FROM THE KITCHEN—Sweet Surprises!! Savory, Salty & Spicy Desserts

What decadent sweet can you serve at the end of your next dinner party that will blow your guests away and leave them envious of your ability to once again outdo all other previous desserts?

• Recent trends are moving desserts beyond the simplicity of sweet and creamy, to more unexpected and interesting.
• Ingredients such as sea salt, chilies, and cilantro have somehow slipped into dessert! Flavors like salt and chilies really heighten the flavor of desserts. Sweet foods are enhanced by complementary spicy, salty or bitter flavors; it won't taste 'sweet' without the contrast.
• New dessert ingredients are exposing diners to never-before-experienced taste sensations, flavors people like, even if they don't know it yet! Try it! You'll believe us when you take that first bite of an unusual combination and realize that it really works.

CHOCOLATE SWEET/SAVORY COMBINATIONS: The favorites pairing for chocolate that we are all used to seeing are caramel, coffee, citrus flavors, and berries, but the latest in chocolate pairings include curry, sea salt, dried chilies and ancho powder, brown butter, thyme and teas. Also, exotic flavors from around the world, like Indian or Moroccan spices and Middle Eastern Rosewater.

CRÈME BRULEE FUSIONS: Adding chai tea, green tea, coffee, exotic fruits and herbs to the classic dish can transform it into a wonderful new dessert. Try a Black Chai Crème Brulee, served with a Citrus Madeleine and Tomatillo Marmalade

FRESH HERBS AND VEGETABLE CAN BE USED IN DESSERTS: Some commonly used herbs can enhance dessert recipes. Try Basil, Cilantro, Lavender, and Thyme…. Like an ORANGE SOUFFLÉ CAKE with a bright green Basil Crème Anglaise. Also, some root vegetables with a lot of natural sugar, like sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, carrots, and even tomatoes can also be utilized in desserts.

ASIAN ACCENTS: Update Berry Cobblers and Crisps by spiking them with Asian flavors -- essences of crystallized ginger and lemongrass. Chinese Five-Spice can be a great compliment to dark chocolate. Try adding Japanese sweet soy sauce to caramels.

INTRIGUED?!?!? TRY THESE IDEAS:

• GOAT CHEESE CHEESECAKE, with Roasted Rosemary Pears
• MEXICAN CHOCOLATE CAKE, With Ancho Chile Fudge Sauce and Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
• CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES, Rolled in Crystallized Ginger and Crushed Pistachio or Infused with Rum or Balsamic Vinegar
• SAVORY VARIETAL HONEYS (like guajillo, sage, rosemary or eucalyptus), paired with a St. Andre Cheese, Mandarin Oranges and crunchy sea salt
• DARK CHOCOLATE MOCHA AND WHITE CHOCOLATE DIPPED FIGS, with Basil Meringue

REVISIT THE CLASSICS: Some people will always prefer traditional, nostalgic desserts, but are open to experimentation with different ingredients and flavor concepts. In recent years, the widespread popularity of cheese after the main course has helped to develop a new appreciation for savory flavors at the end of a meal. Start with variations on classic flavor combinations - apple pie with aged cheddar - and try to involve your guests wherever possible, by providing the opportunity for them to sauce their own dessert, or to dip, dunk or stir. Try revamping childhood favorites – such as churros or donut holes -- and a return to fun, retro classics like Baked Alaska or Creampuffs.

DESSERT SHOOTERS: Shooters are a fun, modern way to present desserts, in individual shot glasses. They are easy to serve and eat at a standing cocktail reception, only requiring a spoon, and they are small enough that people can enjoy 2 or 3 different varieties. Some of our favorites include:

• COFFEE INDULGENCE SHOOTERS, Cappuccino Custard Accented with Kahlua and Baileys, Garnished with a Coffee Bean
• TIRAMISU SHOOTERS, Set Atop Amaretto-Infused Whipped Cream, Garnished with Chocolate Shavings
• BANANA CARAMEL PARFAIT SHOOTERS
• BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE SHOOTERS, Sprinkled with Crushed Graham Crackers
• BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING SHOOTERS, Topped with Chopped Hazelnuts