Lost Desserts That Deserve a Revival
The word ‘desserts’ conjures up images of gastronomical decadence in a day and age when most of us are trying to be careful about what we eat. Still, desserts are an extra indulgence that can make the difference between a great meal and something truly spectacular. It’s okay to indulge once in a while. As foodies, this is something we all know and appreciate.
In light of the arrival of spring and what it means to the cooking experience, we offer you the following six desserts that we believe deserve a revival within the American food scene. Each of them would make an excellent choice for your next spring dinner party.
1. Princess Torte
The princess torte, also known as the princess cake, is a tasty creation that comes from Sweden. It is essentially a Swedish layer cake made with sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, and marzipan. The marzipan topping is what gives this desert its elegant look. But it is also what provides the depth of flavor. What makes this a great spring dessert? The opportunity to combine color and depth of flavor while still being a light choice.
2. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Nothing says spring quite like fresh fruit, and the pineapple upside down cake does its part with a great combination of pineapple, cherries, and apples. This dessert definitely deserves a revival because it is one of the tastiest fruit-based desserts that doesn’t punish you with a ton of unmanageable calories. You can even skip the sugar and butter topping to reduce your calories without skimping on flavor.
3. Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is on our list because of what it’s not. In other words, a lot of non-foodies think baked Alaska is a fish recipe. Obviously, it is not. Baked Alaska deserves to be revived simply so we can teach the rest of the world what a delicious dessert it is. Baked Alaska is a combination of pound cake, ice cream and browned meringue. It is a wonderful springtime dessert that fits well with a light lunch or early dinner.
4. Champagne Jelly
Champagne jelly is the perfect complement to cheese or chocolates. It is easy to make, too. The recipe calls for champagne or sparkling wine, lemon juice, unsalted butter, and powdered fruit pectin. We don’t see it much anymore due to our penchant for tamer store-bought jellies, but champagne jelly is a real tasty treat that adds just the right amount of fruitiness to your other spring desserts.
5. Cherries Jubilee
Even if you don’t like cherries, how can you not like a desert with the word ‘jubilee’ in its title? Cherries Jubilee is a favorite dessert among British royalty, and it has been around since the late 19th century. It combines cherries with cherry liqueur and vanilla ice cream. The secret to its taste and texture is the flambĂ©, while its freshness is perfect for spring entertaining.
6. Gateau Marjolaine
Last on our list is a French cake known as Gateau Marjolaine. This is a chocolate layer cake that is rich and delicious but still light enough to enjoy with either lunch or dinner. The traditional recipe includes a light cake along with almond and hazelnut meringue and chocolate buttercream.
All six desserts listed here can still be found in upscale restaurants catering to discriminating tastes. We believe it’s time to bring them back to the average dinner table. All are easy to make and well worth the effort. Include one of them on the menu for your next spring dinner party. Your guests will be amazed at every delicious bite.