(A long over due post) Last December I was able to attend the Sweetest Fund Raising Event - Desserts Unlimited that was organized by De La Salle College of St. Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management. It was a fun event and I was privilege enough to learn more about desserts thru Chef Shirley Ann Joseph as she discusses the history of dessert entitled "Just Desserts".
"It dates back to ancient civilization when man ate fruits, nuts rolled in honey regarded as the first candy. Sugar manufacturing was only done in the middle ages which led to more invention of "sweets". Desserts are expensive way back and it is only for the rich on special occasions. Preserved fruits, jelly, dried fruits, wafers made from batter, Tudors - sweet meats, ginger bread, sugared almonds and marzipan was invented in the 19th cetury. However in the late 17th and 18th century, the rich began to eat ice cream, the french and the Italians invented the nougat., people discovered the macaroons, the English had their caramel and the Turkish delight was invented in 1777. In 1847, the first chocolate bar was made in Europe. Chocolates came from Central America particularly Mexico (Mayan Civilization), xocolatyl that means bitter liquid and chocolate was used as a drink. In the 20th century, sweets such as lollipops and bubble gums became popular."
Dessert comes from the old french word "desservir" meaning "to clear the table" and "serve". It is part of the meal that comes at the end, usually consisting of the sweet type. There are four different type of desserts, Baked, Fried, Frozen and Chilled. Desserts in different languages - Italian - Dolce, Spanish - El Postre, French - Dessert, Chinese - Tiandian, Japanese - Dezato and in Korean - Dijeoteu..
That was a fun discussion and i do learned a lot, it felt like I want to enroll in her class!
