The holidays are all about making family traditions. Some of the most common traditions include family gatherings, holiday shows, and holiday movies. This year, change up things a little and make a new holiday tradition that is all your own. Consider a dessert celebratory evening. One of the best parts of the holidays is making all of the sweet desserts in a variety of flavors. Spend an entire night cooking and baking with your family.
Let everyone choose their own dessert
What better way is there to cater to every family member than by letting everyone choose their own dessert option? One person might choose their favorite cookie recipe. Another might choose a favorite frozen dessert choice. Someone else might choose to bake a fruit pie. After everyone is finished with their favorite dessert, pass them around, and share. Not only will you have plenty of delicious desserts to choose from that evening, but you will be all set for the upcoming holiday season.
Customize traditional desserts
You can make your dessert night as simple or as complicated as you desire. Many people enjoy traditional ice cream flavors. In fact, according to a recent survey of International Ice Cream Association member companies, vanilla remains the most popular flavor among their consumers at 28%. If you want something a little different though, try purchasing a variety of dessert supplies. Make a vanilla ice cream bar for a twist on the traditional dessert choice. Your dessert supplies can include items like candy sprinkles, frosting, or even fruits. Try to spruce up the plain vanilla frozen treats with holiday colors or holiday food colorings.
Extend your invitation to family and neighbors
It can also be entertaining to have a dessert party. Invite all of your family members and neighbors over. Ask that everyone bring their favorite dessert supplies to pass around and share. Make sure you have enough colored spoons for everyone to try all of the choices. You could even gift a personalized dessert cup that your guests can use to collect all of their dessert supplies with. Approximately 90% of U.S. households regularly indulge in a sweet, frozen treat, so you are likely to find that your dessert party is a big hit with everyone.
Gift your desserts
You are likely to have more desserts than you can eat after your dessert party. Instead of throwing the extras out, consider giving them as gifts. Desserts make a perfect gift for your neighbors, coworkers, or mailman. If you find that you still have too many leftovers, consider donating them to a local shelter. Many local shelters organize holiday meals for the homeless and your dessert items will be the perfect addition. You might even decide to volunteer your time and cook more of your favorite desserts during the holiday season.
Don?t be afraid to try new desserts
There are hundreds of holiday dessert recipes. This year, make it a point to try at least one new one. Who knows? You might replace your current favorite holiday dessert option with a new one. The new dish could also become a family favorite that you can serve at your holiday dinner. Many people enjoy trying new dishes around the holidays, especially when they are desserts. In any given two week period, according to research by NPD Group, approximately 40% of Americans will eat ice cream. This doesn?t mean that the majority of them are not willing to try something else, especially if it is placed in front of them.
Baking and trying out new sweets is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Incorporate your favorite desserts, as well as new recipes into your holiday celebrations and traditions this year. It truly is the time for baking and you will have endless guests to share your new dessert dishes with.