Why Make Just One Dessert? Tips for a Desert Buffet

Fruit pies, ice cream, and fresh berry salads are summer staples, and you'll never catch us turning any of those down. But even in the summer, the occasion may arise where you want to crank it up a notch. Whether it's a bridal shower, anniversary party, or late-night after-party, a dessert buffet can be a fun, easy way to mark a special occasion.

Preparing a dessert buffet The Culinary Institute of America way requires less work than you might think. With just a little advance planning (and an empty freezer), you can wow your guests with an array of sweet treats and eye-popping details.

Since the summer heat can present a special challenge when serving frozen or chilled desserts, we've created a clever way to keep your desserts cold without the eyesore of an ugly ice bath. Decorative ice bowls studded with garnish-like vibrant fruit slices or edible flowers are show stopping centerpieces that are as functional as they are elegant.

To create these bowls, just choose two metal bowls (glass and plastic may crack as the water freezes), one of which is smaller than the other. Fill the larger bowl with water and place the second bowl inside of it. Using masking tape, tape an "X? over the top of the two bowls, to hold the smaller bowl in place. Freeze for at least 24 hours, or until the water is frozen solid. Run the bowl (not the ice) under warm water or wrap in a warm towel to release the ice from the bowls.

Depending on the items you are serving, you can either use the ice bowls in place of an ice bath, setting a serving bowl inside of the hollowed opening. Or, you can use the ice itself as a serving bowl for items that won't suffer from direct exposure to the ice. You can even make a container in an ice bucket or tall pitcher to hold milk or creamer for your coffee service.

Now that you have the bowls, you need to think about what goes in them. CIA baking and pastry instructor Chef Didier Berlioz says a dessert buffet menu should have choices for everyone, from serious chocoholics to people who prefer lighter, fruitier desserts. And remember that the summer heat begs for cool and refreshing flavors and ingredients. Balance a creamy frozen souffle (like homemade ice cream, without the ice cream machine!) with the tart, bright flavors of a fresh citrus salad.

You may worry about the ice bowls leaking on your beautifully set table. But have no fear. Sure, they'll melt eventually (science, after all), but with a plate underneath to contain the dripping, you've got more than enough time. After all, how long can you keep a table full of delicious desserts full?