Spectacular Dessert

[gastronifique]

In need of a truly spectacular dessert that can be made ahead and transported. Substantial enough to serve more than 8 people...really need a show stopper!!!

[shallots]

A real from scratch German Chocolate Cake has NEVER returned home with us.

So many people love the cake, so few know how to make the real thing.

[firecooked]

My favorite is an Apple Gallette, from Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home. Has dried apricots and apricot jam in addition to the apples. Looks rustic, but oh so good.

[sandylc]

What about a simple bittersweet chocolate tart that you can serve in thin wedges with a few fresh raspberries and lovely whipped cream?

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

This dessert is extremely impressive looking (and tasting), and pretty easy to make. It's soooo rich and decadent.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

[Querencia]

If you like to stop shows I suggest you buy a trifle dish (footed glass dish with high sides) because anything you put in it looks spectacular. As for transportability, there is daylight between "down the street" and "a seven-hour drive"---not sure how far you're going. Your trifle dish will be gorgeous with any combination you favor of custard, various fruits, whipped cream, and cake and some of this could be carried in a cooler and assembled at your destination. But you could also do layers of different fruits (and on other occasions layers of different salad ingredients, playing colors and textures against each other). Nice dish to have.

[jlunar]

I'm pondering bringing a large-format mille feuille dessert that would be served family style. I had it on a wooden plank at a restaurant and it looked rustic, but awesome. Was going to assemble at the destination. Not sure if that's possible for you though. But I liked this idea because I could pretty much make everything beforehand and then keep the pastry layers flaky until just before I serve it. I had also thought about doing single-serving sizes instead. I'm currently undecided.

Don't forget that the presentation of your dessert will help you make it a show-stopper! So a really nice serving dish, etc will help that a long.

[gastronifique]

Thanks for all the 'spectacular' ideas!

[Ruthie789]

What are you going to make?

[gastronifique]

Due to some time constraints ended up making a rum cake but had the 'wow' factor with the finishing decorations. It got rave reviews so all is well. Lots of great suggestions on this site - some of which I have done before (i.e. trifle, tiramisu, profiterole tower etc) and some which will likely be tried in the future. wonderful resources!

[Ruthie789]

Rum cake sounds good...seeing a lot of recipes with rum these days.

[Tehama]

Hey! By rum cake you mean the Baba au Rhum cake? Since you started this thread I've been wanting to make it, too! Tips, tricks? So glad you created a special finishing treat for your family and friends!

[chowser]

Along the idea of a trifle, you can also do a tiramisu or charlotte with a pretty presentation, like this:

http://i-heart-baking.blogspot.com/2011/05/coffee-chiffon-charlotte-with-homemade.html

Make one large one in a springform pan It'll be easy to transport if you keep it in the pan and then remove the outside once you get there, wrap w/ ribbon.

A large tiramisu:

http://faceyourbatter.blogspot.com/20...

[Tehama]

What a great idea! That never occurred to me to transport in a springform pan + ribbon. Thanks!

[Ruthie789]

That indeed would be a spectacular presentation.

[Nanzi]

Baklava would travel well.

[Tehama]

Good morning. Are you seeking a cake, pie, individual servings? I was thinking that might help narrow-down suggestions based on your overall idea and also had a question about transportation. Are you able to take it in sections and assemble on site? Is this for a holiday meal? Glad to help!

[Ruthie789]

A pie can also be a good dish and if you bring a good quality ice cream or homemade ice cream you might get some good feedback. I like the trifle idea better.

[greygarious]

If you have, or can rent or borrow a large, clear glass bowl, make a trifle. Put the finishing layer of whipped cream and your fruit decorations on top at your destination if it's a long time between assembly and presentation.

[Ruthie789]

Yes I agree with the trifle. Someone always brings it to our Christmas party and is quite nice and light and lovely looking.

[njmarshall55]

+1 for the trifle. Lots of room to let your imagination run away with layering. I'd also suggest a nice tirimisu.

[Ruthie789]

Someone at my work brought one with whipped cream, chocolate amd smores bits. It was very sweet and looked great and someone else always brings the traditional one. It can be very versatile.

[nemo]

I was going to suggest several small croquembouche, but I don't know how far ahead they could be made without getting soggy. Also, I don't know what your transportation parameters are. But it meets your dramatic requirement. I'm thinking 3-5 profiteroles per guest.

[gastronifique]

I really like that idea - definitely packs some drama!! Thank you.

[karykat]

The profiteroles sound good.

If you like baking cakes, I'd recommend this almond praline cake with mascarpone frosting and chocolate bark: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

This is a show-stopper. My family didn't believe I made it. And they know I bake a good amount.

It can all be done a day ahead. Except that I would make the frosting the day of serving and assemble everything then.

[gastronifique]

That is a truly spectacular dessert! Thank you.

[katecm]

Baba au rhum is delicious and gorgeous, and it's also nice and light for after a big meal. I skip the cream in the middle because that negates leftovers, so I do it with a straight whipped cream on the side.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/in...

[gastronifique]

..oh that does look lovely and most delicious! Thank you!

[Tehama]

I just had Baba au Rhum this past week for the fist time and I am in love. It might be because I felt intoxicated after the first piece, but.... nonetheless it was luscious. I can't wait to try the recipe myself.