel flavor taken care of. :) (Flan and coffee - match made in heaven!)

Just make sure the cream (or diary) and sugar is available to those who want it, put on some seasonal music, and enjoy your own party!

I've known people to forget that last part about having fun. LOL!
sharon_fl
21 years ago
Oh-if you'd like to serve a 'sweet treat' beverage that looks festive? It's called an "Antifreeze".
Ingredients
***********
Swiss Miss chocolate packets (1 per serving)
peppermint schnapps
whipped cream
candy canes

Directions: Keep your teakettle full of boiling hot water. Then when someone wants one of these-simply place the cocoa in a tall mug, add 1 shot of schnapps, top w/whipped cream & add stand a candy cane in the mug. A small spoon as well. A real warmerupper!!

Want a DELICIOUS coffee? Go to a Dunkin' Donuts & buy a pound of their coffee-it is SO good-even in a home coffeemaker. Plus-it doesn't get so strong after sitting any length of time-
robin_DC
21 years ago
I've made this mocha fudge pie from cooking light several times and it's always a hit with chocolate lovers. Plus it's pretty easy to make. To make it seem more festive, I like to decorate the top with choclate curls or prepackaged chocolate decorations.

Here is a link that might be useful: mocha fudge pie
babblingbetty
21 years ago
will someone please share a tasty red punch..no pulp..no alcohol...need for church group of about 25/30. would like to try one of those with strawberry jello...or koolaide...be merry
PS: Need ASAP

Dessert Night

Comments (8)

robin_DC

sharon_fl

Related Discussions

ReneeKY

michie1
Original Author

ReneeKY

sharon_fl

robin_DC

babblingbetty

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Dessert Night

Comments (8)

robin_DC

sharon_fl

Related Discussions

ReneeKY

michie1Original Author

ReneeKY

sharon_fl

robin_DC

babblingbetty

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

michie1
Original Author