A sweet touch after a meal sure makes the perfect ending to all great lunches and dinners. To provide this sweet touch, we usually rely on desserts and without the shadow of a doubt, they play a very important part in our consumption of a meal. Ranging from the simple pudding to the more elaborate tiramisu... desserts are a welcome break anytime.



As commonly known, Dessert is a course that comes usually after a meal, say dinner, consisting of sweet food or sometimes strongly flavored ones such as cheese. The word dessert is mainly used in Ireland, U.S, Canada, Australia and France while sweet pudding or 'afters' is more likely to be used in the U.K and the other commonwealth countries. Although the custom of eating fruits and nuts date back to a long time in history, the western culture of a Dessert is a relatively new development. Previously sweets were a privilege of the aristocratic class, to be consumed during special occasions or during the holiday season. This was mainly due to the scarcity and the high pricing of sugar. But as this commodity became readily available, the sweet dish too became more popular with the masses. Sometimes it is seen in other cultures such as in the Chinese, the sweet and the savory are mixed throughout the meal and there is no special sweet after the meal. While there are others, who keep very elaborate ones after meals to satisfy the craving.

The range of desserts are huge. They maybe homemade or may be the exotic ones that are usually found in speciality restaurants. There are few who operate only in the dessert section and are huge successes. Their recipes are closely guarded secrets and the chefs take pride in churning out innovative and sometimes bizarre form of sweets, made from the the most unusual type of ingredients and recipes. Homemade ones are usually simple ones that are consumed every day and consist of simple puddings to tarts to sweet pies. There are also some elaborate ones that can be eaten otherwise. Though a dessert is traditionally eaten after a meal, few popular ones are consumed apart from meal endings also. The famous ones are the Zabaglione, the Tirasimu, the Gateau Basque and others. The list is seemingly endless and the ingredients are various too. One of the most favorite of all has always been the ice cream. Falling under the section of the frozen desserts, a quick and extremely easy option to satisfy the craving, with a variety to boot, this is a sure winner when nothing is available. Today, apart from the flavor and the taste, there is more emphasis on the look of the food. Different use of colors, striking combinations and unusual shades dominate the food market and the dessert section too does not lag behind here. A truly classy affair would be the taste as well as the look that would satisfy the craving both visually as well as aesthetically.

What would life be without desserts ? They are certainly essential to complete a meal when you are entertaining and a welcome treat for the family any time. But, there is some weight watching too involved with them. A too rich diet of desserts, and that sudden craving for that piece of Blueberry Cobbler at midnight aren't definitely going to help your waist and calorie counter unless you are blessed with The Perfect Metabolism ! In case, you feel that things are going out of control, you always have the option of switching to fruits. It is all in your imagination to be creative with a bunch of fresh fruit and come up with amazing results, if you are not too keen with the ones offered outside home.

So, just don't wait anymore, get creative and get going to whip up some fancy, melt-in-the mouth sweet cravings ! It's never too late to start and surprise your loved ones with your artistry and satisfy the sweet tooth in you too !