Self-Service Desserts for the Holidays
To liven up the end of Christmas dinner, create a table where everyone can customize their own dessert, according to their sweet tooth. Offer a base such as cupcakes, ice cream, fruit or sweets, with a host of toppings that guests can combine to make a unique dessert. Here are some ideas to add a festive touch to your entertainment plan.
Ice Cream Bar
Kids will be more than happy to garnish their own cup. Leave one or two tubs of ice cream with different flavours on the table, so that the unused ice cream doesn’t melt without being touched. Next to the ice cream scoops, leave a bowl of water for guests to rinse before making scoops. Here are some topping ideas:
- Candies of all kinds
- Chocolate or caramel chips
- Cut fruit
- Peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts and other crushed nuts
- Sauces and spreads: chocolate, caramel, fudge, pistachio, jams
- Cherries
Chocolate Fondue
So simple to prepare, this is always a crowd-pleaser and allows guests to have what they’re craving. Place a few fondue pots on the table and serve large trays filled with sweets for dipping. You can put fruit on the trays, of course, but you can also easily vary the toppings with pretzels, marshmallow-puffed rice squares, pieces of cake or Yule log (use leftovers from other entertaining to give them a second life), waffles, etc.
Café Gourmand
In France, a plate of sweets that is served with coffee after a meal is called a “Café gourmand.” Rather than presenting them on a plate, use this idea to create a platter of sweets and sweet bites. Macarons, madeleines and chocolates will be much appreciated, in addition to these few recipe ideas:
Donut Bar
Have you prepared a lot of donuts for the holiday season? Instead of serving them simply covered in powdered sugar, offer original toppings. Be sure to leave frosting on the table so the toppings will stick to the donuts.
- Crushed biscuits
- Chopped cooked bacon
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars cut into pieces
- Praline nuts