CHARACTERISTICS Of desserts

• Parts of a meal

  • Appetizer
  • Soup
  • Salad
  • Main dish
  • Dessert
• All parts of a meal must be eaten regularly to serve their purpose
• Eating a meal gives enjoyment from experiencing different flavors and textures of ingredients
• Dessert


  Usually a sweet course or dish (as pastry or ice cream) served at the end of a meal
• Types of desserts


  • Biscuits
  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Custards
  • Gelatins
  • Ice cream
  • Pastries
  • Pies
  • Puddings
  • Sweet soups
  • Tarts
• Fruit is commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness
• Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savory to create desserts
• Reasons why we eat dessert

  • Dessert balances out a meal and gives "closure" to the meal
  • Eating dessert is an opportunity to experience different flavors and textures that you cannot get in other foods like vegetables, meats, and fruits
  • Dessert can be an opportunity to be creative
  • Dessert isn't "fattening"
  • Eating dessert makes you feel like a kid again
  • Desserts are designed for romance
• Characteristics of baked custard


  • Firmness of shape
  • Smooth, tender texture
  • Rich and creamy consistency
  • Excellent flavor
• Characteristics of soft custard

  • Velvety smooth texture
  • Rich flavor
  • Has pouring consistency of heavy cream
• Characteristics of pudding


  • Attractive appearance
  • Excellent consistency
  • Well-blended flavor
  • Simple
  • Clean washed
  • Firmness of shape
  • Slightly chilled
  • An accompanying sauce to add interest
• Characteristics of good fruit desserts

  • Appetizing aroma