I have a confession to make: I think I'm addicted to the Food Network.
Lately, it's all I watch. I am absolutely in love with the shows, specifically "Food Network Challenge", "Cupcake Wars", "Next Food Network Star", and "Ace of Cakes." Aside from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "The King of Queens", which are my favorite television shows, the Food Network is definitely in third place. When I can't find anything to watch on TV, it's almost guaranteed that I'll find something on the Food Network. I am always amazed at the extensive knowledge and talent for cuisine that the professionals on the channel have, and I find it so inspirational. To them, food is not just something to eat, it's an art form!
Each time I tune in, I become more intrigued by desserts. Personally, I'm not big on sweets, but I've always had a special place in my heart for cupcakes (Mini cakes that double as food and decor--what's not to love!?) Not surprisingly, "Cupcake Wars" is one of my favorite Food Network shows. Each week, four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains. As if a $10,000 prize wasn't enough, the winner also gets to showcase their cupcakes at a spectacular red carpet event.
While reading the July/August issue of Special Events magazine, my newfound obsession with desserts drew me to an article titled, Food for Fetes: The Sweet Spot, which focused on new trends in desserts from four caterers around the country. In a nutshell, they are:
- "Pass It On": For Pauline Parry at Good Gracious! Events, tray-passed desserts are increasing in popularity because they allow for greater control over quantities. She uses this technique, combined with summer fruits to create unique desserts such as fresh fruit liquid candy, panna cottas, and Jell-O flavor variations.
- For added flair, dessert also becomes party favor by customizing the bag or box that it is served in.
- "I Scream, You Scream...": At Chef's Expressions Fashionable Catered Events, Jerry Edwards offers taste buds something different by serving homemade bacon ice cream (After watching the Food Network so much, I now know that this is a popular flavor combination for desserts, and apparently, it tastes great!)
- Tableside soft-serve, bite-size dessert trios, and cakes with sparkling shooters are some other ways he's shaking up the dessert game.
- "Sugar & Spice": According to Nancy Goodman of Main Event Caterers, "Chiles, fresh herbs, sea salts and items such as wasabi are making a strong push into the world of sweets." She adds chiles and sea salts to chocolate to enhance its flavor profile and says, "Adding unusual ingredients in an interesting manner can bring attention to lower budget desserts."
- Creative cupcakes are also a staple. They are still very popular at events, and are almost guaranteed to be a success.
- "Sweeth Tooth Tapas": Tricia Quinto of Stephen Starr Events has created a menu of "dessert tapas" which complement her theory that when "indulging in decadence, people want to taste everything without having a whole dessert." As someone who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, I couldn't agree more. And, at about $10 per person, it is also an inexpensive catering option--who wouldn't love that!?
- Quinto also taps into our childhood love of candy by using lollipops. They not only offer a bit of nostalgia, but are a versatile treat that can easily be customized for any event.
In my opinion, the best thing about this article is that most of these dessert trends can be incorporated by a newbie event planner. Luckily for us, the recession has changed the way events are created, and the industry has shifted to focus more on inexpensive alternatives to create a fabulous event.
So, if you're planning an event with a small budget, or are doing it all yourself, there's no reason you can't make this work for you. After all, event planning isn't just about the logistics and planning--you get to be creative too! Although your desserts may not be as gourmet as those featured in the article, it still doesn't hurt to try. I, for one, can't wait to use these tips when planning my next event!
