Spring into Dessert

Strawberries (a personal favorite) are finally in season, so stock up and make a special strawberry treat for you to enjoy. Rhubarb is also in season, it's tartness pairs nicely with sweeter fruits such as raspberries or strawberries. Take full advantage of spring by enjoying these wonderful spring inspired desserts.

Sources & Recipes:
1. Strawberry Cream Cake
2. Strawberry Shortcake Jellies
3. Strawberry-Almond Cream Tart
4. Strawberry Panna Cotta with Strawberry Compote

Sources & Recipes:
1. Rum-Spiked Grilled Pineapple with Toasted Coconut
2. Plum Oatmeal Tart
3. Fresh Grape and Champagne Sorbet
4. Rhubarb Raspberry Crisp

Sources &  Recipes:
1. Lemon Angel food Cupcakes
2. Cream Puffs with Lemon-Cream Filling
3. Lemon Meringue Pie with Graham Crust
4. Frozen Blackberry-Lemon Chiffon Pie

Valentine's Day Desserts for Two

Valentine’s Day is a day that celebrates love and romance. Making the effort to put together a nice dinner for your date/loved one is a romantic gesture and it can also be easier on your wallet than going to a crowded restaurant. Set a romantic table for two with nice linens, napkins and candlelight. Serve a wine or champagne that will complement your meal (check out 17 romantic food & wine pairings). Finish the meal on a high note, with individual desserts- one for you and one for your guy/gal. Dark chocolate, strawberries, raspberries, and grapes would be good accompaniments to dessert. Here are some individual dessert recipes that will make both you and your date swoon.

 

Sources & Recipes: 
1. Strawberry Mousse with Meringue Hearts 
2. So-Easy Chocolate Souffles 
3. White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Dark Chocolate Sauce 
4. Molten Mocha Cakes 
5. White-Chocolate Semifreddo 
6. Chocolate Fondue 
7. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse 
8. Double Coffee Tiramisu 
9. Sparkling Sorbet Floats

For additional elegant dessert ideas, take a look at my previous blog post, Champagne Desserts 

If you are planning to make a special cocktail for Valentine's Day, take a look at 12 champagne cocktails. 

Champagne Desserts

We are officially in the year 2011.. yay! I wish everyone peace, good health, and harmony for this new year. Even though we are so busy, schedule time with family and friends and enjoy these champagne desserts.

Recipes:
Berry Gratin with Champagne Sabayon 
Champagne Granita
Champagne Frosted Cupcakes
Champagne Sabayon
Sparkling Baby Cakes
White Peaches and Raspberries in Champagne Syrup

Handheld Desserts

Large customized cakes always impress your guests. However, when you're the host you may not have time to find the cake cutter, slice it into pieces and parcel out to all the guests. These individual desserts are meant to be grabbed & enjoyed.  One less thing to worry about while you’re entertaining is good in my book.

* Try a few of the recipes below to create a decadent dessert buffet.

1. Dark Chocolate-Raspberry Cakes
2. Bittersweet Chocolate Tartlets
3. Chocolate Truffles
4. Coconut Cupcakes 
5. Individual Chocolate Cakes
6. Fruit-Filled Hand Pies
7. Mini Raspberry and White Chocolate Whoopie Pies
8. Deep, Dark Brownies
9. Meyer Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes