Hi all,

I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can you
let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
First: soupe au pistou
Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss chard
with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives,
garlic and olive oil.

I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are my
two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the chocolate
dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can read
the recipe here to get an idea about it:
http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html

TIA for your opinions!
Mia

In article >,
"Mia" > wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can you
> let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> First: soupe au pistou
> Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss chard
> with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives,
> garlic and olive oil.
>
> I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are my
> two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
> chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the chocolate
> dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can read
> the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html

I'd go with the chocolate and orange pudding; my thinking is that the
pear dessert sort of carries on the theme of produce with garnish, while
the chocolate orange pudding will make a nice contrast.

"Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." > wrote in
message ...
: In article >,
: "Mia" > wrote:
:
: > Hi all,
: >
: > I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the
dessert -- can you
: > let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
: > App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
: > First: soupe au pistou
: > Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread,
grilled; swiss chard
: > with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes,
garlic, olives,
: > garlic and olive oil.
: >
: > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert.
These are my
: > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
parmesano-reggiano or
: > chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo
of the chocolate
: > dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but
you can read
: > the recipe here to get an idea about it:
: >
http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
:
: I'd go with the chocolate and orange pudding; my thinking is
that the
: pear dessert sort of carries on the theme of produce with
garnish, while
: the chocolate orange pudding will make a nice contrast.
===========

LOL - which is *why* I thought the exact opposite! I'd go with
the pears because of the meal being a bit on the rich/heavy
side... the pears would be lighter than a cakey-pudding and yet
would have a lovely savory 'edge' to it. Of course, the glutton
in me says "BOTH"!!

I truly think either would be wonderful but my first choice would
be the pears. Orrrrrr, maybe just orange slices with chocolate
leaves or curls... Sorry. I also, like chocolate and oranges
together.

<whistle> Tough but very good choices either way.


--
Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

"Mia" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can
you
> let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> First: soupe au pistou
> Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss chard
> with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives,
> garlic and olive oil.
>
> I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are my
> two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
> chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the
chocolate
> dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can read
> the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
>
> TIA for your opinions!
> Mia

What a nice menu.

As far as the dessert goes - I think the steamed pudding will be just fine.
Overall it does not look too heavy also I like the orange chocolate
combination. Ice cream/whipped cream on the pudding? I wonder how the
recipe would work substituting Gran Marnier for the milk?


Dimitri

Mia, I would go with the pears (but maybe a slightly sweet preparation,
minus the wine and cheese) over the orange chocolate pudding. I really
dislike chocolate w/ orange, though.

Your meal sounds wonderful, but I don't think chocolate (even w/o the
orange) sounds right after all of the robust flavors in that meal. I think
my palate would be done, and I'd enjoy something fruity, a little sweet, and
creamy.

The pudding does sound interesting, though. Have you made it before?

Chris

"Chris and Bob Neidecker" > wrote in message
...
> Mia, I would go with the pears (but maybe a slightly sweet preparation,
> minus the wine and cheese) over the orange chocolate pudding. I really
> dislike chocolate w/ orange, though.
>
> Your meal sounds wonderful, but I don't think chocolate (even w/o the
> orange) sounds right after all of the robust flavors in that meal. I
think
> my palate would be done, and I'd enjoy something fruity, a little sweet,
and
> creamy.
>
> The pudding does sound interesting, though. Have you made it before?
>
> Chris
>
>

Hi Chris,

No, I haven't made the pudding before -- but it sounded like a rich and
wonderful dessert to me, and somewhat different from the usual chocolate
mousse or cake. I can see from the responses, though, that a liking for
chocolate with oranges seems to be a specific taste that varies from person
.... so I might lean towards the pears if the taste is too specific to please
a general audience. I'm going to wait and see if there are any other
responses and then tally up.
Thanks for answering!

Mia

"Dimitri" > wrote in message
. com...
>
> "Mia" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can
> you
> > let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> > App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> > First: soupe au pistou
> > Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss
chard
> > with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic,
olives,
> > garlic and olive oil.
> >
> > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are
my
> > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
> > chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the
> chocolate
> > dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can
read
> > the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> > http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
> >
> > TIA for your opinions!
> > Mia
>
> What a nice menu.
>
> As far as the dessert goes - I think the steamed pudding will be just
fine.
> Overall it does not look too heavy also I like the orange chocolate
> combination. Ice cream/whipped cream on the pudding? I wonder how the
> recipe would work substituting Gran Marnier for the milk?
>
>
> Dimitri
>
>
Thanks, Dimitri! I'm intrigued by the idea of substituting Gran Marnier to
give the dessert another layer of orange flavor.
I'm curious to see what others think about the substitution. I'm guessing
that the milk (because there is so little) is there as a default liquid and
that you could probably use any type of liquid. Anyone else?

TY for responding -
Mia


>
>

"Rick & Cyndi" > wrote in message
news:gphbc.60661$w54.382272@attbi_s01...
> "Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." > wrote in
> message ...
> : In article >,
> : "Mia" > wrote:
> :
> : > Hi all,
> : >
> : > I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the
> dessert -- can you
> : > let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> : > App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> : > First: soupe au pistou
> : > Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread,
> grilled; swiss chard
> : > with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes,
> garlic, olives,
> : > garlic and olive oil.
> : >
> : > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert.
> These are my
> : > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
> parmesano-reggiano or
> : > chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo
> of the chocolate
> : > dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but
> you can read
> : > the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> : >
> http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
> :
> : I'd go with the chocolate and orange pudding; my thinking is
> that the
> : pear dessert sort of carries on the theme of produce with
> garnish, while
> : the chocolate orange pudding will make a nice contrast.
> ===========
>
> LOL - which is *why* I thought the exact opposite! I'd go with
> the pears because of the meal being a bit on the rich/heavy
> side... the pears would be lighter than a cakey-pudding and yet
> would have a lovely savory 'edge' to it. Of course, the glutton
> in me says "BOTH"!!
>
> I truly think either would be wonderful but my first choice would
> be the pears. Orrrrrr, maybe just orange slices with chocolate
> leaves or curls... Sorry. I also, like chocolate and oranges
> together.

Both desserts would be a lot of work ... but if I did the pears and then a
side plate of chocolate-dipped oranges (could be done ahead) ... that would
go, don't you think?

Thanks!
Mia

>
> <whistle> Tough but very good choices either way.
You said it sister!


>
>
> --
> Cyndi
> <Remove a "b" to reply>
>
>

Mia wrote:

> No, I haven't made the pudding before -- but it sounded like a rich and
> wonderful dessert to me, and somewhat different from the usual chocolate
> mousse or cake. I can see from the responses, though, that a liking for
> chocolate with oranges seems to be a specific taste that varies from person
> ... so I might lean towards the pears if the taste is too specific to please
> a general audience.

But ... but ... I can't stand pears!

(laugh) nancy (make both!)

"Mia& Cyndi" <

<snip>
: > : > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the
dessert.
: > These are my
: > : > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
: > parmesano-reggiano or
: > : > chocolate and whole orange pudding.
<snip>
: > ===========

<snip>
: > I truly think either would be wonderful but my first choice
would
: > be the pears. Orrrrrr, maybe just orange slices with
chocolate
: > leaves or curls... Sorry. I also, like chocolate and
oranges
: > together.
:
: Both desserts would be a lot of work ... but if I did the pears
and then a
: side plate of chocolate-dipped oranges (could be done ahead)
.... that would
: go, don't you think?
:
: Thanks!
: Mia
==========
<snip>

Mia, honey, your meal. You do what *you* want to do. LOL

Yeah, I know both would be lots of work and you already will have
plenty to do. I really do think the pears would be best and
really like the option of a plate of oranges on the side.
Personally, I wouldn't even dip them in the chocolate (read - too
much 'extra' work than what you already have going). Making
chocolate curls or chocolate leaves would take up a little time
but would be easier and less fuss in my mind... The simplest
would be to have a large bowl of the sectioned oranges sprinkle a
few chocolate curls over the dish and a sprig or two of greenery
(mint, etc.). Or... just do the pears. Your menu rocks as is!
Don't let my over-active imagination steer you into more work.
: )

--
Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

Mia wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can you
> let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> First: soupe au pistou
> Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss chard
> with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives,
> garlic and olive oil.
>
> I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are my
> two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
> chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the chocolate
> dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can read
> the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
>
> TIA for your opinions!
> Mia

Fresh fruit immediately after the meal and the pudding a little later
with coffee and pastries.

"Mia" > wrote in message >...
> Hi all,
>
> I've decided on my Easter menu but I can't decide on the dessert -- can you
> let me know what you think? This is the main menu:
> App: caponata and sardinian flatbread
> First: soupe au pistou
> Mains: rosemary skewered monkfish and ciabatta bread, grilled; swiss chard
> with cannelini beans; roasted fennel with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives,
> garlic and olive oil.
>
> I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the dessert. These are my
> two choices: roasted pears with chianti and parmesano-reggiano or
> chocolate and whole orange pudding. I couldn't find a photo of the chocolate
> dish to show you (it looks more like a moist cake to me) but you can read
> the recipe here to get an idea about it:
> http://www.cook-book.com/recipes/cho...e_pudding.html
>
> TIA for your opinions!
> Mia

Neither. A meal with such robust flavors deserves a nice light desert
that will cleanse the palate. I wouldwant fruit sorbet with cookies
such as lace cookies or tuiles after your meal.

Sandi

"Rick & Cyndi" > wrote in message
news:rbkbc.57700$gA5.747987@attbi_s03...
> "Mia& Cyndi" <
>
> <snip>
> : > : > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the
> dessert.
> : > These are my
> : > : > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
> : > parmesano-reggiano or
> : > : > chocolate and whole orange pudding.
> <snip>
> : > ===========
>
> <snip>
> : > I truly think either would be wonderful but my first choice
> would
> : > be the pears. Orrrrrr, maybe just orange slices with
> chocolate
> : > leaves or curls... Sorry. I also, like chocolate and
> oranges
> : > together.
> :
> : Both desserts would be a lot of work ... but if I did the pears
> and then a
> : side plate of chocolate-dipped oranges (could be done ahead)
> ... that would
> : go, don't you think?
> :
> : Thanks!
> : Mia
> ==========
> <snip>
>
> Mia, honey, your meal. You do what *you* want to do. LOL
>
> Yeah, I know both would be lots of work and you already will have
> plenty to do. I really do think the pears would be best and
> really like the option of a plate of oranges on the side.
> Personally, I wouldn't even dip them in the chocolate (read - too
> much 'extra' work than what you already have going). Making
> chocolate curls or chocolate leaves would take up a little time
> but would be easier and less fuss in my mind... The simplest
> would be to have a large bowl of the sectioned oranges sprinkle a
> few chocolate curls over the dish and a sprig or two of greenery
> (mint, etc.). Or... just do the pears. Your menu rocks as is!
> Don't let my over-active imagination steer you into more work.
> : )
>
> --
> Cyndi
> <Remove a "b" to reply>
>
>

Cyndi, I think I'm going with the pears.

Thanks to you and everyone for your advice.

Mia

"Mia" & Cyndi" : >
: > <snip>
: > : > : > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the
: > dessert.
: > : > These are my
: > : > : > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
: > : > parmesano-reggiano or
: > : > : > chocolate and whole orange pudding.
: > <snip>
: > : > ===========
:
: Cyndi, I think I'm going with the pears.
:
: Thanks to you and everyone for your advice.
:
: Mia
:
: =========

Woo-Hoo!! Sounds like a great choice! Have a great time and
we'll drool in the meantime while wishing we could be there!

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

"Rick & Cyndi" > wrote in message
news:bjZbc.181211$_w.1836326@attbi_s53...
> "Mia" & Cyndi" : >
> : > <snip>
> : > : > : > I'm not sure whether to go lighter or richer on the
> : > dessert.
> : > : > These are my
> : > : > : > two choices: roasted pears with chianti and
> : > : > parmesano-reggiano or
> : > : > : > chocolate and whole orange pudding.
> : > <snip>
> : > : > ===========
> :
> : Cyndi, I think I'm going with the pears.
> :
> : Thanks to you and everyone for your advice.
> :
> : Mia
> :
> : =========
>
> Woo-Hoo!! Sounds like a great choice! Have a great time and
> we'll drool in the meantime while wishing we could be there!
>
> Cyndi
> <Remove a "b" to reply>
>
>

Thanks! I posted the recipes I'm using for my menu at
http://invisible-jet.net/nosh/ (my website) ... if any of them sounded like
something you might want to make!
Have a great holiday ---

Mia

"Mia" > wrote in message
...
>
> Cyndi, I think I'm going with the pears.
>
> Thanks to you and everyone for your advice.
>
> Mia
>
>
Maybe you should make the pears for your dinner party dessert, and then make
the pudding the next day...eat the whole thing by yourself, in pajamas on
the couch, while you bask in the glow of the great party you threw the night
before.

Chris