Rising to the Occasion:
Tips for Seasoning Your Meals with Soul
with Karen Mitchell-Wilcher

Divas 'n Dessert

Tis’ the season and the clock has picked up the pace for the “to do” list, ticking off the time twice as fast as usual. As Moms we’re often so wrapped up in tasks for everyone else during the season’s festivities, we leave ourselves out in the cold. My sisters and I started the holiday tradition of the Divas ‘n Dessert Party. We host the party at my sisters inviting each of our girlfriends to bring one dessert to celebrate our years plus friendships over sweet treats with Champagne Cocktails, cordials or coffee. This post-Christmas gathering allows each of us to indulge in a few guilty pleasures while we dish over our activities throughout the year.

The beauty of Divas ‘n Dessert is that it is simple entertaining—the house is already clean, the decorations are still in place, and the refreshments are divided among the group so no one is over-loaded. A big plus with dessert is that it includes so many options that can be made in advance— pies, cakes, cookies or candy. My favorite sweet inspirations for this party are Classic Butter Pound Cake and Red Velvet Cake. The pound cake and red velvet layers can be made up to four weeks in advance, wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and frozen. Two days before the party, move them from freezer to ‘fridge and allow them to thaw about 24 hours before adding the glaze or frosting to finish them up.

Though year-end holidays are the catalyst for this get together, a dessert party can fit in during any month. So indulge the “diva” in you and let them in cake or whatever dessert you serve to sweeten up the end of the year!!!