Simple Recipe For Chocolate Mousse

Cake Pops Are All the Rage, Showing Up at Special Affairs

Make way for cake pops, artsy bits of decadence dipped in a sugary coating and seated atop a simple paper stick, a minimalist's fancy oddly out of sorts in the age of Bigger is Better.

At their most basic, these irresistible one- or two-bite morsels are nothing more than a mush of cake and just enough frosting to bind and mold into any number of shapes which can then be decorated for any occasion.

For the calorie-conscious who still crave sweets, cake pops are a satisfying fix, if not entirely guilt free.

Versions offered at Starbucks, which was quick to pick up on the trend, weigh in at between 170 and 180 calories, about half the calories of their blueberry streusel muffin, or a 12-ounce iced white chocolate mocha made with whole milk.

No one's counting calories at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., where future pastry chefs make a gourmet version that retails for $4.95, made with chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, creme chantilly and Italian amarena cherries.

The moist mini-cakes are a hit with Londoners who indulge their fancies at POP Bakery, run by Clare O'Connell, whose wares are available at the Harvey Nichols chain of upscale supermarkets.

"We started off with the classic range of sprinkle- and sugar-decorated pops but quickly branched out into the deluxe range of Russian dolls, animals and other novelty pops," O'Connell writes on her website, www.popbakery.co.uk .

Whether trussed tuxedo like in dark and white chocolate, or festooned in fondant and sprinkles, or doubled up to mimic snowmen, cake pops are all the rage, showing up at weddings, birthday parties and other special affairs.

Their popularity moved Lakeland's Rose Mary Judy in May to start a special-order business called Lolli Da, selling direct to the public and supplying area restaurants like Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro.

By day, Judy works as an administrative assistant to the dean of student development at Florida Southern College.

After hours and weekends find the wife and mother of two happily baking cakes and whipping up frostings that she then turns into rounds of sweet bliss with names like Southern Belle, Carrot Top and Over the Top Pop, a chocolatey confection studded with bits of pretzels and potato chips, chocolate chips and more.

"It's not too sweet, it's just satisfying that craving," said Judy, who often enlists her daughters, Alisa, 18, and Danielle, 17, to assist in the commercial kitchen she rents at All Occasion Cakes and Catering.

Ideas For Simple But Deliciously Satisfying Desserts

Dessert is always one of the most enjoyable meals, even though it’s often a guilty pleasure. The sweet flavors of a well-prepared dessert can be just the thing to cap off a good meal.

Maybe you love a warm, fluffy slice of cake, or maybe you’re more of an ice cream person. Whatever your tastes, there are tons of dessert ideas that you’ll love. I’ll admit that I’ve partaken in quite a few desserts over the years, and while I have some old favorites, here are a few of the newer dessert ideas that I’ve been trying.

These all make for delicious dessert ideas, so check them out if you haven’t heard of them. You’ll be able to find recipes for all these dishes by searching online.

White chocolate mousse is always one of my major choices for dessert. You’re probably accustomed to eating standard chocolate mousse, but white chocolate mousse provides an entirely different flavor and some people actually prefer it.

A little raspberry drizzle added to white chocolate mousse can make a quick and delicious dessert. The fruity flavors will mix well with the chocolate flavors and you’ll have something very tasty.

If you’re looking to prepare a dessert with aesthetic qualities as well, try an ice cream martini in a glass. This dessert will allow you to flex your creative muscle, since the presentation is the most important aspect.

This kind of dessert will always look like something out of a high-class restaurant to your guests. Put in some trimmings as well and you’ll have a sundae in a martini glass.

Finally, if you’d like another idea for a dessert with visual appeal, try preparing a mango rose with ice cream filling. The recipe calls for cutting a mango to look like a rose. It sounds difficult, but you can easily find instructions by searching online.

Fill the rose with ice cream or sorbet; you don’t have to use vanilla if you’d like to experiment with other flavors. This makes for a delicious dessert, especially if you already like mangos.

This author also frequently blogs regarding products such as his website and bamboo window blinds .

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