PFB 2010 #3: Desserts in Disguise

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Luxury is highly subjective; extravagance is not limited to the realm of expensive linens and crystal goblets. For me, a person who isn't particularly fond of fanciness, this is especially true. So when tasked with throwing a luxurious dinner party for Project Food Blog challenge numero tres, my mind did not conjure up images of the perfect decor or atmosphere. No, it immediately went to the food. And when I think about luxurious food, I think indulgence; I think about giving into those desires we so often push away; I think about gluttony; I think about being bad. Yes, I think about dessert. And you know what’s better than dessert? Dessert for dinner. In four courses.

Poking around the net during my research phase, I found an intriguing recipe for coconut curry ice cream that served as the springboard for my menu. Extravagance is more than a bowl of ice cream—it’s a bowl of ice cream with loads of delicious toppings. I needed to up the ante. With coconut and curry being Thai staples, I thought about other regional flavors and came up with kaffir lime leaves and peanuts. Thus was born Thai Panang Curry – coconut curry ice cream with a kaffir lime syrup and crushed peanuts. The rest of my menu developed in the same way—I picked a flavor or item I wanted to use, namely pomegranate juice, chocolate truffles and crème brûlée, and then connected it with a well-known savory dish as inspiration. This is the menu I came up with:

Tablescape

While I strongly believe the majority of your dinner party budget should be spent on food, that doesn't mean decor should be completely ignored. When considering your tablescape, consider what you already have on hand. For me, the decision was easy. I raided the remnants of my grandmother's vast china collection and paired it with an old lace tablecloth and our everyday glasses and silverware.

If you don't have much on hand, I suggest you invest in a matching white set of dinnerware that serves at least eight people. My favorite value happens to be Corelle. You can use them alone, or mix them with your other pieces. Everything else merely requires a trip to the craft store. A few yards of colored fabric and some hemming tape (no sewing!) can produce a vibrant tablecloth, runner or placemats; silk flowers can add a little elegance to your place setting; a basket or vase can hold fresh flowers or fruit as a centerpiece. Look for interesting items--including in the clearance section. You're hunting items that are cheap but don't look cheap. Elegance does not have to be expensive.

Frites Aux Truffes Et À L'Ail

I had really wanted to try my hand at making truffles, but they needed to fit my dinner-in-disguise theme. I tried hard to find a classic dish made with fungus, but nothing was really working in my favor. Then I happened upon Belgian fries with garlic and truffle oil. Bingo. I could have left out the garlic, but what's the fun in that? It's surprisingly good--chocolate, spice, then garlic, then chocolate again. My brother's chef friend, Min, was also present, and felt that the waffle was the perfect counterpart. This was definitely a group favorite.

Arroz Con Frijoles

This was the hardest dish for me to come up with. Again, I started with an idea--this time crème brûlée--and thought long and hard for an inspiration. It wasn't happening. So I started considering savory foods that are commonly found in desserts. Rice. Rice pudding. Rice pudding crème brûlée. After confirming the sanity of my idea via Twitter, I added in the espresso beans for a little Latin flavor. Or so I claim. Next time, plátanos are in order. Also, I let the chef takeover the torching for me this time, the gracious host that I am.

Pizza Margherita

I happen to currently be in possession of a case of pomegranate juice and was planning to turn some of it into syrup for a cheesecake. But during a brainstorming session, someone suggested a dessert pizza, and my world was turned upside down. I love mascarpone; in fact, I'd eat it by the spoonful if allowed. And my mint plant thinks it's a weed. My guests devoured these mini slices, with some even going back for seconds. Others nabbed leftover waffles and started to sop up the liquid left on the cutting board.

Thai Panang Curry

I already told you what the deal with this one was. This was actually fascinating--a creamy coconut ice cream with a hint of spice (and some wonderfully delicious toasted coconut). The lime syrup gave it the perfect tang, and also inspired a waffle-in-cup party by Mandy. But can I just say how absurd it is that even at the cheap Asian grocers, kaffir lime leaves cost $33 a pound. They're leaves. You can grow them in California. Leaves.

The Golden Rule

And now it’s time for some sage advice from The Baking Barrister. My number one rule for small get-togethers is to know thy guest. I’m not only talking about double-checking dietary restrictions or planning around picky eaters—although that is extremely important if you’re putting curry in ice cream and garlic in chocolate (with that part of the rule, even my mom wasn’t invited). No, I am talking about knowing your guests’ personalities. Most of us have different sets of friends from different parts of our lives, and that’s okay. It’s not okay to initiate crossovers in intimate settings unless you’re absolutely sure that personalities mesh. I don’t like reigning in my eye rolls or my acerbic tongue, and I definitely don’t like spending hours of my time amongst those with whom I have nothing in common. So, on behalf of all judgmental, introverted and/or snarky people out there, I beg you to heed the following advice:

All of your friends don’t have to be BFFs--they just have to get along during those important events, like birthdays, weddings, and finally-have-a-job parties. And if you see a friend who fits my description having mini-seizures in the corner, she’s probably just trying to control the urge to kill someone. Thank her for being polite and change the conversation to something a lot less obnoxious.

Recipes

Garlic Chocolate Truffles
Pomegranate Pizza
Coconut Curry Ice Cream with Kaffir Lime Syrup
Rice Pudding Creme Brulee

To avoid text-overload, I will be providing recipes and more photos for each dish throughout the week. I'll update this space with links to each post for convenience. Or you can check the archives down at the bottom. Now go vote for me! You know you want to.