Make Gourmet Desserts - Includes Recipes with Chocolate!

Some gourmet desserts can be really complicated. I once stayed up half the night making a layered cake with a pudding-like center. The cake was a hit, but I was exhausted the next day! Not all gourmet desserts are hard like that.

Think about the level you want to achieve, gather the recipes and tools, and get started. Here is a list of sites to find recipes:

** www.epicurious.com

** www.about.com (browse the food channels)

** A good cookbook such as How to Cook Everything

And if you need some extra instruction, check out Dessert University. It's a real value considering all that you'll learn.

When I want to make gourmet desserts that are easy, I love to make parfaits.

Ingredients:

1-2 packages Store bought mousse

Candy bars, broken into pieces OR chocolate chips

Fancy dessert
glasses

Instructions:

Fill each glass halfway with mousse. Sprinkle with candy pieces (about 1/2 bar per glass). Top with whipped cream.

I learned about good chocolate in Europe. That picture was taken in Belgium - in a town called Bruge. You've heard of Belgian chocolate, right? Well it's true what they say - high quality chocolate does come from Europe. In this case, though, it will come from your own kitchen. :)

Ingredients:

High quality dark baking chocolate - 12 ounces

3/4 cup coconut flakes

Instructions:

Place chocolate in a double burner and let it melt. While it's melting, toast the coconut in a skillet on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Don't let it burn - you'll need to watch it. Also, don't put oil or butter in the pan. Remove from pan when toasted and set aside. When chocolate is melted, add coconut and stir. Drop chocolate mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Let it cool. You can put the chocolates in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process.