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Posts Tagged ‘cheese cakes’

It is definitely not yet time to assert that the elegant cocktail party of the mid-twentieth century a thing of a previous era, but there is a noticeable trend in entertaining toward less formal affairs.  Think of Clark Gable or Fred Astaire, dressed in their tuxedos; or picture Ginger Rogers in her swirling gown.  They gathered in a magnificent manor house, sipped martinis and waltzed through the night.  Can you honestly dream of your family, friends or neighbors relaxing in such an environment and actually enjoying it?

Most of us don’t have acquaintances with opulent mansions; neither do we have the budgets that allow us to bring home many bottles of imported gin and tin after tin of beluga caviar.  Furthermore, we not as happy (or romantic) in tuxedos as in unbuttoned shirts. Exquisite coffee and dessert may be more appropriate ingredients for the relaxed social evenings of our times.

The bakery around the corner has perfectly edible cheesecake, perhaps purchased from a local distributor, but you might want to opt for something a bit more titillating to the taste buds of your guests.  You might have gourmet cheesecake delivered to your door the day before your party from as far away as across the country.

Remember that people’s tastes vary, so provide a choice of cheesecake flavors.  Offer a gourmet turtle cheesecake for the chocolate lovers on your guest list.  Add a few walnuts and some dark chocolate shavings to the plate.

A nice alternative would be a strawberry or blueberry cheesecake for your friends who enjoy a fruitier taste.  You might want to venture to one of the more unusual berries such as Marionberry, unique to the Pacific Northwest.  If you opt for the tarter flavors, you can decorate with a mint sprig.

Don’t overlook those who are interested in splurging without sacrificing their dietary restrictions too much.  Magnificent sugar free, low carb cheesecakes are available with tastes and textures that can rival their traditional counterparts.  Add a couple berries or a thin slice of fresh pear. 

Create some labels for each of your alternatives, so your guests can make informed decisions.

Borrow some extra coffee makers, so that you can offer several coffees.  Choose one of the interestingly flavored roasts.  Add to that a robust, non-flavored alternative from Jamaica, perhaps.  Of course, don’t forget the decaf for anyone staying away from caffeine.

Keep the cream, non-fat milk and non-dairy creamer in an ice bath in a shallow, decorative bowl.  Throw in some cubed sugar with sterling silver tongs, for a decorative touch.

A gourmet event like this is the twenty-first century replacement for the cocktail party.  Plus, you can be confident that your beloved guests will get home safely.