dessert, the last course of a meal. In the United States dessert is likely to consist of pastry, cake, ice cream, pudding, or fresh or cooked fruit. British meals traditionally end with nuts, fruits, and port or other dessert wine, while French practice is to end with fruit, cheese, and wine; in both Britain and France, a more elaborate meal would include a sweet course preceding the dessert offerings. In Spain, Portugal, and Latin American countries, desserts of flan (a baked caramel custard) are ubiquitous. Other rich sweets based on eggs, milk, and fruits also are preferred. The elaborate cakes and tarts of central and northern Europe make the dessert course a glory of these cuisines. Indian cuisine offers sweet puddings and dense cakes flavoured with rosewater, honey, and nuts.
In many cuisines, however, there is no usual sweet course; rather, fresh fruit, tea, or coffee constitute the end of the meal. In Japan and China, elaborate confections are usually eaten as snacks rather than as part of a meal.
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The dessert course reached its zenith in the banquets of the European courts of the 18th and 19th centuries, when the desire for ostentation and artifice coincided with the widespread availability of refined sugar and flour. On tables decorated with flowers and architectural fantasies in sugar and pastry were presented dozens of creams, tarts, fruits, cakes, pastries, puddings, jellies, and meringues.
Sweet dessert dishes demand sweet wines. Notable among these are sweet port, sherry, and Madeira; Tokaj Aszu of Hungary; sauternes; Greek mavrodaphne; and German Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese bottlings. Sweet or dry liqueurs and brandies also are offered at the meal’s close.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering.
As a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cuisines and their culinary traditions, let me delve into the delightful world of desserts and the fascinating history behind the last course of a meal. My expertise extends across a spectrum of culinary delights, and I'll provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article.
The article discusses desserts, the final course of a meal, and explores the diverse practices in different cultures. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:
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Dessert in the United States:
- In the U.S., desserts typically include pastry, cake, ice cream, pudding, or fresh and cooked fruits.
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British and French Dessert Traditions:
- British meals traditionally end with nuts, fruits, and port or other dessert wine.
- French practice involves ending with fruit, cheese, and wine, with a sweet course preceding the dessert offerings in more elaborate meals.
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Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American Desserts:
- Flan, a baked caramel custard, is ubiquitous in Spain, Portugal, and Latin American countries.
- Rich sweets based on eggs, milk, and fruits are also preferred.
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Central and Northern European Cakes and Tarts:
- Elaborate cakes and tarts characterize the dessert course in central and northern European cuisines.
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Indian Cuisine Desserts:
- Indian cuisine offers sweet puddings and dense cakes flavored with rosewater, honey, and nuts.
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Japanese and Chinese Desserts:
- In Japan and China, elaborate confections are usually eaten as snacks rather than as part of a meal.
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Historical Perspective:
- The dessert course reached its zenith in the banquets of European courts in the 18th and 19th centuries. Refined sugar and flour availability coincided with the desire for ostentation and artifice.
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Sweet Wines and Liqueurs:
- Sweet dessert dishes pair well with sweet wines such as port, sherry, Madeira, Tokaj Aszu of Hungary, sauternes, Greek mavrodaphne, and German Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese bottlings.
- Sweet or dry liqueurs and brandies are also offered at the meal’s close.
The article paints a vivid picture of the evolution of desserts, showcasing how different cultures have contributed to the richness and variety of this culinary tradition. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask!
