If you're looking to give a gift of gourmet desserts, it's important to understand exactly what "gourmet" means. Gourmet is defined by the quality of ingredients and ultimately by the look. Ugly cannot be gourmet; a gourmet pastry is one that exceeds both taste and visual standards. Gourmet does not have to come from a bakery; it can come from your home as long as you have the inspiration, patience and talent to create something above average.
French Macarons
Macarons, French meringue sandwich cookies, have come to represent the concept of gourmet pastry. They are difficult to make, though with practice can be created in-home with almond flour, egg whites, powdered sugar and a ganache or custard filling. As with most gourmet items, status comes with presentation, and French macarons are made in every color of the rainbow and can be topped with edible gold, crushed cocoa nibs, rose petals, crystallized lavender and many other gourmet flavors. Macarons can be found at French specialty bakeries.
Petit Fours
Petit fours are small cake squares covered in pourable fondant. What makes them gourmet is their name, small size and catchy presentation. They come in a variety of shapes, from squares and circles to even flowers and stars. Any type of sponge cake can be used, after which it is covered in pourable fondant tinted with color or left white. The covered cakes are allowed to dry and are then decorated with a sugar flower, edible gold, painted monograms or other designs, or edible beads. They can be purchased at fine bakeries or made at home.
Chocolate Truffles
A box of chocolates is a classic gift, however, it takes research to find gourmet chocolate. Gourmet chocolates are mostly found at specialty chocolate shops in the form of bars and truffles. Gourmet chocolate is comprised of high quality chocolate and is free of flavor enhancers and chemicals which is significantly noticeable in the taste. Chocolate truffles can also be made at home and packaged in decorative gift bags or boxes.
Cakes
Cakes can be considered gourmet as long as they are comprised of gourmet ingredients and are presented visually as "gourmet." Many small French layer cakes such as an opera or mille feuille can be purchased from gourmet bakeries for gifting as can large gourmet cheesecakes. Homemade cakes include visually pleasing cupcakes with toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, shaved chocolate, chocolate ganache and sophisticated decorations such as chocolate stripes or colored disks. Small rolled fondant covered cakes or a tier cake can also be made at home, however, working with fondant requires practice and skill.
Sweet Sauces
Store-bought jars of high-quality chocolate or caramel sauce can be tied with ribbons and gifted. Homemade sauces can also be made in mason jars and tied with a ribbon and gift tag.
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