Sweet dishes

The selection of sweet dishes depends largely on the purpose of the festive table and the number of guests. If it is a third course to round off a lunch or dinner, it can be a sour cream, compote, jelly, cream, mousse, sherbet or a non-alcoholic cocktail. They should be served chilled after a hearty meal in this form they are pleasantly refreshing.

Fruit served in a vase or a decorative basket (apples are placed with their tails down, pears with their tails up) serves as a table decoration in all seasons. The best autumn dessert is watermelon or melon.

The festive table is rarely without ice cream, a very effective traditional dessert. It takes a minimum of time to prepare it: you only need to arrange the bought ice cream nicely in cremains or vases (the spoon should be frequently dipped in hot water) and decorate it with garnish - jam, berries, syrup, whipped cream, nuts, marmalade, biscuits, sultanas. Garnishes and dishes in which ice cream is served should be pre-chilled.

A cup of black coffee or tea can be a pleasant addition to a festive lunch after a break of an hour and a half. In this case, it is appropriate to offer the guests cakes or cake, biscuits, sweets or any other confectionery, the best being a little of everything.

Sweet dishes, often referred to as desserts, are a delightful way to end a meal or satisfy a craving. They come in a wide variety of flavours, textures, and forms, ranging from simple to elaborate. Here’s a broad overview:

Types of Sweet Dishes

Cakes and Pastries:

• Cakes: From classic chocolate cakes to fruit-filled sponge cakes, these are often the centerpiece of celebrations.
  
  
• Pastries: Includes items like croissants, éclairs, and Danish pastries, often filled with cream, fruit, or chocolate.

Puddings and Custards:

• Puddings: Creamy desserts like rice pudding, bread pudding, and tapioca pudding.
  
  
• Custards: Smooth and rich, such as crème brûlée and flan.

Pies and Tarts:

• Pies: Typically have a crust and can be filled with fruits (like apple pie) or custards (like pumpkin pie).
  
  
• Tarts: Similar to pies but usually smaller and more delicate, like lemon tarts or fruit tarts.

Frozen Desserts:

• Ice Cream: A classic favourite available in countless flavours.
  
  

Sorbet and Gelato: Lighter alternatives to ice cream, often fruit-flavoured.

Confections:

• Candies: Includes chocolates, caramels, and gummies.
  
  

Fudge and Toffee: Rich, sweet treats often made with butter and sugar.

Traditional and Regional Sweets:

Baklava: A Middle Eastern pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey.

Mochi: A Japanese rice cake that can be filled with sweet bean paste or ice cream.

Popular Sweet Dishes Around the World

• Pastel de nata: A Portuguese egg custard tart with a crispy pastry shell.
• Tiramisu: An Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
• Gulab Jamun: An Indian sweet made from milk solids, deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
• Cheesecake: A creamy dessert with a crust, often made from graham crackers or digestive biscuits.

Making Sweet Dishes

Creating sweet dishes can be as simple or complex as you like. Here are some tips:

• Ingredients: Quality ingredients like fresh fruits, high-quality chocolate, and real vanilla can make a big difference.
• Techniques: Baking, freezing, and stovetop cooking are common methods. Each technique requires specific skills and tools.
• Presentation: A beautifully presented dessert can enhance the dining experience. Think about garnishes like fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to enjoy sweets without too much guilt, there are healthier options:

• Fruit-based desserts: Fresh fruit salads, baked apples, or fruit sorbets.
• Low-sugar options: Desserts made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Whole grain and nut-based treats: Using whole grains and nuts can add nutritional value and flavour.