Shopping Palace

It is definitely not time to assert that the elegant cocktail party of the mid-twentieth century is a thing of a previous era, but there is a noticeable trend in entertaining toward more casual affairs. Remember Carey Grant or Fred Astaire, dressed in their tuxedos; or consider Betty Grable in her swirling gown. They gathered in an opulent estate, sipped martinis and danced throughout the night. Can you honestly dream of your family, friends or neighbors relaxing in that kind of atmosphere and actually being thrilled about it?

Most of us don’t have acquaintances with magnificent 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 comfortable in tuxedos as in unbuttoned shirts. Specialty coffee and dessert may be more appropriate ingredients for the relaxed social evenings of our times.

Your neighborhood undoubtedly has a local bakery that sells cheesecake, or you might explore a little farther from home to find something that all of your guest don’t already experience in their everyday lives. You can have a selection of truly exquisite cheesecake delivered right to your home from across the country or a different part of your state.

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 key lime cheesecake, provides a welcome alternative for those of us who enjoy combining tart and sweet. Think about a couple mint leaves as a garnish.

Some of your guests might have some dietary restrictions (or have more self discipline than many of us). For those friends, include a gourmet low carb, sugar free cheesecake alternative. While that might not be considered a health food, it allows splurging within acceptable limits. An orange wedge makes a healthy addition to this plate.

Create some labels for each of your alternatives, so your guests can can know their choices without having to ask.

Of course, you’ll want to include a robust decaf option. In addition choose to present just one interestingly flavored coffee. Add to that a bold roast from Jamaica or Columbia.

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.

This is the kind of casual entertaining that does not sacrifice the good taste (and lively conversation) that has always been the special ingredient for any party in any era. Besides, there is no morning hangover. Doesn’t this sound more contemporary to you?

Tags: berry cheesecake, gourmet cheesecake, key lime cheesecake, turtle cheesecake

Categories: Shopping and Product Reviews