Often when hosting a dinner party, it’s easy to prioritize the appetizers and main course, and not put too much focus on the desert. That is why some people often delegate desert responsibility to one of the guest, and that person often ends up grabbing something at the last minute, perhaps at the supermarket on the way to the event. But creating an experience for your guests, requires that you manage each and every aspect of the event — from the appetizer, main course, DESERTS, drinks, the konpa music and décor to ensure your event is elevated and successful. While there is nothing wrong with delegating responsibilities while planning a dinner party or event, during the Holidays however, the desert should play a grander role at your event and should be given a little more thought and creativity! If you are Creole, you know that a Holiday party ain’t a party unless you serve at least one of the deserts discussed below.
1. Haitian Pineapple upside down cake or other classic “Haitian cake.” If you’ve had Haitian cake, you know that there’s a clear distinction between a regular cake and a Haitian cake. It’s the rich flavors, spices and fruity cake filling like guava and strawberries for me! Also, the texture of a Haitian cake is much richer and moist, perhaps due to the extra butter and spices. I found a great recipe for Haitian pineapple upside down cake that I am planning to try and you can view it here. The recipe lists the following ingredients, and I was sold when I saw the dark rum included, just a little extra kick for your Holiday festivities!
Haitian Pineapple Cake Recipe
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple rings in juice – drained
1 cup of raisins
Maraschino cherries
Batter
2 cups butter – softened
2 cups white granulated sugar
5 large eggs – yolks and whites separated
4 cups white bleached flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup pineapple juice
Zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon dark rum
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons baking powder
2. Pain or “pen” patate (Known in English as Sweet Potatoes Bread, Pie or Pudding). The main ingredients includes the following:
Grated white sweet potatoes, Spices such as vanilla extract– Cinnamon, and nutmeg combined to create a delicious homemade recipe that will have your entire home smelling amazing, Brown sugar, Sweet ripe bananas, Butter, Carnation milk and coconut milk and some people actually grade fresh coconut to add to the mixture to provide a richer texture and flavor.
Haitian Pain Patate Ingredients
If you’re interested in trying to make this desert at home Savory Thoughts has a great recipe and step by step guide so do check it out.
3. Last but not least, Haitian Kremas or Crémas is a staple for your gatherings, especially during Holiday festivities. Kremas is a sweet and creamy alcoholic beverage that can be compared to eggnog but better in my opinion. It's a celebratory drink that is often served during special events like baptism, communions and weddings in Haiti. The main ingredients are coconut milk, preferably from freshly grated coconuts, condensed milk, rum and few spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It's a very festive alcoholic beverage that is perfect to enjoy after a delicious meal.
Having all three (3) of the above or at least one of these deserts at your Holiday event will definitely satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth and bring on lots of Holiday joy and great memories for months ahead. Even if you’re not hosting a party, make sure you try out these deserts soon, and I am sure you will not be disappointed!