Desserts and puddings

Types of Desserts and Puddings

  • Mousses and Bavarois: These are aerated desserts which are usually set with gelatine. Common flavours include chocolate, fruit and vanilla.
  • Cakes and Sponges: These can come in a variety of forms including gateaus, Swiss rolls and individual sponge cakes.
  • Pies and Pastries: From apple pies to cream puffs, these desserts feature a dough casing filled with sweet ingredients.
  • Custards and Cream Desserts: Puddings ranging from crème brûlée to rice pudding fall in this rich, creamy category.
  • Frozen Desserts: This group includes ice creams, sorbets, and gelatos, which are perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal or on a hot day.
  • Fruit Desserts: These can range from simple fresh fruit plates to more complex dishes like poached pears or homemade fruit compotes.

Techniques in Dessert and Pudding Preparation

  • Creaming Method: This technique involves beating fat and sugar together for cakes and cookies to incorporate air and give volume.
  • Sifting: This is done to combine dry ingredients and also to aerate flour for a lighter texture in cakes and desserts.
  • Melting Chocolate: Done over a bain-marie to avoid scorching, this skill is essential for many desserts.
  • Preparing Pastry: The skill to mix and rest dough correctly is crucial for creating high-quality pastries.
  • Caramelisation: This involves heating sugar until it liquifies and turns a rich brown colour, used in many desserts from crème brûlée to caramelised fruit.

Safety and Hygiene in Dessert Preparation

  • Always ensure all ingredients are fresh and in good condition, particularly dairy and eggs.
  • Ensure correct storage of desserts, especially those containing cream or fresh fruit.
  • Wear gloves and hairnets whenever possible to meet food safety regulations.
  • Be aware of common allergens in desserts like eggs, dairy, and gluten.

Quality and Sustainability in Desserts and Puddings

  • Choose high quality chocolates with a high cocoa content for a rich flavour.
  • Using seasonal fruits can add freshness and taste to the desserts, besides being a more sustainable choice.
  • Opt for free-range eggs and organic dairy products where possible, to support animal welfare.
  • When using nuts, ensure they come from sustainable sources to support good farming practices.