Dessert for luncheon

[snarlingcoyote]

I just signed up to bring a dessert to a symposium I'm attending next weekend (I volunteer at the museum that is hosting). About 15 other ladies also signed up. There will be about 80 to 120 folks.

I am NOT cooking. . .much. I can get a nice cake - italian cream, red velvet, doberge, carrot etc - at the local bakery in our supermarket for $20 - $25 or cookies for about $6 for 12-18 from the same bakery (so if I bought 3 boxes, would cost about the same.) If I get cookies, I will put them on an attractive platter. Thought about petit fours, but that's .75 to .99 an each at this bakery.

Any other thoughts? What would Sam's club have? Do they still have those mini cheesecakes in the frozen section? Those have gone over well at work events when I put them on my own big platter.

I'm currently thinking that the fancy cake, served on a nice big cake plate, with me bringing a disposable cake cutter, sounds best (and easiest).

 

[froggygal1301]

Mini frozen cream puffs/eclairs found in the freezer at most supermarkets might be cost effective. Not sure how many are in a box but its a decent amount.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Mini frozen cream puffs/eclairs found in the freezer at most supermarkets might be cost effective. Not sure how many are in a box but its a decent amount.

I've been bringing cream puffs like these for years when we have luncheons at my work. The guys love them. Sometimes I will pile them up on a silver tray and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Sometimes I drizzle a chocolate glaze over them. Sometimes I just open the container and put them on the table that way. Usually about 60 in a box.

 

[JessB320]

I've been bringing cream puffs like these for years when we have luncheons at my work. The guys love them. Sometimes I will pile them up on a silver tray and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Sometimes I drizzle a chocolate glaze over them. Sometimes I just open the container and put them on the table that way. Usually about 60 in a box.

Mmmmm..., now I want cream puffs!!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I have no idea why, but I have found that cake is not a big hit at parties or buffets. Whatever else you serve along side the cake (cookies, brownies, cream puffs....) will all go first and the cake will be barely touched.

In fact when we host parties (say for a graduation) and we know we will have a cake,that is all we serve. We don't even serve ice cream because then the guests will eat the ice cream and skip the cake.

I am not saying I am forcing guests to eat cake. Just saying that if there is anything along with the cake they will skip the cake.

 

[ssawka]

I always make Key Lime pie when I have to bring a desert somewhere. Easiest thing in the world to make, if you buy the crust. If you want more "individual" deserts, you can buy small graham cracker crust. I think they come 6 in a pack.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I have no idea why, but I have found that cake is not a big hit at parties or buffets. Whatever else you serve along side the cake (cookies, brownies, cream puffs....) will all go first and the cake will be barely touched.

In fact when we host parties (say for a graduation) and we know we will have a cake,that is all we serve. We don't even serve ice cream because then the guests will eat the ice cream and skip the cake.

I am not saying I am forcing guests to eat cake. Just saying that if there is anything along with the cake they will skip the cake.

Wow, not around here. We usually have to fight to keep from cutting the cake right away at parties because everyone wants some! Maybe I just serve awesome cake

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Mini frozen cream puffs/eclairs found in the freezer at most supermarkets might be cost effective. Not sure how many are in a box but its a decent amount.

I thought about those, but I don't really care for them, and since I'm attending (and eating lunch at) this symposium, I want something I like.

Hmm. . .I'm not hopped up on cookies, sounds like maybe not a cake.

I think am going to check out the frozen stuff at Sam's Club on Monday and see what little individual desserts they have.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Do you just have to bring a dessert and not all the dessert right? Either way, I suggest Sam's. Much higher quality than most grocery stores and over all a much better deal. I would forget frozen and look at one of their fresh cakes. The chocolate are good and so are the coconut and carrot cake. They are pretty too. I would put it on your own nice cake platter.

 

[shortbun]

I've experienced this kind of thing before and the best thing is a grab and go dessert. People like to be able to grab a cookie or small brownie and talk or stand up while they eat it. Big desserts like cake are hard to eat from a dessert table and when you have to wander between tables or you want to stay awake through more speeches.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Oh, there's a nice luncheon that's sit down. It's held in the new exhibit hall. So you're surrounded by an 1850's cotton bale and a slave jail and maybe a spinning while, an old pieroge. .. . Neat things out of storage. Everyone will have a dessert plate and fork and will just pick and choose from the dessert table goodies. Still. Tidy, pretty, tasty. I think that might be for the best.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would have to agree on the cream puffs. They are different than a cookie, brownie or cake.

I like having them on hand at home and when I have a craving for something sweet I can pull a few out of the freezer.

 

[mommycrawford]

I'd hit Krispy Kreme if you have them and get 2 dozen assorted (and I seriously bake!)...It is a grabable indulgence, and easy peasy!

Oh,...didn't realize the number of people. Eagle condensed milk Magic bars! So easy to make! graham crackers, condensed milk, chocolate chips and flaked coconut (nuts optional.)...popular at Disney, and with my DD! they can be cut to bite size.

 

[Robbi]

What about bread pudding?