Swap the Cookies for Cocktails
13 November 2007
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Impress Your Guests This Holiday Season with Drinkable Desserts.
Dessert at the end of a holiday party
is the icing on the cake to a wonderful celebration with family and
friends. But how can you impress your guests if you are less-than skilled
with a mixing bowl and spatula? Instead of serving the standard cookies and
coffee, end the night with a spectacular drinkable dessert that will leave
a lasting — and delicious — impression.
Drinkable desserts are one of the hottest trends in the culinary world
thanks to the increasing popularity of dessert bars opening across the
country. David Lebovitz, renowned pastry chef and author of The Perfect
Scoop among other cookbooks, has transformed some favorites like Tiramisu
and Banana Split into four sip-able sensations that are easy for anyone to
make at home.
“I really enjoyed deconstructing some of my favorite recipes and using
the ingredients to create something fresh and contemporary,” says David
Lebovitz. “Baileys(R) Irish Cream served as the perfect base in these
cocktails since its luxurious flavors of vanilla, chocolate, fresh cream
and Irish whiskey easily complement so many of the flavors already found in
traditional desserts.”
Add a touch of Irish flavor to a classic Italian treat by blending
Irish cream with creamy mascarpone cheese and espresso to create a
drinkable T’Irish-misu. Two ladyfingers, sealed with a touch of chocolate
hazelnut spread, create the perfect dip-able cookie for this stunning
martini glass delight.
As an alternative to the typical cup of coffee or espresso, create your
own coffee granita by freezing espresso mixed with sugar, which will then
turn into refreshing coffee crystals. Pour Irish cream over the frozen
coffee mixture to create The Affogato, which means “drowned” in Italian.
Serve with a curled lemon zest as the finishing touch on this creative
Irish coffee ‘drowned’ Italian-style.
Shake things up at the end of the meal by serving the Baileys(R)
Shakerino. This delectable drink unites two favorite flavors — mint
chocolate and coffee — by mixing mint chocolate flavored Irish cream,
coffee ice cream and espresso in a cocktail shaker. Sprinkle cocoa powder
on top and enjoy this simple, yet chic and sophisticated drink.
Head down South with a contemporary spin on a New Orleans’ favorite:
Banana Foster. The Banana Baileys(R) Split skips the flaming frying pan
used in the traditional Banana Foster recipe and simply blends bananas,
dark rum, caramel-flavored Irish cream, vanilla ice cream and nutmeg to
create this luscious libation. Instead of putting a cherry on top, the
cherry is placed on the bottom of a chocolate rimmed-martini glass to add a
burst of color to this whipped cream topped sensation.
If you are short on time or ingredients, you can always simply serve
Baileys(R) on the rocks or blended with ice along with a creative garnish.
Whether served at a traditional holiday feast or at a casual celebration
any time of year, these drinkable desserts are sure to impress your guests
with their contemporary flair. And to make sure your party is a complete
success, don’t forget to arrange for a safe ride home for all your guests.
For additional recipe ideas, visit http://www.baileys.com.
