alcohol in food - need your opinion, please

[KimK]

Is it okay to serve a dessert that has a small amount of liqueur in it, when I know it'll be served at a party where one of the guests doesn't drink alcohol for religious reasons? I will have a Mormon guest present that I don't know well enough to ask.

Is the fact that they're not actually drinking it make it okay? I think that since I don't know the answer, I shouldn't do it. Comments?

Thank you.

[MrsReber]

I don't really know the answer to your question, but is the dessert baked? I know the alcohol does cook off rather quickly.

[KimK]

Yes, the dessert is baked. Thanks for your post.

[sneezles]

Kim
I'm pretty sure that if your guest knew that the dessert contained alcohol even though it dissipated with the baking, he/she would not wat to eat it. I have some Mormon friends and they do not consume anything that has been made with alcohol. I'm pretty sure your recipe could be altered using an extract and water to replace the amount of alcohol required.

[Beth H]

It is my understanding also that Mormons do not consume alcohol at all, including in foods. I think you probably would be safer substituting for the alcohol or having an alternate dessert.

[kendra]

I say go ahead and make it if there is only one Morman guest and many other guests, especially if there will be other desserts and this is one that you really think is great. The Morman has chosen these restrictions and I don't think you should make changes for one person due to their personal choices. I am sure they are used to not being able to consume some things at a party. Now, if it is a small party and it will be the only dessert I would modify the recipe for this person.

[Gail]

Is it too much work to make your dessert as planned as well as an alcohol-free variation? That way you can serve what you like and offer the second dessert, not just to your Mormon guest, but to anyone either desiring something alcohol-free or merely an added option? That way, you leave it to your guests. Say, I've got either a "thus and such" and mention some ingredients, including alcohol-- and a "thus and such" and you mention some of those ingredients. That doesn't make your guest feel like you've put yourself out, offers everyone options and allows you to strut your stuff by serving your special dessert.

[Vanessa]

I agree with Gail. Some people have restrictions in their diet for religious or other resons and its always nice to give your guests an option. By the way you can get non alcohol wine/beer too. Your guest will appreciate you took the time to think of him or her.

[Heidi]

Speaking as a Mormon myself, I would have no problem eating a dessert that was made with a small amount of liqueur, as long as I knew that most of the alcohol had burned off and it didn't taste or smell like alcohol. While it is true that Mormons don't drink alcohol, I think it varies from person to person as to their opinions on consuming it cooked into other foods. If it is possible to substitute some other flavoring for the liqueur, that would probably be the best way to avoid offending anyone. It is kind of you to consider your guests' dietary restrictions, religious or not! That is the mark of a good hostess.

Heidi

[This message has been edited by Heidi (edited 10-20-2000).]

[ellielk]

Kim, have you thought about substituting flavoring for whatever kind of liqeur you planned to use? Mint for creme de menthe, for example. However, I don't know how Mormons feel about things like vanilla that have a percentage of alcohol in them. Hmmm.