Italian Dessert Ideas
Whether planning a large and luxurious dinner party or a small get-together with friends and family, entertaining is at its best when you establish a theme. When it's food you have in mind, and the theme is Italian, that's even better. Just the words themselves -- "Italian dessert"-- inspire thoughts of amazingly enjoyable food and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Italian desserts can be simple affairs such as Italian cookies, biscotti, gelato and sorbet, or as fancy and multifaceted as tiramisu, cassatta cake and ricciarelli cookies. Rarely is a guest not enthralled with a presentation of Italian cuisine and even more so at the mere mention of an Italian dessert. Does this Spark an idea?
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Gelato and Sorbet
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Gelato is a creamy concoction similar to ice cream, but enthusiasts claim it is in a completely other realm than the everyday American treat. Sorbet, in the same manner, made from fruits and juices and similar to sherbet, is also deemed much superior to the American version. Most urban areas have local Italian bakeries where these frozen treats are available (at least during the summer months) and they can be ordered from online retailers as well, which are usually sent via overnight or two-day mail, in pint-sized containers, packed in dry ice. Somewhat Americanized versions are also available in most supermarkets. Gelato and sorbet, presented in an ice cream dish or small bowl, can be a light and refreshing finish to a grand Italian dinner.
Italian Cookies and Biscotti
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"Italian cookies" is a term that covers a wide range of different types of cookies, including versions with chocolate or fruit centers, covered with candies, sugared fruits or nuts, or swirled with fruit jellies or chocolate. Typically, each person at a gathering will have a different personal favorite. Biscotti is currently categorized with the other cookies but is drier and more crumbly. In the older, original recipes, it was baked more than once to get that consistency, and it is noted to go particularly well with red wine. In fact, in Italy, it is often enjoyed by being dipped into the wine or coffee. These simple but delicious desserts are almost always available in local Italian bakeries and are sometimes offered by supermarkets as well. Interesting presentations can be created by arranging them all on a large platter, even used as a centerpiece, or several pieces on individual dishes can be served to each guest.
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Cannoli and Tiramisu
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Cannoli are rolled pastries stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese; they sometimes have small candies or chocolates sprinkled on top or mixed into the cheese, or they can be drizzled with fruit or chocolate sauce. An even more extravagant and sumptuous Italian dessert is tiramisu. There are many types, but the basic recipe includes a light chocolate pudding or custard, layered with lady fingers that were soaked in espresso, whipped cream or cheese, and a small amount of brandy or rum and chocolate shavings. Italian bakeries almost always offer their own versions of tiramisu along with a wide variety of cannoli. Other luxurious Italian desserts include cassata, rum or fruit cakes, pastries and specialty cookies such as the orange-laced ricciarelli cookies. These may not be available at all times in all bakeries, but good recipes are plentiful online and in most international cookbooks.
Presentation Hints and Suggestions
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It is important to decide whether you want to keep to the more simple desserts, showcase something more unusual and elegant, or offer a combination of both. You may even want to focus on one luxurious and extravagant dessert and plan a complete arrangement or presentation around that. For less formal gatherings, it may be best to stay with the simpler choices and have several types available from which to choose. Offering smaller portions will allow guests to sample more than one. For more elegant affairs, or an after-dinner presentation, one or two at most of the fancier choices may be a better option. Remember that wine, coffee or espresso are almost always a welcome partner to most Italian desserts. They seem to belong together, almost as if something is missing without the other, similar to bread and butter or coffee and cream. Their inclusion with the dessert will help to inspire the comfort and warmth, and even the romance, of an Italian tradition.
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References
- Photo Credit tiramisu image by flashkralove from Fotolia.com
