The Dessert Buffet

Question 1

What are the 3 characteristics of a buffet?

Answer 1

1) Self-Serve
2) Individual Portions
3) Variety of tastes, textures, shapes, etc…

Question 2

What is a dessert buffet composed of?

Answer 2

1) Eye appealing dessert products

2) Equipment to serve and display the products

Question 3

What temperature will the items be held at?

Answer 3

Room temp, hot (chafing dish), or cold (ice or refrigeration)

Question 4

How will products be delivered to the guests?

Answer 4

Some will require cutlery and others will not.

Question 5

Give 4 examples of familiar/comfort desserts?

Answer 5

Chocolate, Bread Pudding, Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, Sticky Toffee, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Pies, Squares, Cream Puffs

Question 6

What type of chocolate are strawberries usually dipped in?

Answer 6

Coating Chocolate

Question 7

What is the overall goal of the producer?

Answer 7

To give the customers what they want.

Question 8

What are the 4 types of products?

Answer 8

1) Familiar/Comfort
2) Trendy
3) Local
4) Action

Question 9

Give 4 examples of trendy products?

Answer 9

Parisian Macarons, Shiny Glazes, Shot Glasses or Verrines, Lollipops, Designer Eclairs (Items that have been popularized via social media and are unique)

Question 10

When serving fruit products when should they be made?

Answer 10

The day of or the day before.

Question 11

Give 3 examples of action station desserts?

Answer 11

Ice Cream Bar, Gelato Bar, Dessert Mixology, Flambe

Question 12

What are 3 examples of flambe?

Answer 12

Cherries Jubilee, Crepes Suzette, Banana Foster, Chocolate Fountain - They have the WOW effect!

Question 13

What equipment may be needed for an action station dessert?

Answer 13

Tongs, induction or gas burner, plates, towels, cutlery

Question 14

What is the ratio of chocolate to oil for a chocolate fountain?

Answer 14

4:1 or 3:1

Question 15

Name 4 items acceptable for dipping in a chocolate fountain?

Answer 15

Fruit, Rice Crispy Treats, Pound Cake, Marshmallows

Question 16

How many bites should a dessert buffet item typically take to eat?

Answer 16

2-3 bites

Question 17

How many pieces should an 8-inch cake be cut into?

Answer 17

16

Question 18

What is the general rule guiding dessert size and shape?

Answer 18

Each type of product should be consistent in size and shape.

Question 19

On average, how many portions will a person eat at a dessert buffet?

Answer 19

2.5-3 portions

Question 20

List 3 pieces of equipment that may be needed for serving at a dessert buffet?

Answer 20

Chaffing dish (and chaffing gel for heating the water underneath), Hotel pan or insert, Serving spoons, tongs, pie servers, cutlery, napkins, plates, platters

Question 21

What type of platters can be used?

Answer 21

Silver trays, white serving dishes, granite/marble, mirrors

Question 22

What is the average size of a side dish?

Answer 22

6-inches

Question 23

What equipment may be needed for a dessert buffet display?

Answer 23

Tables, Linens, Risers, Dessert Stand, Centrepiece, Labels

Question 24

What items should be at the front of the buffet table?

Answer 24

Plates, Napkins, Cutlery

Question 25

What items should be at the end of the buffet table?

Answer 25

Desserts, Drinks, Liquids

Question 26

Which direction should the items be set up in?

Answer 26

Look at the flow of the room. Consider which side the guests will enter from and from which side they will exit.

Question 27

What two questions should be considered when setting up a buffet’s serving equipment?

Answer 27

1) How will they pick it up?

2) How will they eat it?