ISO a dessert for two...

[JJ40]

I am having a gentleman over for dinner on Friday night, and I'd like to make a dessert that I could prepare and/or cook ahead of time. And since it will just be the two of us, I don't want to make a whole cake or pie or anything...I'd like to make something that makes only 3-4 servings.

I'm not much of a dessert person, so I'd appreciate any ideas!

Julie :)

[RebeccaT]

DO you want chocolate? The much-loved Chocolate Bread Puddings from last Feb. are FABULOUS! You can have the mixture ready a couple of hours in advance, and then spoon it into your ramekins while you eat dinner... it will be ready by the time you clear the table!

Let me know if you need the recipe - I think it's available on the Recipe Finder.

[lhall]

This is a recipe for two. I made this back in 1997, shortly after CL published it. It's very good, and you can make it ahead. Although, I served a full-fat vanilla bean ice cream.

Leigh

Spiced Figs in Red Wine

Tips: Poach figs and make syrup up to two days ahead; cover and chill. If you want just a hint of flavor, take the rosemary sprig out of the wine mixture after 10 minutes. The longer it stays in the liquid, the stronger the rosemary flavor. Serve the remaining wine sauce over pound cake.


1/3 cup sugar
1 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 dried figs, halved
3 black peppercorns
1 (4-inch) rosemary sprig
1 (3-inch) thyme sprig
1/2 cup vanilla fat-free frozen yogurt
Rosemary sprig (optional)

Combine first 9 ingredients in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook 25 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Discard peppercorns, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.

Spoon 1/4 cup sauce onto a dessert plate, and reserve remaining sauce for another use. Arrange figs and yogurt on top of sauce. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig, if desired.


Yield: 2 servings

CALORIES 201 (1% from fat); FAT 0.3g (satfat 0.0g, monofat 0.1g, polyfat 0.2g); PROTEIN 2.5g; CARBOHYDRATE 50.6g; FIBER 4.8g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; IRON 0.9mg; SODIUM 34mg; CALCIUM 34mg;

Cooking Light, NOVEMBER 1996

[lindrusso]

How about chocolate fondue?

You can have it prepared beforehand (including cutting up the items to be dipped) and then heat it up. I have also successfully frozen the leftovers or you can just adjust the recipe to an amount that is right for two. :)

Alysha :)

[Vicanddi]

I second RebeccaT's recommendation...it was going to be my suggestion as well. I made them for DH and I one night, and we were in heaven. It's pretty easy, too, and can cook up while you are having dinner. Let me know if you need the recipe.

[Laurielee]

I also vote for rebeccas and Vicanndi chic bread pudding. I made this last week-end for DH and I because I wanted something for just the 2 of us, that was choc and decadent and make ahead. these were so yummy!

Laurie

[Chocolate Rose]

What about a beautiful chocolate mousse served in wine glasses. Maybe even some chocolate dipped strawberries to go with it.

[Natasha]

Hi Julie,

Just wanted to say have fun! :) I hope the dinner goes well. I like the mousse idea, though actually everything posted here so far sounds good.

Natasha

[JJ40]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I'm deciding between the chocolate bread pudding and a chocolate fondue. I'll let you know how it all turns out...

Julie

[rosie_one]

lhall, those figs sound delicious. I'm always looking for desserts that pair well with wine.

I'm going to add that to my "to try" list. Thank you for posting them. Just out of curiosity, what kind of wine have you used? Have you experimented with different varieties?

[JJ40]

Well, I decided to go for the chocolate fondue...but I think I heated the chocolate too quickly 'cause it was kinda lumpy. Oh well, it was still good--can't go wrong with fruit and chocolate (lumpy or otherwise!)

Julie :)